A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a new parent about bathing her newborn. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

A. "Perform sponge baths until the baby's umbilical cord falls off.": Newborns should receive sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump dries and falls off to prevent infection and keep the area clean. Immersing the baby in water before the stump falls off can increase the risk of infection. B. "Use an alkaline soap to bathe the baby.": Alkaline soaps can irritate a newborn’s sensitive skin. Mild, pH-balanced, or fragrance-free soaps are recommended to maintain skin integrity and prevent dryness or irritation. C. "Ensure the bath water is at least 96 degrees Fahrenheit.": Bath water should be warm, around 37–38°C (98.6–100.4°F), not below body temperature. Water that is too cool can cause hypothermia, and water that is too hot can burn the newborn. D. "Apply talcum powder daily after bathing in order to prevent diaper rash.": Talcum powder is no longer recommended due to the risk of inhalation, which can cause respiratory issues. Diaper rash is better prevented by keeping the area clean and dry and using barrier creams as needed.