A randomized controlled trial determined the effect of traditional and disposable bed baths on the physiologic parameters of children, performed in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). 

The study only included the children who were monitored in the PICU and found- 

• Both bath applications caused the rise in the pulse and blood pressure immediately after the bath.
• Both bath applications showed the lowest pulse and blood pressure, 30 minutes after the bath.
• Lower body temperature, after bathing for the second day, was demonstrated in the children having traditional baths than that with the disposable bed bath.
• Oxygen saturation averages were highest 30 minutes after bathing methods, within the groups.
• Both bathing methods rendered a positive effect on physiologic parameters. 

Thus, regularly performing the most appropriate bathing for patients with stable hemodynamics in PICUs was recommended.

Source: Intensive Care. Clin Nurs Res. 2021 Sep 18:10547738211043337. doi: 10.1177/10547738211043337. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34538125.