How is a baby's body washed?

First, my condolences; this is a very difficult topic. Washing a baby's body (ritual washing), both religiously and practically, differs from that of an adult.

For religious guidance, consulting with a religious scholar is best, but the general Islamic view is: if a baby lived after birth and passed away (gave its last breath), it should be washed. For stillborn babies, washing is not performed; instead, the body is only rinsed with water or wrapped in cloth (this differs among schools of Islamic jurisprudence).

The body washing process is generally done as follows:

1. Preparation: The baby's body is placed on a flat surface and covered. The person washing must be in a state of ritual purity and wears gloves.

2. Washing: The body is washed from top to bottom with lukewarm, clean water. Special attention is paid to ensure water reaches all parts, starting with the right side. There's no requirement for rubbing or soap like for adults; water reaching all areas is sufficient.

3. Shrouding: After washing, the body is dried and wrapped in a clean shroud. For babies, typically three layers of shroud are used.

4. Prayer: Prayers are recited during washing and shrouding.

These procedures can be performed free of charge by your local mosque imam, municipality's funeral services, or hospital morgue. It's recommended to seek help from these official services rather than doing it alone.

May Allah grant you patience.