Sponge baths are important to give before the child endures a tub bath. This is to let the umbilical cord heal properly and to get the child used to being cleaned all over the body. Once the infant is used to the gentle rubbing of a sponge, then they will enjoy the same thing while they are submerged in a bit of water. use the washcloths after they are used to sponges, since these have a different texture and feel to them. Washcloths are more absorbent for spills and clean up times, so they can be better overall than sponges.