How to bathe a newborn in the bathtub. Which device is better for bathing newborns in a bathtub: a net, a stand, a slide, a mattress or a hammock

February 11th, 2011

Before you go to the store and buy something, try to imagine and decide where and how you will bathe your baby. Will you immediately bathe him in a large bathtub or shower room, do you want to bathe him in the children's room or put a baby bath on the bedside table in the bathroom. Just think ahead.
1.5.1. Baby baths
A baby bath is a plastic container into which water is poured and a child is bathed. However, there is now a whole range of bathtubs on the market.
Based on their shape, baths are divided into simple and anatomical.
The baths are simple.
These are the cheapest simple plastic baths. In fact, these baths are no different from ordinary bath basins.

Anatomical baths.
These are bathtubs, inside of which there is either a built-in (removable) or extruded anatomical slide on which a newborn baby can be placed.

According to the methods of fastening, bathtubs can be: without fastening, with special legs, with fastening to a bathtub, with a stand, with a stand-rack, built into a children's chest of drawers.
Baths without fastening. Everything is clear here, these are bathtubs without any legs or accessories.
Baths with feet. These are bathtubs that have built-in or removable legs so that the bathtub stands more stably on any surface.

Bathtubs with attachment to the bathtub. These are bathtubs that come with a special bathtub mounting system.

Bathtubs with stand.

Bathtubs with stand-rack.

Baths built into the children's chest of drawers.

Based on water drainage, baths are divided into baths without a drain hole and baths with a drain hole and a hose. The latter are equipped with a drain hole and a hose that can be thrown into the sink or bathtub to drain the used water.
Also, some baths are equipped with additional devices: built-in detergent dispensers, shelves, towel holder, etc.

What of this is necessary and will be convenient for you only practice can show. This is a very individual question and largely depends on your living conditions.

1.5.2. Gorki
Since there are many non-anatomical bathtubs on the market, the problem arises that the child must be held in this bathtub on his arm, leaning over the bathtub. A bath slide is designed to solve this problem. However, such slides can also be used in a large bathroom to solve the same problem.
The slides come in plastic and cloth. The first ones are simply placed in a bathtub or tub. The latter are attached to the sides of the bath. http://arbeon.ru/gorka-v-vannu-flanel.html

1.5.3. Bath seat.
When a child grows up and begins to sit, some parents have a desire to purchase a bathtub seat in which the child sits and plays with water. Such seats come with suction cups or simply with legs. Some models are also equipped with additional entertainment elements for children.

1.5.4. Mattresses, bathroom pillows
Now in stores you can find a whole range of other devices for bathing children.
These are mattresses.

This model has silicone balls inside, not air. It dries easily on the radiator, but instantly absorbs everything you add to the water (chain, chamomile, etc.).

Pillows.

Inflatable circles (for the child’s neck or body).
Distinctive feature of our circles is the possibility of using them from the very birth of the baby, when he is not yet able to hold his head up on his own. This helps reduce anxiety when children are in the water, which will help them quickly learn to swim on their own in the future. In addition, bathing a baby every day is, first of all, not hygienic, but health treatment. And here the worries of the parents, who are at a loss, are understandable: how to bathe the baby, such a miniature and seemingly extremely fragile creature. Our swimming ring helps make bathing a newborn easier for parents and gives the baby more pleasure from being in the water.

Circles for bathing children Baby Swimmer have a number of features that allow them to be used for bathing babies from birth.

1. It is very easy to put on and take off.

2. A circle worn around a child’s neck does not cause any discomfort to the baby, due to the use of “internal seam” technology, which makes the edges soft to the touch.

3. On inside The circle has an insert for the child’s chin, which securely fixes its position and prevents it from slipping, and the air-filled rim of the circle does not put pressure on the baby’s throat.

4. Thanks to two separate contours (upper and lower), which are inflated separately, additional safety is created while bathing the child.

5. Double-sided adhesive closure (top and bottom of circle) provides increased security and allows for adjustment inner size circle, which makes it possible to obtain a comfortable fit to the child’s neck.

6. The circles are made of high quality materials, satisfying all safety requirements "88/378/EC" for children's products.

A swimming cap is included separately. "Mermaid"
There is such a device for bathing a child - This is a rag base into which light foam blocks are inserted. They keep the baby's head above the water, making bathing the baby less troublesome.
The photo shows what this one looks like.

Of course, the parent's back and arms rest when the baby is held by such a hat. More from advantagesbaby bathing caps the fact that they are very cheap and cost about 150-350 rubles. The child's body is completely immersed in water, he will not freeze and will happily swim on his back.

Minuses such a device for bathing a newborn:

Water gets into the child's ears. No matter how you tie it, you still won’t be able to protect your baby’s ears from liquid getting in there.
A child can swim in such a cap only on the back.
It is imperative to ensure that the child didn't turn over!!! If the baby falls face down, he can get back out without outside help can not. Children turn over if they manage to push off from the walls of the bathtub or the bottom. Under no circumstances should you leave your baby in such a device alone and without close supervision!

Our conclusion is that it is a good assistant for parents if used correctly. It can be kept in your baby's swimwear arsenal. But! It is imperative to consider other ways to bathe a child in the bathtub, or rather aids.

This is Komarovsky - how to make such a hat yourself -

The only thing you'll likely need is a baby head support cap. What is it for? First of all, in order to make the bathing procedure more enjoyable for parents. It’s obvious: sitting or standing half-bent for 30-40 minutes is very difficult. And you can’t make a child healthy by causing radiculitis in his dad. Therefore, at the age of about two months it is necessary to make special cap, and how this is done, we will now tell you.

You must have:
- an ordinary thin cotton hat (cap);
- piece thin fabric the size of half a diaper;
— two blocks of polystyrene foam, the optimal size of which corresponds to the size of a regular pack of cigarettes.
First, the foam is covered with fabric and then fixed on the cap, as shown in the figure. Paying attention - top edge The blocks should rise above the baby's head. A baby in such a hat evokes a feeling of tenderness, reminiscent of the gentle and noble Cheburashka.
The procedure for bathing with a cap is no different from that described above for placing the child on his back. Over the course of a week, gradually removing the hand supporting the child, you will teach him to float on the water and will be able to calmly read the newspaper while bathing. When swimming on their own, children often push off with their feet from the edge of the bathtub and quickly swim to its opposite end, hitting their heads. That's why I drew your attention to the fact that the foam blocks should rise above the head, protecting the child from impacts from above and from the side. It is quite possible that you will come up with a more original design. To your health.
And finally, a swimming circle for older children and open water.

Assistant for safe independent swimming
The red SWIMTRAINER “Classic” (with the highest level of buoyancy) creates the basis for learning to swim, on which technique is taught to children under 4 years of age, which allows them to form lovely style swimming.
The orange SWIMTRAINER “Classic” (with reduced buoyancy) helps teach proper coordination of leg and arm movements.
The yellow SWIMTRAINER “Classic” (lowest buoyancy) is ideal for a methodical transition to independent swimming. By reducing the amount of air in the chambers, the child feels supported at every stage of the transition to free swimming. At the same time, it is always given great attention to make swimming a fun activity.
SWIMTRAINER “Classic” consists of 5 inflatable bladders and a safety strap that guarantees stability and prevents the child from slipping out. And of course, SWIMTRAINER “Classic” products meet all safety standards, are tested by European TÜV and GS, have an SEZ and do not contain phthalates.
In addition to this, FREDS SWIM ACADEMY also offers cute neoprene swim shorts and onesies, as well as sun caps with neck protection.
With all this, children are optimally equipped to have fun in the pool or sea. Neoprene shorts and overalls provide high level hygiene, heat retention effect and some buoyancy.

and humor

1.5.5. Sponge, washcloth
Almost from the first days of carrying out hygiene procedures in the bathroom (washing, washing, bathing) you will need a sponge or washcloth for the child.
Sponges can be made from natural materials or synthetic. Children's washcloths can also be natural or synthetic.

In my experience, the most gentle ones are natural imported sponges. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive.

Some parents like mittens - washcloths for wiping the child.

1.5.6. Towel.
Towels for a child should definitely be made of 100% cotton and good quality. The most comfortable are towels with a corner.

I had this kit from Mothercare. I still use it today. Nothing has faded or stretched out and looks like new.

1.5.7. Thermometer
Many parents are very worried that their child may freeze in water, which is why water thermometers are popular.
There are electronic and regular models. Electronic ones have problems with water getting inside the electronic mechanism and it breaks.

I don't have electronic thermometers costs Special attention make sure that it is safe (it is not possible to break it on the bath). It is also convenient when the values on the thermometers are large and easy to read.

Now soft thermometers have begun to appear. They most often do not show the exact water temperature, but have their own designations.

The thermometer will float in the bathtub or tub and soon the child will begin to perceive it as a toy. Therefore, make sure that the thermometer is safe: it should not scratch the child, it should not break into small pieces, it should not have any separating small parts.
1.5.8. Non-slip mats.
It is very important to keep your baby safe in the bath as he begins to sit and crawl. To do this, you can purchase a non-slip mat or non-slip stickers for the bottom of the bathtub.

Note to the expectant mother.
Decide where and how you will bathe your baby in advance. Based on this, you will decide whether you need a baby bathtub and its accessories.
Buy a sponge or washcloth for your child, 1 piece is enough. You will also need 2-3 towels for your baby.
If you plan to control the bathing temperature, purchase a water thermometer.
If you are training your child from the first days, make sure that you have necessary accessories(ladle, basin).

My experience:
I, like many others, purchased a bathtub and accessories for it. But very quickly I moved on to bathing the child in a large bathtub and doing exercises, as well as diving. I am sincerely convinced that bathing is not lying on a hill in a bathtub, but an interesting and exciting process with swimming and diving from the first days of a baby’s life. When Daniil was about a month old, I started dousing him in the same way. cold water. I stopped monitoring the water temperature at the same time, and began to pour lightly into the bath. warm water. Because after a set of exercises with a 5-8 kg child, my back was tired, I bought a mattress, and Daniil swam on it for another couple of minutes under my supervision while I poured cold water for dousing and prepared a warm towel.

Baby bathing idea large bath– not the most popular among parents.

The child seems so fragile, and a small bath looks safer, more hygienic, and the bathing process is faster.

In a large bathtub you can conduct classes, play, and teach your baby from the very first moments of life. This is real training for a young swimmer!

In order for the baby’s bathing process to take place in a comfortable environment for the whole family, it is necessary to ensure that certain rules are followed.

Rules regarding the preparation of a swimming area:

It is necessary to divide the responsibilities of family members: who takes care of the bath, who massages the baby and bathes him.
Clean the bathtub thoroughly. There is no need to use aggressive cleaning powders or pastes, which can cause allergies in the baby. It is safer for the child to clean the bathtub using conventional means: laundry soap, baking soda. Or use specialized means for bathing children, and at the end pour boiling water over them. This type of bathroom care, if it is kept clean, can be done 3-4 times a month.
You should pay attention to the floor in the bathroom: if it becomes slippery when water gets in, then you need to take care of the rug.
Prepare and put everything you need nearby: a towel or a large diaper for wrapping, special bathing toys, a circle.
Fill a clean bath with water. This can be regular tap water, or partially mixed with boiling water. You can add a weak solution of potassium permanganate to it. It is prepared separately so that the crystal does not get into the general water.
If desired, and also if the baby has skin problems, you can add herbal infusions chamomile, string, or a weak solution of unflavored sea salt. But herbs can dry out the skin.

No need to close the bathroom door: sharp drop Indoor humidity can lead to ear problems.

The baby needs to be prepared for bathing. To do this, perform a light massage for 20-30 minutes on a small hard surface (the place where the baby is swaddled is suitable) and do as follows:

Lay the naked baby on his back and, without making any effort, stroke his legs and arms.
Repeat stroking while lying on your stomach.
Return the baby to his back and do, without pressing, circular movements on the tummy. Clockwise using four fingers.
Lightly massage the chest, neck and head.
Repeat everything again, but now feel and stretch each muscle.
After the massage - exercise. Every joint should participate in it. First, do gymnastics with your legs: bend and make circular movements. Then with the handles.

Time and temperature references

Daily bathing trains the child’s body well, strengthens it, and water also relaxes nervous system baby.

This is the key to good health!

How often should you bathe your baby? The answer to this question will be determined by the child’s well-being.

Preferably daily, if there are no contraindications.

The water temperature must be carefully monitored using special thermometers. But, if it seems that it is unreliable, then there is a simple folk way: Dip your own elbow into the water.

The little one knows how to regulate body temperature well. Over time, you can set it to be comfortable individual mode heating water.

But first you need to proceed from the average optimal norms and recommendations:

You should act on the principle of gradually reducing the temperature from 36°-37°C during the first bathing to 27°-28°C during subsequent bathing.
Cool the water gradually, reducing it by no more than two degrees, and observing the child’s well-being and behavior. Parents can teach their baby to swim in water at 22°-24°C.
When swimming, the water cools down and you need to periodically add hotter water from the tap.
It is recommended to keep the child for no more than 15 minutes during the first bathing in hot water (35°-37°C). But, when the baby has grown up and the water is already colder (24°-28°C), you can spend half an hour or more in the bath. This water tones all the baby’s muscles, and he moves more actively, improving blood circulation, which means he becomes healthier. With hot water, babies “soften” and feel blissful. They may like this kind of bathing, but healing effect there won't be any from him.

Newborn baby bathing

As for bathing time, you should follow these tips:

It is advisable to bathe at the same time. Optimally: before feeding at night. Usually this is in the evening, around 9 o'clock. There should be no more than 1.5 hours left before bedtime. After the water procedure, the baby gets tired and sleeps peacefully.
But for some children, bathing has a stimulating effect, and they may not fall asleep for a very long time. An attempt to forcefully put the baby down will end in a waste of energy and nerves. In this case, it is recommended to start water procedures even earlier: at 7 or 8 pm.
It happens that a baby falls asleep while swimming. Or, without having time to eat, immediately after it. Then it’s also worth reconsidering the time and starting the water procedure earlier.

To harden your baby, you can pour water on him at the very end of all procedures, a degree or two cooler than the one he bathed in.

How to bathe a baby correctly

Basic baby poses in water:

Pose “on your back”: The most relaxed. Just lead the baby through the water, take your time, so that he has fun, swims, seeing everything around him. At the same time, the adult’s hand supports the baby’s neck. The baby's ears are covered with water, he stretches out and lies flat. You can place the little swimmer's head on the adult's forearm, and wrap your fingers around the child's shoulder. Lying on his back, the baby can, reflexively bending and unbending his legs, push off from the walls of the bathtub. This develops the hip joints.
Stomach pose: To turn your baby from his back to his stomach, you need to place your free hand on his chest. Using both hands, turn the baby over in the water. You should hold him on his tummy and continue to lead the young swimmer along the entire bath. He is interested, he feels the support of an adult. Continue to hold his head with one hand all the time. The other one holds the chest, thumb on the chin, the rest fix the shoulder. Teach to turn, using the reflex sucking movement of the newborn when he looks for the breast. Or you can make “figure eights” around the entire perimeter.
Side pose: Turn the baby onto its side from the tummy position. Fix for a while. Learn to slap the water with a pen.
Pose "sitting on the water": The baby can be swung on the water like a float, slightly dipping and lifting the body. In this position, he watches the adults and watches his arms and legs. Calms down.

Baby screams while bathing: what to do

It happens that the baby begins to be capricious, and sometimes cry loudly when bathing.

This is how he communicates discomfort. Crying worries parents, and they try to determine the cause of the mood change.

After all, a child’s bathing should be associated with positive emotions, otherwise the effect water procedures may disappear. What should parents do in this situation?

Let's give possible reasons baby's worries:

Morning bathing, the child has not yet fully woken up.
The baby is hungry or thirsty. You can offer him a drink first. But, if the baby bathes later than his usual hour, then he is probably hungry and already wants to sleep. Then you can give him some breast milk and try bathing him again.
Perhaps the child is not hungry, but has been awake for a long time and is tired, he wants to sleep, not bathe.
He's scared. Perhaps he got scared during his last bath: water got into his ears, or he got it into his mouth, or the soap stung his eyes. And now he's afraid. The child should be reassured. Distract.
The bathing water is hotter or much colder than what the baby is used to. It is recommended to reduce the temperature gradually.
If bath time is delayed, the child may become tired and report this by crying.
He may be capricious because he is showing character: he does not like to swim, for example, on his tummy, he wants to swim on his back, or he is held too tightly.

Bathing a baby in a large bath

There is a difference between bathing your baby in a large bath or a small one.

A large bath is an opportunity to move, play, and develop. The baby's natural reflexes will help him easily learn to hold his breath when splashes fly into his face, or to push his legs off the side of the bathtub.

And after such active activities he eats and sleeps well.

Of course, in a large bath, the water cools faster, sometimes unevenly. Therefore it is difficult to support desired mode temperatures

An adult should also monitor the baby if he is passive, yawns and does not want to move. In this case, you can move the baby along the entire length of the bath, gently turn it over, and lightly massage it. Thus, he strengthens his muscles, his heart works more actively. These are real swimming lessons!

Swimming with a circle

Systematic exercises for a child with a circle in a large bathtub is one of the ways to improve your child’s health by conducting a course of special physical education with him.

Such swimming will improve sleep and increase the child’s appetite. Strengthens the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems.

It is also beneficial for the musculoskeletal system. The baby's movements become more coordinated.

As early as two or three weeks of life, you can teach your baby in a large bathtub. It must be selected taking into account the weight and size of the child. For this purpose, a special circle is purchased for a newborn, which is designed so that the baby will not slip out of it and will not choke on water. A circle is an inflatable chamber consisting of two individual elements, connected by Velcro. It is shaped like a horseshoe.

You need to let the child play with a new object, touch it, look at the pictures on its bright surface. Then put the circle around the baby’s neck so that the baby’s chin fits into the special notch.

When using a swimming circle, do not let your attention slacken on your baby:

constantly ensure that the circle does not compress the blood vessels;
do not leave the bath, leaving the baby alone;
do not pull on the circle;
prevent the baby's feet from touching the bottom.

Several exercises with a circle for playing with your baby in a large bathtub:

Go behind and call the child. He will turn around. Come in from the back again and call again. He will learn to turn in the water.
Hold out the toy. Then extend another, but moving further away. The baby will flail his legs to get it, trying to reach it.
Throw a few into the water rubber toys and show how to put them in a box.
Create small waves. Launch the boat, while saying “one or two waves.” The child must learn to move his legs and arms. To also make waves.
Place the baby's legs against the wall of the bathtub and show how to push off.

There is no need to forcefully bathe your baby. You should take the child out of the bath and talk to him gently. Voice loved one will calm him down.

Diving while swimming

It is not advisable for a child to dive while swimming. But you can pour some water on the baby’s face and lightly spray it when he is lying on his tummy. The result is a kind of “diving” so that the newborn learns to hold his breath.

You can also play the “wind” game with your baby. The mother says “wind” and sprays the baby: he holds his breath so that water does not get into his nose and mouth. After all, children are born with this reflex, so that it does not go away, it can be strengthened with similar exercises.

The child may begin to cough or sneeze, thus releasing Airways from water. You need to lift the baby so that he can breathe freely and calmly, and then continue to bathe further. The baby will calm down.

Don't be afraid of water getting into your ears - this rarely happens to babies.

How to wash a baby

At the end of the swim, the child can be bathed with baby soap or gel. You should lather the baby completely, including the head. But you shouldn't use detergents often, no more than twice a week. Then rinse with clean water

Even the highest quality soap, if used frequently, will not benefit your baby's skin.

When washing, you can use a special hypoallergenic natural washcloth, which is well suited for the delicate skin of a child.

After the newborn has been bathed, he should be wrapped with his head in a spacious soft diaper and taken out of the bathroom. Don't be afraid that your baby will catch a cold because the room is cooler. It's better not to rub it, but just blot it and wait until the skin dries, it will additional items hardening

A large bathroom for a newborn means first training, dangers, and learning about the world! It not only helps improve the baby’s health, but also teaches him to swim, and these skills will be useful to him in the future on a pond or sea. And this is also a joyful activity for adults and children together!

Bathing a newborn baby in the bath is a daily family ritual that involves all its members (even the shaggy and tailed ones). The process itself is not complicated, but it is always exciting for young parents. To make bathing your child in the bath a pleasant procedure for you and your baby, you just need to carefully prepare all its stages.

When should you bathe your baby?

First of all, you should decide on the bathing time. Pediatricians (including the now popular Dr. Komarovsky) definitely recommend evening bathing. Indeed, an evening bath helps the baby relax and prepare for subsequent sleep. However, not all children, and especially infants, react calmly to the bathing process, which means they become overexcited, capricious and then refuse to fall asleep. In this case, you can absolutely safely transfer the bathing time to the daytime and even morning time. After all, in the end, the main task of bathing a baby is hygiene, which can be observed at any time.

Having figured out the bathing time, we decide on the container. A small bathtub for bathing babies is not at all necessary, but it makes life much easier due to its size. It is easy to wash, you can take it with you on trips to visit grandparents and relatives, and it is convenient to install with one hand. There is perhaps only one downside to baby baths - babies outgrow them very quickly.

If you decide to bathe your baby in a large bathtub, you should follow one strict rule - the bathtub must always be clean before placing the baby in it. Absolute sterility, of course, cannot be achieved, but this is not required. It is enough to rinse the bathtub with a brush, baking soda and hot water. It is better to try not to use modern cleaning products.

What you need to bathe a baby in a large bathtub

Adaptations that may be needed when bathing a child in the bath:

Thin diaper. From time immemorial it has been recommended for accustoming babies to water, especially to a large bathtub. The baby, wrapped in a swaddle, is lowered into the bath, gradually pouring water over the body from the palm and unrolling the layers of fabric.
A plastic bathing slide or a bathing hammock is a device that helps parents calmly bathe a newborn in a large bathtub. A device in the form of a concave container that is attached to the bottom of the bathtub. When bathing, the baby is placed on a slide (in a hammock), thereby freeing the hands of the parents.
Swimming circle. It is inconvenient for bathing as it is attached to the neck. If you remove the circle from the baby and continue washing, the child will feel insecure and begin to worry. More suitable for learning to swim and overall a lot of fun.
Swimming cap. It comes in different modifications and is worn on the head. Allows parents to calmly wash their child while entertaining him with swimming.
An older child who can already sit may need a special non-slip mat or child seat for swimming. Relevant for children who do not want to sit quietly in one place.

Further questions from young parents concern the bathing process itself - whether it is necessary to boil water for bathing a newborn, whether it is worth adding potassium permanganate to the water, what temperature must be maintained for bathing a baby in the bathtub, how long to bathe a child, etc.

Briefly we can say the following. Boiling water and bathing the baby with the addition of potassium permanganate are recommended, i.e. desirable for use. Because by the time of the first bath umbilical wound Once it has healed, there will no longer be any special need for sterility and disinfection of water. Therefore, here we can only advise parents to act at their own discretion.

What should be the water temperature for bathing a baby?

The same goes for the temperature of the bathing water. infant. In general, it is believed that water at 37 degrees will be comfortable for a baby. You can find out the temperature by measuring it with a special thermometer for water. In addition, the degree of suitability of water can be further understood by briefly dipping your elbow into it. If you do not feel that the water is hot or too cold, then the temperature is suitable for bathing a child.

E. Komarovsky suggests starting swimming at 37 degrees, reducing the water temperature every day to 25 degrees. By bringing the water temperature to room temperature, says Komarovsky, parents will provide their child with all the conditions for hardening. In principle, the doctor’s advice is not satisfactory, but not all newborns can easily tolerate swimming in lukewarm water, since they are simply cold. In this case, you can advise making the water a little hotter, having learned experimentally what is the most comfortable option for the child. Hardening can be ensured by listening to another piece of advice from E. Komarovsky - do not close the bathroom door when bathing the baby, thereby eliminating a large temperature difference in the rooms.

The last thing you should pay attention to is accessories for bathing a newborn in the bathtub. Or rather, their absence. Because babies, as a rule, are washed without soap and a washcloth, adding bathing products in the form of a gel or liquid soap just once a week. The washing process itself looks like a gentle stroking and massage of the baby in water, without effort, pressing or rubbing. A little later, from 3-4 months, you can start using a soft mitten or sponge for washing (preferably natural).

So, the procedure for bathing newborn children in a large bath involves the following simple diagram: choose a time for bathing - clean the bathtub by this point - fill up the water desired temperature– undressed the baby – lowered him into the water – rinsed his face and head – washed him groin area, crotch and folds - doused with water from the shower/jug - took the baby out of the water, wrapped in a towel. The whole process takes from 10 to 15 minutes of pure time. And so that washing is not just a hygienic procedure, you should bathe in good mood, with songs, smiles and the warm cooing of mom and dad.

Photo and video: How to properly bathe a baby in a large bathtub

So the walls of the maternity hospital were left behind. Mom and her baby return home, where it begins new stage life with a newborn. The health and well-being of the tiny little man will largely depend on the correct care of him.

The very first difficulty that young parents face is bathing their newborn. After all, it is so important that the child is comfortable when performing daily hygiene procedures, so that the water in the bath is always just the right temperature. But what means should you use to bathe a baby? How to prepare for this very first, most important bath in the life of a new family member? How long can a baby stay in its bathtub, and what kind of bathtubs are there in general?

Now let's look at this in more detail.

Before you put your baby in the water...

...Make sure she correct temperature! In the first weeks of life, the baby is not yet able to fully regulate its body temperature; its nervous system is not mature enough for this. So this task rests entirely with young parents. It is important that the baby does not freeze when swimming, but also does not overheat.

The following conditions are considered optimal for the first baths:

Water temperature the bath is around 37 degrees Celsius.
In the room where you are going to bathe your baby, there should be no drafts.
Babies are washed exclusively in boiled water until the umbilical wound heals completely.
Can be added to water a decoction of chamomile or other herbs, if your pediatrician allows it.
Check before swimming whether the baby is in a good mood. Is he sleepy? Doesn't want to eat?
Bathing is recommended either an hour and a half before feeding, or after it, to avoid regurgitation.
First procedure washing should be short, no more than a few minutes, so as not to tire or frighten the baby.
Lower the newborn into the bath gradually and carefully: first one leg, then the second, etc.
If the newborn begins to act up and cry, then do not insist on continuing bathing.
Be sure to support back and head of the newborn.

If a child begins to clench his arms and legs while bathing, and the skin around his mouth turns blue, this means that he is cold. Remove the baby from the bath and wrap it in terry towel to keep him warm.

Remember not to top up hot water in the bathtub if there is a baby in it!

If suddenly the baby’s skin begins to turn red, and he himself screams dissatisfiedly and loudly, then this means that you overdid it with the water temperature, it is too hot for the child. detailed instructions: , in the previous article.

Equipment for bathing a newborn?

Nowadays, any children's store is able to provide happy parents and their children a lot of useful goods. However, they are so easy to get confused!

What is worth buying, and what may be unnecessary? What product should you spend money on, and what purchase can a young family do without? Let's look at the list of necessary things that will greatly facilitate the process of bathing your baby.

Baby bath

It comes in the most incredible shapes, sizes, shades and types. The most convenient and popular are simple oval (or approximately oval) shaped bathtubs made of plastic. As well as bathtubs built into the children's chest of drawers.

The price categories of this product vary greatly: there are both modest budget models costing up to a thousand rubles, and products widely well-known companies, equipped various kinds additions and improvements, the price of which can sometimes exceed 25,000 rubles.

Before you go to the children's store for a bath, you need to calculate the amount you are willing to spend on this purchase. An inexpensive model does not mean that the bathtub will do its job worse. After all, for the most part, a newborn doesn’t care where or what they bathe him in.

If you plan to transfer your baby early to a large shared bath, then spend some family budget This purchase is completely unreasonable.

It is important that the baby does not freeze when swimming, but also does not overheat.

Hammock and slide for baby bath

This is a convenient and thoughtful device for those mothers who have to bathe their babies alone. By fixing the back and head, they make the bathing process easier, because the woman does not need to support the baby with one hand and try to wash him with the other free one.

The slide is a kind of soft or plastic stand, which is placed at the bottom of the bath. The front part of the stand is significantly higher than the back, so the newborn’s head will always be above the bath, and his torso and legs are immersed in the water.

The average cost of such a slide fluctuates around 500 rubles, but you can easily find both cheaper and more expensive options on sale.

A hammock differs from a slide in that it is held with special fasteners on the sides of a baby bath, and its design is always soft. The price of such a product can please thrifty parents, because in stores you can find a swimming hammock for up to 200 rubles!

Remember that the list of necessary items may be different for each family! For example, if your husband or mother always helps you bathe your baby in the bath, then there is no need to purchase special devices.

Circle for bathing newborns

This assistant differs from all others in that it exclusively supports the baby’s head. It is very similar to a regular inflatable swimming ring, but with the difference that it has a special shape and an insert for the chin, and it is put directly on the baby’s neck. Many models can be used from the very first days of a child’s life.

The cost of an inflatable ring varies from 300 to 700 rubles.

pay attention to important nuance : This product is different age categories. So, there are circles on sale that are designed for a child’s age from 0 to 24 months, and there are also children’s circles inflatable rings, which are intended only for older children.

If you buy a wheel designed to last up to three years old, then in the future it may come in handy when visiting the pool with your baby, on the beach or on a summer vacation.

When purchasing any children's product, especially such a specific one, it is important to make sure that it is completely safe for a newborn baby, and also has a state certificate proving its compliance with all hygiene standards.

Video of a baby bathing with a circle on his neck

See the instructions for using the circle for bathing children with a circle:

Baby bath thermometer

Children's water thermometers are relatively inexpensive, but they can help out inexperienced parents in cases where it becomes difficult to determine the temperature in a baby's bath.

Before bathing, such a thermometer is left in the water for three to four minutes, and then, if the indicator fluctuates around the desired mark, the baby is lowered into the bath.

Thermometers come in a wide variety of types, but the safest are considered to be special ones for children, which are protected by a durable case. You can leave it in the bath throughout the entire bath, monitoring the water temperature.

Children's hygiene: gel, soap or foam

We have already managed to figure out what and how to bathe newborn children. But another pressing question remains - what means can be used?

products from Bubchen,
products from the Johnson's baby brand,
domestic company Eared nannies.

You can also use solid baby soap. The main condition is that whatever product you choose for your newborn baby, it must only be of appropriate quality, designed specifically for children's skin!

Bathe small child You can’t use regular soap or “adult” shower gel, because this can cause extensive allergic reaction, lead to overdrying skin crumbs.

Adult bath: when can you wash your baby in it?

There is no consensus on this issue. Neonatologists and pediatricians advise relying on the child’s behavior during washing, appearance and the health of his skin.

If your baby loves to swim and happily splashes around in his bathtub, and his umbilical wound has already healed, then you can offer him more space by arranging a trial bath in an adult bathtub.

But do not rush if the newborn is afraid of bathing and often cries during it. A large bath will make his dislike of washing even worse!

It is also worth holding off if your child’s skin often becomes irritated, has diaper rash, or is prone to allergies. It is advisable for such a baby to wash himself in a separate baby bath for the first months of his life.

Caring for your baby's skin after bathing

When the newborn baby is washed and carefully dried with a soft towel, the next stage begins: you need to moisturize and treat him sensitive skin by special means.

For those prone to excessive dryness And severe peeling skin recommended baby oil. The order is:

A few drops of it are first poured into the palm, warmed and rubbed in it;
Apply with light patting movements to the baby's skin, practically without rubbing, allowing the oil to absorb on its own.

If there are no excess dry areas on the newborn’s body, then preference should be given to moisturizing milk.

In the first months of the baby's life, while he eats only breast milk and has frequent loose stool It is important to treat sensitive skin under the diaper special means, for example: Mustela Stelactiv, or Bepanten cream.

With the arrival of a new family member in the house bathing becomes a separate type of “entertainment”. It’s good when you already have experience or there is a person nearby who can advise and, most importantly, help. However, this is not always the case. But a rich assortment comes to the aid of new parents baby bathing products. Special devices make life significantly easier and help turn the process from a kind of duty into a pleasant pastime. We will tell you which sets you need to purchase and what they will be useful for. By the way, doctors advise start bathing newborns almost from the first day, first for 3-5 minutes, gradually bringing this process to 15-20 minutes. In this article we will tell you what is convenient Use for bathing a newborn baby.

Existing swim products

Assortment of sets for bathing newborns huge, suitable for every taste and budget. Required Items And additional accessories can be found on the shelves of any children's stores.

Bathtub

They are divided into 2 large types - ordinary and anatomical.
Regular- most often plastic troughs, which are essentially no different from the usual basin.

Their main plus the fact that they are smaller in size than a large bathroom, they are easier to disinfect and more convenient to use - since they can be placed in almost any convenient place.
Minuses: if you choose regular baths, then sufficient storage space is required.

Anatomical- specialized baths with a built-in or removable slide for the baby.

Pros: the child is securely and comfortably in them during the entire process.
Minuses: more expensive and smaller in size (most often used up to 9-12 months, then the child simply outgrows them).

There are many more options for baby baths, including inflatable ones, you can read about them in our review article

Baths may have a number more necessary equipment. For example, many models come with special bathtub mounts. That is, your baby bath will be attached to the “adult” one, which will make bathing the baby easier. For the same purpose there are "baths with stands"- on special legs you can place them where it is convenient and adjust the height you need.

From advantages use baby bathtub- it is easier to process and wash after use additional components(herbs, foam, etc.), and add convenience to the parent - since in a large bathroom you have to strain your lower back more.

Nowadays you can often find built-in baths. As a rule, they are attached to a changing table or chest of drawers, which allows you to have everything you need at hand. Minuses- they are most often small in size (the baths themselves), and with limited carrying capacity, that is, after some time they will not be able to be used.

In the list of products you can find those that are most suitable for travel or for small spaces.

pros- ease of movement and low cost;
Minuses- fragility, require special processing and drying.

Coasters and slides

If you still choose for yourself a regular bath, or decided to bathe the child right away in a big one - with a special stand () for swimming this will be much easier to do. This device helps hold the baby during the procedure and frees up the mother’s hands for games and safer washing.

They are attached to a bathtub or large bathtub and help keep the child in a position convenient for washing. They come from different materials, most often made of fabric or mesh.

pros- the fabric is easier to process, the baby is quite comfortable to be “in flight”.
Minuses- the size is not adjustable, hammocks are only suitable for “lying down” newborns.

Inflatable accessories

Inflatable products are used everywhere, they are recommended by doctors and are practically mandatory for use. The most common of them is . Moreover, it is used not only for washing in the bathroom, but also for trips with the child into nature or activities in the pool.

Inflatable collar with one or more sections, fits around the child's neck and in any case keeps the head above the water. This adaptation helps the development muscular system and vestibular apparatus, accustoms the child to being in water and protects from complete immersion.

Some parents use special ones for older babies (from 6 months). swimming vests. They are worn around the handles and allow the child to splash in the water more independently (most often used in a large bathroom).

IMPORTANT! Use a swimming vest based on the requirements written in the instructions. Match your child's weight and age to the size of the vest you are using.

Sponges and mittens

Choice sponges and bathing mittens simply huge - made of synthetic and natural materials, different forms and sizes. When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the fact that the accessory used is soft and hypoallergenic.

Sponges come from natural and synthetic materials, usually bright colors or even in the form of toys - this is necessary to interest the child while bathing.

Some choose special mittens- they are most often made from natural and soft materials(bamboo or cotton). Washing with them has a positive effect on the child’s nervous system. The mittens are gentle to the touch and, in addition to washing, allow you to give a light tonic massage to the muscles.

IMPORTANT! Of course, you can also use washcloths, but in their selection it is necessary to observe strict selection - only natural materials, hypoallergenic and maximum softness.

Toys

For any child bathing process It needs to be varied and exciting. Even if the baby loves splashing in the water and the corresponding procedures, toys will add additional pleasure. And if any immersion in water becomes a tragedy and an unloved activity for a child, they will be able to distract and entertain.

Choice bath toys should fall on high-quality, bright and durable samples - so that it is interesting and safe.

IMPORTANT! Trust proven brands. Not all brands can be European, Russian (formerly Soviet) toys produced in factories in compliance with all standards will appeal to your baby and you (maybe you even remember that you had something similar in your childhood).

Towels

Towels for the child must be from natural material(100% cotton or bamboo) and very High Quality. Only these can be used for newborns and without fear for delicate skin or possible allergies. More suitable for little ones with corner hood, for those who are older - ordinary.

On the plus side towels with corner we can note: in order to wrap a child in a towel after bathing, just quickly throw it over his head corner hood and slightly twist the corners around the body. This towel can be used alone.

Additional accessories

As you already understand, the range, of course, does not end with the above-mentioned accessories for bathing children. If necessary and possible, you can purchase many more products that will help and facilitate the process for both children and parents.

For example, baby bathing caps. These are not the rubber caps that we are used to using in swimming pools, but fabric ones. caps with foam, which help the child learn to hold his head and swim. They are sold in specialized stores, but you can make them yourself.

Thermometer

During the first bathing procedures water temperature it is necessary to regulate, since the baby is still poorly adapted to environment. It will especially help those who have a first child and do not have much experience. Thermometers come as ordinary plastic ones, often in the form of toys (and which then become additional means entertainment) and electronic. The disadvantage of the latter is that despite the tightness, water still gets inside and it can fail much earlier than we would like.

Newborn bath mat

It is practically necessary, since modern models have additional antibacterial protection and keep the baby from slipping while swimming. There are different sizes- the smallest ones are used to place it under the child’s legs and rinse it in the shower, but the large and anatomical ones are used for large water procedures. Various materials are used - from foam rubber to rubber. Bathing mats can also have suction cups for easy fixation.

Kovshik

It will become a must-have accessory when bathing in any bathroom(child or adult). Any material is suitable, the main thing is that the child has his own ladle- to avoid additional irritants and allergens.

Bathing chairs

Bathing chairs They will help after the baby sits down and simplify the process - the child will be securely fixed and occupied with toys, at the same time, when the mother has the opportunity to wash everything that is needed and at the same time minimally strain her back and arms.

IMPORTANT! You can use the bathing chair after your baby sits down!

Dr. Komarovsky explained the topic of bathing newborns best. We suggest watching his video, which answers many questions that parents have.