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How to properly wash your baby. Swimming with an inflatable ring. Bathtub or regular bath

Bathing for a newborn child and his parents is a whole event (especially if it is the first after the hospital). Like any very responsible business, this process raises many questions: how and when to bathe, boil water or not, whether it is possible to add decoctions of herbs and how often to do this, is it dangerous to get water in the ears, and so on. The well-known pediatrician Yevgeny Komarovsky in his books and articles has repeatedly talked about the basic rules and principles for organizing water procedures for a baby.



It is worth considering the most important points that you should know so that bathing brings pleasure and benefit to both the child and his parents.




Peculiarities

Water procedures are absolutely useful for all babies from the very first days of life. In the womb, the crumbs are in the aquatic environment, and therefore it is familiar and familiar to them. In the water, the little one feels at home. Bathing is not only a hygienic procedure aimed at keeping the skin and hair of the child clean. Bathing promotes physical development, carries an element of the game, and therefore has a positive effect on the mental and emotional development baby.



A few decades ago, pediatricians categorically forbade bathing a child with an unhealed umbilical wound, opposed raw, unboiled water, and set quite a few rather stringent requirements and restrictions for parents.

Modern doctors look at bathing more democratically.

Experienced parents, as a rule, have much less difficulties when bathing a newborn at home for the first time than new moms and dads who just a few hours ago received their first child in their arms. Komarovsky advises to keep the Spartan calm. It is this that guarantees success in the difficult task of bathing the baby.


Preparation

Should I bathe with an unhealed umbilical wound?

This question comes up quite often. Some pediatricians allow bathing even with a clothespin on the navel, others recommend refraining from taking water procedures until the umbilical cord dries. Yevgeny Komarovsky says that the choice is, of course, for the parents. However, if the child is kept in acceptable living conditions, does not sweat, does not overheat, does not get dirty, then nothing terrible will happen to him if the baby does not swim for a week or two. It doesn't bother him at all. If anyone is worried, then only mom and dad, but in this case there are wet baby sanitary napkins that you can wipe problem areas and folds at any time.



However, if you still decide to bathe, then before healing umbilical wound the doctor advises to do this exclusively with boiled water.

For a long time doctors advised bathing in water with a solution of potassium permanganate. However, here you need to be extremely careful, undissolved grains of potassium permanganate can cause serious burns on the delicate skin and mucous membranes of the baby. The solution should be pale pink and should be added to the water just before bathing. Komarovsky does not recommend potassium permanganate at all, since in small doses it is useless, and in large doses it is dangerous. It is better to replace it with an infusion of a string.


Massage

Massage before evening bathing is a very useful and important procedure, Yevgeny Komarovsky believes. During strokes and pats, the blood supply to the muscles and skin improves, and the benefits will be even more tangible if the baby is bathed immediately after the manipulations. To master a simple massage is within the power of all parents without exception. You do not need to enroll in special courses for this.

Massage before the bath Komarovsky recommends making it light and soothing. At first, with baby cream, mom can easily massage the hands (with strokes and circular movements, this should be done thumbs hands). Then the legs are massaged in the same way. The tummy is stroked with the palm of your hand or fingertips clockwise. Then the crumbs are laid out on the tummy and the back is gently massaged - first in circular and arcuate movements, and then with light pats.


Mom's movements should not hurt the baby, he should not go to the bath too overexcited and screaming from the heart.


Water temperature

Doctors recommend keeping the temperature at 37 degrees. It should be followed for at least the first 10-14 days. Then you can experiment - slightly raising or lowering the temperature (maximum - by 1 degree).

Some parents try to warm up the bathroom in advance, bring heaters into it (especially in cases where the first bathing at home takes place in winter). Komarovsky does not advise doing this. The temperature in the bathroom should be about the same as in the rest of the apartment (optimum values ​​​​are 18-20 degrees), and it is harmful to overheat the air in the bathing room.


Komarovsky for sound sleep at night he advises to practice bathing in cool water, the temperature of which is not higher than 32 degrees.

Such procedures will not cause any harm, but the general strengthening effect will be evident, besides, in a cool bath, it is more difficult for a child to fall asleep while bathing. However, do not immediately rush to implement this recommendation. This should be started gradually. The initial water temperature for a newborn is 34 degrees. In a month, a child can reduce it by 2 degrees - up to 32 degrees, and increase the bathing time from 15 minutes to half an hour. In two months, the temperature of cool water can be lowered to 28-30 degrees, bathing time is half an hour.

These figures Komarovsky advises to take rather conditionally. If a child at 1 month calmly perceives bathing in water, the temperature of which is 24 degrees, there is nothing wrong with that. He sleeps soundly, has a great rest, worries himself less and lets his parents sleep.


Time

The first bath should not be made very long. It is better to start with 3 minutes, the next day extend the procedure to 5 minutes, then add a little more time. The best duration of bathing Komarovsky considers 15-20 minutes. If a quarter of an hour has passed, and the baby is calm and determined to continue the procedure, nothing bad will happen if the bath is extended.

A newborn does not have time to get dirty enough to need to be bathed every day.

Although Komarovsky strongly advises washing the baby every day. When the baby begins to crawl, get dirty, actively explore the world, water procedures before going to bed should become regular and mandatory - you will have to bathe the baby daily.

It seems to Komarovsky that evening swimming is not a dogma. Parents themselves have the right to choose the most convenient bathing time for the family. Some evening hygiene procedures are transferred to lunchtime. However, Komarovsky warns that evening swimming has its benefits - for example, it promotes relaxation for a sound and healthy night's sleep.


Herbs and decoctions

Whatever they say traditional healers, any use of phytotherapeutic agents when bathing is better to coordinate with the attending pediatrician. Grandmothers, of course, will advise you to bathe your granddaughter in a row more often or be sure to brew nine strengths for him, but common sense parents should be above all. If the child suffers atopic dermatitis, he has diaper rash, a tendency (genetic) to allergies, be sure to consult a doctor.

For healthy children, bathing with the addition of decoctions medicinal herbs- enough useful procedure, says Evgeny Komarovsky. However, measure is good in everything, you should not prepare herbal baths daily, and you should be more careful with the dosage of decoctions and infusions.

Naturally, it will not work to treat something with the help of herbal decoctions added to water, since this is impossible, says Dr. Komarovsky. But big harm with moderate dosing will not happen.


What to do if the child does not like to wash and screams?

Such situations do occur, says Komarovsky. But the point here is not at all in the child, and not even in the fact that he is afraid of something. Most likely, according to a well-known pediatrician, bathing conditions should be adjusted. Maybe the temperature of the water does not suit the baby - it is too high or too low for him. After experimenting for several days, parents will be able to understand which water is most comfortable for the child. Bathing should begin with it - and only then adjust the temperature in favor of cooling (adding cold water in a thin stream) or heating (adding hot water in the same way).


Another reason for a child's cry in the bathroom, according to Komarovsky, lies in the rejection of the baby's bathing process, since it goes against his internal biological clock.

For example, a mother tries to bathe her baby only at night, and it is at this time that the child wants to sleep, not bathe. Therefore, Komarovsky gives some advice that will help parents whose children are rowdy in the water:

Change the time of day.

Change the order of eating and bathing. If the baby screams when bathing half an hour after eating, then try bathing him half an hour before eating (or vice versa).

Practice bathing with your child.


Large bath

This can be done already in 2-3 months, says Evgeny Komarovsky. At first, a child can get used to a large body of water with a circle around his neck. This is a special inflatable device with a notch for the chin and Velcro at the back of the neck. The kid is fixed in such a circle, his head is always above the water, and he can practice swimming on his back, stomach, turning over in the water on his own. Usually this picture leads the parents of the crumbs into indescribable delight.

You can swim without a circle. For this, Evgeny Komarovsky advises three poses:

The baby is completely immersed in water, only the face remains on the surface. At the same time, it is supported index fingers under the neck. There is nothing dangerous in getting water into the ears and eyes, says the doctor. The main thing is that water does not get into the nose and mouth. Even if the baby takes a sip of it a little, nothing bad will happen either.


Among the many rules and details that young parents need to master, a special place is occupied by the question of how to bathe a newborn baby. After all, this daily routine takes important place in the development of the baby, and therefore you need to treat it with all responsibility. From what water you carry out hygiene procedures, how you prepare for them and how much time you spend on them, it depends on what benefits bathing will bring to your baby and how positively he will treat him.

The first bath of the baby plays a decisive role in these factors, so it is extremely important that it is as comfortable as possible. So, when can you bathe your baby? What to use for this? How not to harm? With what to bathe a newborn - with foam, toys, slides? We will try to answer these and other questions in detail.

When can you start swimming?

If, upon discharge from the hospital, the doctor did not impose any restrictions, you can spend the next day after you returned home.

It is better to spend the first evening without bath procedures in order to give the baby time to adapt to new conditions.

Swimming essentials

To carry out bath procedures comfortably, you need to purchase everything necessary accessories in advance. You will need:

  • a special baby bath is the only answer to the question of what to bathe your newborn in; a shared bath is strictly excluded;
  • hygiene products (soap, shampoo);
  • soft washcloth for comfortable bathing babies;
  • herbal infusions;
  • thermometer for water;
  • ladle for rinsing;
  • towel for wiping;
  • clean clothes.

All things must be prepared in advance so that nothing distracts you from the bath process.

Features of the preparation and use of children's things

Bathing a child involves special preparation of bathroom accessories.

  • Before bathing a baby, the bath must be disinfected each time. To do this, clean it with soda, rinse thoroughly with water and pour boiling water over it. The procedure must be repeated before each wash. During the first bath of the child, you must be especially careful.
  • Hygiene products should not be used for bathing newborns every time. Soap should be used no more than 2 times a week, and shampoo - only 1 time. Excessive use of detergents can cause dryness of the baby's skin.
  • The washcloth with which you will bathe the baby should be of increased softness. This will help avoid any risk of damage to baby skin. It is more convenient to use a washcloth in the form of a mitten.
  • Herbs that can be added when bathing a newborn: sage, calendula, succession, chamomile, coltsfoot, plantain. They have anti-allergic, antiseptic and soothing properties, and also contribute to general strengthening children's health.
  • The thermometer for water should be made without glass and mercury, it should also be doused with boiling water after each water procedure.
  • The bucket is used for rinsing, so the water in it must be comfortable temperature. The container must also be washed with soda and doused with boiling water each time before bathing.
  • It is advisable to keep the diaper or towel with which you will wipe the child, as well as the clothes in which you will change him, on a warm battery so that the baby does not suffer from temperature changes.

Compliance with all the rules will allow you to comfortably bathe children.

Optimal temperature mode

It is important to monitor not only the temperature of not only water, but also the air in the room. It is best if it stays within 20-22◦С.

The degree of water in which the baby is bathed should be at least 37 ° C in the first week. Then the temperature can be gradually reduced, bringing it to 32-33◦С.

Make sure that the decrease is smooth, no more than 1 ° C per week. At the same time, pay attention to the behavior of the baby. Stop at a comfortable temperature for him.

bathing procedure

Before washing the child, undress him and leave for a few minutes to take air baths. This is a very important procedure that contributes to children's hardening.

Then gradually lower the baby into the water, watching his reaction. The head, like the neck, remains on the surface. To learn how to properly bathe a baby, you need to know how to hold it. It is most convenient if the baby lies on the left hand of a bathing adult, the baby's head is supported by his elbow.

If the posture is correct, your thumb will be on the baby's left shoulder and the others in the armpit.

You can also use a special baby slide that will support the newborn's head, making your task easier.

How to wash a newborn baby? The algorithm is the following:

  • First of all, gently wash your face. Then lather your hand. Wash your hair, moving gently from the forehead to the back of the head.
  • Then wash the area behind the ears, neck, arms, armpits, chest and sides. Wash last groin paying attention to every crease. In a girl, it is necessary to gently wash the perineum with a cotton swab, and in a boy - a fold under the foreskin.
  • After washing the whole body, rinse the baby with prepared water from the bucket.

First bath infants should not exceed 5 minutes. Then you can gradually increase the time, bringing it up to 15 minutes during the month. In the future, it is allowed to keep the child in the bathroom for 30-40 minutes, provided that bathing gives him pleasure.

After bath

After bathing the baby, put him on a towel or diaper. With blotting motions, without pressure, dry the hair, then the chest and abdomen, and then the groin area. It is important to wipe every crease on the baby's body. After the baby is completely dry, spread it with baby cream to avoid irritation or diaper rash. This is especially important during the hot season. You should also be sure to treat the umbilical wound after bathing. This can be done with hydrogen peroxide and brilliant green.

Then dress the baby and feed him, after which he can be put to bed.

Umbilical injury while swimming

Special attention during the bath procedures should be given to the still unhealed wound of the baby.

In no case should the navel be washed with soap, it is advisable not to wet it at all.

If this is not possible, rinse the wound very carefully, and after bathing, make sure that the navel is completely dry before dressing the baby.

It is very important that the water be boiled until the umbilical wound has healed. This will prevent any infections from entering the children's body. It is also useful to add a few drops of potassium permanganate to the water for disinfection. It is important not to overdo it with the solution. Make sure that the water has only a slightly pinkish tint.

With care, the umbilical wound will not cause concern to parents and will heal within 2 weeks.

In order for water procedures to bring not only benefits, but also pleasure, the following rules must be observed:

  • do not leave the baby in the bath alone, prepare all the necessary accessories in advance;
  • try to bathe baby at the same time of day, this will ensure a stable daily routine;
  • it is advisable to take a bath in the evening, before going to bed at night, but if you notice that the water has an exciting effect on the baby, you can transfer the bathing of the baby to the afternoon;
  • do not skip bath procedures without important reasons if the baby gets used to the fact that he bathes before a night's sleep, this will help to quickly establish his regimen;
  • bathe him before feeding, not after him;
  • try to have the baby bathed by the same adult, if people change, it may affect the baby due to different methods.

If the baby gets used to the water, and you create for him comfortable conditions, this will become his favorite pastime in the future.

What is the importance of bathing newborns?

It is very important for babies to find time every evening during the first month of their life. Then you can carry out bath procedures after 1-2 days, depending on the preferences of the baby. Bathing performs a number of significant functions:

  • helps to reduce muscle tone;
  • keeps baby skin in good condition;
  • helps relieve colic;
  • contributes to the overall strengthening of the baby's body.

In addition, the process brings great pleasure to most children, which means it is a source of positive emotions. Therefore, you need to pay great attention proper conduct water treatments. If you provide comfortable conditions, then they will bring joy not only to the baby, but also to the mother bathing him.

Almost all parents have excitement before the first bath of the baby (the parents of the first-born have not done this yet, and the parents of the second and subsequent children often completely forget how this is done). In preparation for this solemn procedure, a large number of children's sites with tips and recommendations are usually shoveled. Usually parents are interested in answers to the following questions:

When can you bathe a newborn?

A healthy baby can be bathed from the first days of life (the day after discharge from the hospital). But if the baby was born prematurely, there are health problems, it is better to first get the advice of a pediatrician.

How often should a baby be bathed?

Russian pediatricians recommend bathing babies up to 6 months daily, from 6 months to a year - every other day, after a year - once every two to three days. According to international standards, a baby up to a year old can be bathed 2-3 times a week, subject to regular washing and washing. It should be noted that the abuse of water procedures is not so useful - water, especially hot water, with frequent bathing, washes off the protective film from the baby's skin, which is a natural barrier to pathogenic microbes, while the skin becomes dry, redness and peeling may appear. In addition, research by scientists has shown that in families where there are increased hygiene requirements, and parents tend to raise their offspring in sterile conditions (usually families with one or two children), the incidence of children is several times higher, including allergic diseases, than in large families where cleanliness is given much less attention.

Is it possible to bathe a baby in an adult bath?

It all depends on the conditions in which the child lives. If this bathroom is not used by anyone except parents, there are no pets whose paws are washed daily, then parents can safely bathe the baby in a large bathroom, after washing it with detergent (soda, baby washing powder based on soap, gel for washing baby accessories) and rinsing thoroughly hot water. Up to 3-4 months, the baby is still better to bathe in his own bath. This is much more convenient, since the baby does not yet need a lot of space to “gurgle” in warm water and is more hygienic, since keeping a small bath used by one baby clean is much easier than a shared bath. In addition, such a bath becomes indispensable in cases where hot water is turned off.

Do you need to boil water for bathing?

Usually grandmothers and some pediatricians recommend boiling water for bathing in the first month of a baby's life. If the tap water from your faucet or other source is of satisfactory quality, then there is no need to boil it. In addition, it has been proven that after cooling, boiled water begins to be seeded with microbes and after a few hours, in terms of the level of microbial contamination, it no longer differs from running tap water, and sometimes even outperforms it.

Until the umbilical wound has healed, the water should still be disinfected by adding a solution of potassium permanganate to it. First, prepare a concentrated solution in a separate bowl and add it through a layer of gauze to the bath for bathing until weakly pink shade water (it is necessary to ensure that potassium permanganate crystals do not get into the bath and onto the baby's skin, as they can cause chemical burn skin). It is often recommended to add decoctions of herbs (strings, chamomile and celandine) to bathing water, it must be remembered that herbs themselves can cause allergies, and besides, they, like potassium permanganate, dry the skin. After healing of the umbilical wound in the bath for bathing healthy baby nothing to add is recommended.

When and how long can a baby spend in the water?

Usually, parents choose the time for bathing the crumbs before evening feeding and bedtime. This time is chosen based on the stereotype that water procedures soothe and relax the baby and after them he should sleep well. But this is not always the case - on the contrary, bathing excites some babies and, having splashed in water, they are ready to stay awake for a few more hours. It depends on the features nervous system the child, so the choice of time for bathing is purely individual and is based on the comfort for the baby and the convenience of the parents. The advantages of bathing before bedtime include the fact that in the evening the rest of the household is usually at home, and helping the mother in this procedure is very useful, especially at first, and joint care of the baby has a positive effect on family relationships. Having picked up “their” time for bathing for the little one, it is advisable to observe it in the future and bathe the baby at the same time.

As for the time spent in the water, it all depends on the well-being and mood of the baby. Hygiene procedures do not take much time, so most of the bathing time is enjoying gurgling and splashing, during which the baby hardens, his muscles strengthen and develop. physical activity. The first swims should not be delayed for more than 5-10 minutes, in the future, the bathing time gradually increases to 15-20 minutes and is regulated by the well-being of the child. If the little one is happy and enjoys splashing in the water, you can extend the pleasure up to half an hour, and if the child is worried, naughty or cold, you don’t need to wait for the “set” time.

What should the water temperature be?

The temperature of the water should be comfortable for the baby, not too hot and not too cool. Optimum temperature for bathing, the human body temperature is 36-37 degrees, at which neither cold nor heat is felt. Before immersing the baby in the bath, the temperature should be Necessarily control! special thermometer ( grandmother's way it is better to check the water behind the thermometer, but not instead of it, while it is important to remember that the skin of the hands is much less sensitive to temperature changes and water that seems comfortable to your hands may turn out to be too hot for baby). The temperature of the water can be adjusted according to the behavior of the baby. You need to immerse the baby in water gradually, first the legs and ass, and then the body. Rinse your baby after bathing clean water from a jug. Rinsing with cooler water than bathing water is excellent. To begin with, the temperature of the water in the jug should be only one degree lower, gradually lowering the temperature by one degree each time and increasing the difference, you can pour water on the child at a temperature of 22-23 degrees.

What and how often to wash your hair?

To wash the skin and hair of an infant, it is necessary to use special hypoallergenic products intended for this age with a neutral pH value (5.5). Usually these are baby gels and shampoos marked “no tears”. Wash your baby daily with these detergents not necessary, since even the most gentle of them wash off the protective film that protects the delicate baby skin from the penetration of microbes, and also lead to disruption sebaceous glands and overdrying of the skin, for the same reasons it is not recommended to wash the baby with baby soap, which, despite its name, has an alkaline pH reaction. There is no need to use any sponges and washcloths for the baby, they injure delicate skin Plus, they're great for microbes. The best "helpers" when bathing a baby are clean water and gentle mother's hands. It is recommended to use detergents, including shampoo, no more than once a week (2 times a week if necessary). At the same time, it is necessary to wash the child’s head with water without using shampoo at every bath, regardless of the length and thickness of the hair, since excess fat, dead skin particles, fallen hairs, dirt and microbes are removed from the scalp. And light massage movements improve blood circulation of the scalp and promote hair growth and health.

How to bathe a baby?

First of all, you need to prepare everything that you may need so as not to run around the house with a naked or wet baby in search of the right things.

You will most likely need:

1. Towel or diaper

2. Thermometer

3. Bathing agent, potassium permanganate solution

4. Pitcher of water for rinsing

5. Clean underwear and baby diaper

6. Means for the treatment of the umbilical wound (3% hydrogen peroxide, cotton buds, napkins, brilliant green or potassium permanganate)

7. Diaper cream or other skin care products, if you use them.

Wash the child before bathing, if necessary.

Carefully lower the baby into the prepared water, supporting the head, neck and back with one hand (hold him so that his head lies on your forearm, and support his armpits with a brush), with the other hand, gently wash all the folds, starting from the neck and ending with the perineum , not forgetting the interdigital spaces on the arms and legs. It is better to wash the head last, so that the baby gets used to this procedure slowly, pour water on the head, trying not to get it into the eyes, while lightly massaging the scalp with your fingertips. At the end of the bath, rinse the baby with clean water from a jug and wrap it in terry towel. The delicate skin of the crumbs cannot be rubbed with a towel, you just need to get wet a little and let the baby take a naked air bath for 5-10 minutes, which will also be wonderful.

Bathing accessories

The modern industry of children's goods offers all kinds of devices that make the bathing process more convenient, enjoyable and interesting.

1. Moms who have to bathe their little one alone will be helped by a special slide for swimming .

There are slides, both for a large bathroom, and for a small one. Removable slide for baby bath well supports small child during bathing, raising his head and shoulders above the water and freeing his mother's hands, and also easily removed and the baby is given the opportunity to freely flounder in the water. Such a slide can be with an anti-slip coating, there should be small bumpers on the sides of the head to prevent the baby from rolling off it. Anatomical slides repeat all the curves of the body of a small child, allowing you to take a comfortable and familiar body position in the bath. The anatomical slide has a ledge between the legs, which prevents the baby from slipping into the water. It is better to buy such a slide with suction cups that will not allow it to stagger in the bath, as well as with an extending stop - this slide will "grow" with your baby.

2. It can completely replace the slide, and is very convenient bath mattress.

It is made of a porous, spongy material that is easy to clean and dries quickly. The mattress repeats all the curves of the baby's body, supports it well, has a pleasant surface and does not interfere with bathing. You can buy special certified mattresses for bathing only in children's stores, there is a very high probability of buying foam rubber fakes on the market! In contact with water and detergents, foam rubber quickly begins to decompose and release toxins that are dangerous for the baby.

3. Babies over 6 months old who bathe in a large bathtub may benefit from bathing chair .

It is a plastic seat with sides, a back and has dense suction cups on the bottom. The high chair needs to be very stable, but it may not fit the bottom of your bathtub, so look carefully at your bathtub configuration before purchasing.

4. For the safety of babies over 6 months old who bathe in an adult bath, you can also use an anti-slip mat, which must be firmly attached to the surface of the bath with suction cups or Velcro.

5. To get more pleasure from water procedures, you can buy bathing toys for your baby.

Their choice is huge, all kinds of floating ducks, turtles and boats, they must be made of safe rubber or unbreakable plastic and do not contain small parts. The baby will definitely like special bathing books that can be “read” in the water, some of them have pictures when they come into contact with warm water change their color, which causes complete delight in the young "reader".

6. Essential Accessory for bathing is a thermometer. Thermometers may be electronic or normal look- mercury, oil, alcohol. It is safer to use the alcohol or oil version. For electronic thermometers, measuring the water temperature is a matter of a few seconds, while thermometers with a scale must lie in the water for a while. Electronic thermometers expensive, but they have great functions - for example, measuring air temperature, the ability to display selected modes, etc. A thermometer for measuring water temperature must have a clear graduation, be understandable. The thermometer must also be absolutely safe, have a plastic unbreakable casing.

In children's stores, you can also find special hammocks for baths, visors for washing your hair “without tears”, all kinds of sponges, ladles, etc. The choice of these accessories depends on the desire and capabilities of the parents.

When bathing your baby, it is important to remember one main rule: even with the safest appliances, NEVER LEAVE A CHILD IN THE BATH ALONE WITHOUT SUPERVISION.

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After discharge from the maternity hospital on the same day, the first bath of a newborn child should take place. For many parents, at first this seems like a test, because the baby looks fragile and defenseless. But over time, for the baby, and for their moms and dads. How to properly organize the bathing process and how to wash a newborn at home. Helpful Hints- Further.

It is necessary to prepare for the water procedure. The first bath of a newborn baby should take place in such a way that no trifles distract you. Concentrate your attention completely on the baby. Be patient and don't get irritated if things don't work out the first time. The child should feel your confidence, but not anxiety. Talk calmly to your baby while bathing. Tell him sweet words sing a song.

Experts do not recommend feeding the baby before bathing. When a child has a full stomach, he may regurgitate the food he has eaten. But you should not bathe a hungry baby, so that the procedure does not take place with whims. After the spent energy while swimming, the child will definitely want to drink. breast milk. Select right time for swimming. Most often, parents fill the baby bath before the last evening feeding. After bathing, the child drinks milk and falls asleep peacefully. If it is more convenient for you to bathe your child in the afternoon or in the morning, please. The main thing is that the procedure at home takes place at the same time, and the child enjoys bathing.

Many people ask the question, how often should a baby be bathed? A newborn baby under 6 months old should be bathed every day. After - a day later. The fact is that babies have very delicate skin. It is sensitive to the effects of various bacteria, unlike the skin of an adult. How to bathe a child for the first time - with soap or baby foam? Both can be used once a week.

How to wash a newborn at home

Before the procedure, prepare everything you need for swimming. You will need:

- Bath. In the first year of a baby's life, it is necessary that it be plastic. Wash before bathing. In a small child will feel more comfortable than in a large adult bathroom. large quantity the child may be afraid of water;

- Thermometer for water. Measure the temperature of the water in the bath. It should be between 36 and 37 degrees. At this temperature, the baby will feel comfortable during the procedure. If the water is hot, then the baby may overheat: his body will turn red, he will scream. It is better to use a thermometer to control the temperature of the water;

– Soft gloves or washcloth. They should not be as rough as adults use;

- A diaper or towel. They are necessary in order to get wet the delicate skin of the baby in the bathing field;

– Accessories for hygiene procedure. This is a towel, cotton buds with restraints, brilliant green to treat the navel, a diaper, clean clothes for the baby.

In the first 10 days of bathing, add potassium permanganate to the water, which protects the skin of the baby from various microbes and is also needed to disinfect the umbilical wound. Prepare a solution of potassium permanganate in advance and pour it into the bath. The water should be pale pink. And then you can add one glass of decoction of string or chamomile to the water for bathing the baby. Bathe your baby in a spacious room. You must approach it freely from both sides. Many bathe the child in the kitchen. The bath is placed on stools. The room should be between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius.

While bathing, the mother should take the baby and put it on her left forearm, which should be under water. Put the baby in the water so that his shoulders and head remain on the surface. Right hand wash the child's folds, genitals, between the fingers. Turn the child over on his stomach, at the end of the procedure, pour the baby on the back from large mug. The water in it should be a degree lower than that which was poured for bathing, this is good for hardening the child. The first bath of the baby should take from 3 to 5 minutes. Increase the time gradually. After the procedure, lay the baby on the table. Dry your baby gently. Put on a hat and other clothes for your child. And be sure to smile at your child. Let him enjoy bath procedure!

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I will try to sort through all the main points regarding bathing babies.

The benefits of water procedures:
- bathing cleanses the skin, opens the pores of the skin.
- swimming is simple and effective way child development.
- warm water soothes the baby, reduces increased tone muscles.
- Bathing in warm water helps with colic.
- is effective method hardening.

Important points:

The main thing is to ensure safety and comfort for the child during water procedures. Keep in mind that you can accidentally injure delicate skin with your nails (therefore, it is better to cut them constantly), rings or bracelets (you must remove all jewelry from your hands). So that you do not accidentally slip on the floor, it will be very useful to put a rubber mat, and when the baby grows up, a special rubber mat on the bottom of the bath will not interfere.

Never leave a child unattended, even for a very short period of time.

Make sure that there are no drafts and that the wind from the window does not blow on the baby.

We must not forget that if your baby was vaccinated in the maternity hospital on the handle, it should not be rubbed during washing, and it should not be smeared with creams or oils.

Before bathing, it is useful to lay a naked baby on his stomach for a few minutes.

If you find unusual skin changes in your baby, contact your pediatrician.

If, after each bath, the child's skin turns red, inflamed, peeling and itching appear, then a water filter may help you (if necessary, you can analyze the composition of the water).

Try to show positive emotions when bathing.

Bath items for babies:

Tray(maybe a simple, with a hammock, anatomical bath) - it is desirable that at least for the first time you bathe your treasure in a plastic baby bath (especially if the navel has not yet healed). Do not use it for other purposes. If the bath with a hammock or anatomical, it is easier to support the crumbs. This is especially necessary if this is your first child and there is no experience yet, and you will have to bathe alone. When choosing a baby bath, consider which size is right for you. If you want to put the bath in the bath, then make sure that it fits, and if you plan to wash the baby in another room on the floor or on the table, or in the same bath, but placing it on special wooden stands, then the size is basically not important. It is quite convenient when the bath has a drain. If the color of the bath is white, then you will see how clean the water is.

Slide(supports the child) - can be placed in a regular baby bath or in an adult bath. If you pour a little water into the bath, especially if you also provide an inclined state of the bath, then the slide is not needed. And if you are forced to wash your baby alone, then of course, the slide will not hurt. There are plastic anatomical slides or rag ones (the fabric is stretched over the frame). It is better to take plastic, because. with a rag the child tends to constantly roll off. You can put a diaper on a hill.

seat with Velcro (bathing chair) - this is for those who can sit. Attaches to the bottom of the bath.

Circle- Doctors are not against it, neurologists are even for it. So, decide for yourself. I advise you to ask your pediatrician when exactly in your case it will be possible to start swimming with a circle.

Ordinary wooden coasters for bath basins - you can buy 2 pieces and put them side by side. A baby bath will stand steadily on them.

It is not necessary that you buy everything from the range for bathing children. Choose for yourself and the child what you think is really necessary. IN last resort, in general, you can get by with an ordinary bathroom, which is already available in most apartments.

When to bathe (what time of day):

Many cannot understand when to find the right time. It is not taken out of your head just like that, and in books or articles they can write time recommendations that may not work in your situation, here you need to determine empirically. Washing times should be convenient for you and your baby. It is important here that the baby does not want to sleep or eat already (in such a situation, it is unlikely that it will be possible to do without crying).

If the child fell asleep soundly at night, it is better not to wake up for bathing (in such a situation, most likely, the baby will be loudly indignant). So next time try bathing earlier. Learn to see signs of baby fatigue, watch your baby.

And about the food: fed, vilified with a column, a little time passed and you can bathe.

If you notice that after washing your baby revives, does not want to fall asleep and does not sleep well, do water procedures in the morning or afternoon.

For example, we bathed in the evening. Always different (perhaps this was a mistake). It often happened that our baby was already fast asleep and had to postpone washing the next day. Once or twice we tried to wake up and still carry out an important procedure, but the screams were such that horror, and it would be better if we did not do this.

As for food, it was also difficult to decide, because. I breastfed "on demand" and the demands were frequent. They also tried it in different ways: immediately before bathing, and half an hour and 15 minutes before. For us, it was optimal 5-10 minutes before the bath to feed a little, wash and rather go to bed to feed. In most cases, it was already feeding with simultaneous falling asleep for the night.

How to clean a bathtub or tub:

It must be cleaned before every bath. Be especially careful if you are washing a baby in an adult bath.

Why is it required?

Some, for example, wash dogs or other animals in the bath. Possibly animal trays. It is especially necessary to monitor cleanliness if the toilet and bath are combined into one room. It is clear that under all these aggravating circumstances, it is simply impossible to bathe a small child without washing the bath.

Plus, to these reasons, you need to add a common one for everyone: with each wash of any person, the accumulated dirt and part of the skin are washed off. The whole thing settles on the walls of the bath or tub.

What kind of bath detergent to use:

To prepare a baby bath, it will be enough to clean it with a regular bath every time before bathing. baking soda. Or at least laundry soap. Then rinse with water.

To prepare an adult bath, it is better to treat it first with any bath detergent familiar to you (in advance, about an hour or two in advance, so that the smell from the product does not remain), and then walk again with soda or the same soap. For greater reliability and peace of mind, you can still pour boiling water over the bath.

What to prepare:

To avoid problems, prepare everything in advance.

Sample list:
- a clean bath or tub;
- dialed water of the desired temperature (children's thermometer in the water);
- a container for clean water, for example, a saucepan with a handle;
- a means with which you will wash your baby / or add to the water, what you want to bathe in;
- a towel or a diaper, in order to wrap the little one there later, it is better to straighten it immediately;
- skin care products (powder, cream or oil);
- means for caring for the navel (if it has not yet healed);
- clean diapers, a diaper or just baby clothes.

Air and water temperature:

Water should be 36-38 degrees, air - not lower than 24 degrees. It is desirable that there is a children's thermometer for water. At a minimum, you need to check with your elbow that the water is slightly warmer than your body temperature or the same, i.e. You will be neither cold nor hot (but this method is rather controversial).

Keep in mind that over time the water cools down, so I advise you not to take the baby thermometer out of the water to control this.

Watch your baby:

1. Children can be comfortable different temperature water, and here you need to watch the reaction and try different variants. But you need to start exactly from 37-38 degrees and start from this.
2. There are signs by which you can understand whether the child is hot or cold.
When it's hot: the skin begins to redden, the baby becomes lethargic, most likely the baby will cry.
When it's cold: the baby's nasolabial triangle turns blue, the baby shrinks into a ball, begins to tremble, you can see goosebumps, most likely, will cry.

If you need to add hot or cold water into the bath or bath, you need to take the child out, make desired temperature, and return the baby to the water.

Bathing facilities:

Now there is a huge selection of all kinds of children's products, including for bathing babies. Always pay attention at what age they can be used. It would be nice if it was hypoallergenic. In any case, always carefully read the available information about the product on the package.

1) Soap. Baby soap use no more than 2 times a week (liquid is better, because it does not dry the skin so much).

2) Shampoo. It is advisable to wash the head of the crumbs with baby shampoo no more than 1 time per week. It is better to take a shampoo with a “no tears” formula. If your little one has only a gentle fluff on his head, then there is no need to buy shampoo yet.

3) Baby bath products from head to toe. Also, no more than 2 times a week.

What to add to water:

1) Potassium permanganate(potassium permanganate). It is needed only if the navel has not completely healed yet. Dries out the skin. Dilute a few crumbs of potassium permanganate in advance in an ordinary glass jar or other convenient container, close the solution well. If over time the color of the solution changes, you need to pour it out and prepare a new one. Immediately before washing, add a little potassium permanganate to the water through gauze or bandage folded several times (so that the crystals do not get in and burn the baby's skin), there should be a slightly pinkish tint (the lighter, the safer for the child). It is better to alternate with herbs.

2) Baby bath foam. Not more than 2 times a week. You can add it to water or just put a little on your hand and wash it just like liquid soap. As a rule, baby foams are suitable for shampooing.

3) Decoctions or infusions of herbs(string, chamomile, sage, celandine, lavender, etc.). You may be allergic to herbs. Please consult your pediatrician before experimenting. Baths with herbs dry out the skin, so do not do them more than 2 times a week. Always use only freshly prepared decoction or herbal infusion.
- decoction: about 1 - 4 tbsp. tablespoons of dry grass per 1 liter of water. Put it on the stove and wait until it boils. Cover and wait at least 20 minutes. Then strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Add the resulting liquid to a bath of water.
- infusion: about 1 - 4 tbsp. tablespoons of herbs per 1 liter of boiling water. If weed in bags, then 2 pcs. per 1 liter. Pour boiling water over the grass and cover with a lid. Wait at least an hour. Then strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Add the resulting liquid to a bath of water.
If it is still not clear to you how and in what proportions you need to brew the herb, try to brew it like regular tea (poured the herb, poured boiling water, waited an hour, separated the herb from the resulting liquid, added a part herbal infusion in a baby bath). If the herb is not in bags, I advise you to place it in a piece of gauze so that it is easy to separate later.

4) If you are too lazy to brew every time, various ready herbal preparations for bathing babies.

Important:

Bathing in herbs should be according to indications and no more than 15 days in a row.

Until the navel has healed, it is advisable to boil water and add potassium permanganate (so that the infection does not get through the navel).

Do not use adult products to wash the baby (soap, gel, shampoo, etc.).

Don't wash your baby antibacterial agents so as not to disturb the microflora of the skin.

Use any cleanser 1-2 times a week. And do not forget to rinse the baby at the end with clean water.

If the baby does not have skin problems, you can bathe in plain water without any additives. Pure water is the best environment for bathing healthy babies.

Now there are a lot of products that have plant extracts in their composition. Please note that if a child has a tendency to allergies, then there may be a reaction to some drugs. Naturally, in the event of an allergy, you will have to abandon those and try others.

Whatever remedy you choose, always watch how your child's skin reacts.

The first bath of a newborn:

The first wash of the crumbs in the bath should allow pediatrician, or a nurse who comes to the house for the first month to examine the child.

An infection can easily enter through an unhealed wound. Therefore, many doctors recommend starting bathing after the navel has completely healed. At the same time, you need to wipe the baby with a cotton swab soaked in warm boiled water, avoiding the navel area.

The first time is the most difficult, because you still do not know the preferences of your little one.

You can bathe in a diaper for a while (so-called adaptive bathing). You need to freely swaddle, lower it into the water, you can first just pour some water on it, then alternately free some part of the body from the diaper and wash it. Many children with this method fall asleep while they are bathed.

Or swaddle, immerse in water, and remove the diaper.

It is possible at the first bathing to put a folded diaper on the bottom of the bath, where it is planned to put the head. This is useful if you put under regular bath something so that it is in an inclined state, and at the same time the water is at a minimum in contact with the head. It is also better during the first baths to put a diaper on a plastic slide or on an anatomical bath, if you use them.

Try to bathe for the first time no longer than 15 minutes.

How to bathe a baby alone (step by step instructions):

If you have an assistant: one can hold and the other wash. An assistant can provide a towel or diaper, bring a forgotten item.

Consider the option if you are forced to bathe the baby yourself, without outside help, and if you don't have attachments that provide support and allow you to wash with two hands:

Preparation for water procedures:

1. First prepare everything you need. Clean the tub (bath).

2. Fill the tub with water to about ½ or 1/3 of the total volume. Dip the baby thermometer in the water and make sure the temperature is right. If necessary, add something to the water (potassium permanganate, foam, grass).

3. Prepare clean water the same temperature in a separate container to rinse the baby at the end of the wash.

4. Undress the child. Before you begin the actual bathing process, wash your baby (or wipe with baby wipes).

5. Remember to wash your hands with soap before you start washing your baby.

Immersion in water:

6. One hand supports the head (the back of the head should be above your wrist), the hand should be held by the far shoulder, the other hand grabs the baby on the other side of you, or passes between the legs and holds the ass and sacrum(Fig. 2) . With such support, the risk that you will not hold the baby is reduced. In this position, slowly lower into the water (legs first).
You can still hold it so that the palm is on the back, the head is on the forearm of the hand, and the other hand supports the legs (Fig. 1).

7. You can remove the hand that supported the butt.

Bathing, swimming:

8. Do not forget to support the head at all times.

9. Lead the baby from one end to the other. Babies usually like to push their feet against the walls of the tub.

10. Water should not get into the mouth or nose (especially if it is with any agent).

11. Don't worry about getting water in your ears. Pediatricians say that the consequences (otitis media) can only be if the ears, mouth and nose are deeply immersed at the same time.

12. It's okay if a newborn accidentally dips, because. a reflex should work, preventing water from entering Airways(the baby holds his breath). Often parents use this newborn reflex to teach their baby to dive. But over time, the reflex fades and this must be taken into account.

13. When the child grows up, he can be given to play with toys in the water. It is better to give educational toys that can change color or shape in water, stick to the bathtub or on the wall, etc. You can also use classic toys: a rubber duck, a boat, a fish. Often, empty shampoo bottles and ordinary soap dishes become the most interesting for a child. If the baby is already crawling, you can put a special rubber mat in the bath and pour some water, then the child can sit or crawl while playing in the water with toys. Then do not forget to rinse and dry the toys (if this is not done, fungus may appear on them). You must be doubly careful when a child plays in the water.

The washing up:

14. Wash with your free hand.

15. Until you get used to keeping the baby in water, it is better not to use detergents, it's okay if it takes a few days.

16. Very young children can be wiped with a cotton swab in water (only a new one each time) or simply with their hands. Delicate fragile skin should not be rubbed with a washcloth. When the little one grows at least a little, several months pass, you can try washing with a baby washcloth.

17. In what order to wash the parts of the baby's body does not play a big role. It is recommended to wash from top to bottom, i.e. from neck to heels. Don't forget to wash your hands and between your fingers. I advise you to wash the body first, and then the head, so that it does not freeze when wet. Particular attention should be paid to the folds. At the end, you can wash the crumbs.

18. Do not apply detergent directly to large areas, so as not to happen that you do not hold a slippery child.

19. Make sure that no detergent gets into your eyes.

20. Please note that the face should be washed separately with clean water.

Rinsing:

21. Finish bathing by rinsing the child with clean warm water. To do this, slightly raise the crumbs above the water and water from a pre-prepared container (Fig. 3).
You can put the baby with your belly on your hand, also holding the far shoulder, pour clean water with your other hand (Fig. 4).

You need to take it out of the bath with the same support as it was lowered.

How long to bathe:

As a rule, 5-10 minutes. Gradually, you can increase the time to 30-40 minutes.

Look at the condition of the child. If the baby behaves calmly, you can take some time to tinker with some water, play around. If the baby is nervous or crying, wash it and that's it.

What to do after swimming:

Wrap in a dry towel and / or diaper, and wait a little while the water is absorbed into the fabric. Put the crumbs, unfold, if there are wet places somewhere - remove the water with lightly touching movements (do not rub).

If the baby is worried, crying, it is better to breastfeed him.(of course, not naked, but wrapped in a diaper and / or towel), can be processed a little later.

If necessary, rub your eyes cotton pads or cotton wool soaked in boiled water (from the temple to the bridge of the nose).

If necessary, clean the nose and ears by making cotton flagella. You only need to clean visible part ears.

Put on a diaper, swaddle or dress. Do not forget to put on a cap after bathing, at least for a while.

How often to bathe:

Small children should be washed daily, and washed as needed. When a child is sick, water procedures are canceled. Do not forget about daily washing, which is in any case necessary.

Bathing a baby with mom

Provided that the mother is healthy, there are no contraindications for joint bathing. If you are not sure about this, go through the same examination as when visiting the pool.

First you need to wash yourself thoroughly, clean the bath, and then take the child to the bath.

You can breastfeed while in the bathroom. Babies are usually calmer in the water next to their mother.

If the baby always cries when bathing:

Perhaps the baby is not comfortable with the temperature of the water or air, children have different preferences (the comfort of the water temperature may depend on the ambient temperature). Try changing the bath time, duration, or baby's satiety. Alternatively, swaddle the baby with a free swaddle and wash with water. You can distract with different conversations and toys (when the child grows up a little). If you wash with the light on, your baby may not like the light being too strong.

You can try to wash in silence, in dim light, slowly, moving slightly along the water.

It happens that children begin to cry after water procedures. Perhaps this is due to the temperature difference between water and air (i.e., when taken out of the water). You may not immediately unfold a child wrapped in a diaper and / or a towel, but just wait for a while, take him by the arms, you can breastfeed. If you are bathing your baby in the tub, try not to close the door all the way.

Perhaps the child had bad associations with bathing if something was done wrong. This tactic can help: do not wash for several days, but only wipe (so that the child forgets what happened), then wash in some other place in the apartment, then you can try to wash where before.

If the child has grown up and he is afraid of water for any reason: in order not to aggravate the fear, it is better to replace water procedures with rubbing with a wet diaper for several days. Pour warm water into a cup or saucepan, dip toys into it, you can give more a plastic cup, let him play, splash his hands and pour some water. Invite the child to wash the toy, wash the handkerchief, wash the children's dishes. You can wash the doll together with your little one, emphasize that she is not afraid of water and does not cry. Try to bathe the child in another place in the apartment. You can blow soap bubbles in the water.

In any case, you need to replace fear or bad associations with washing with a positive attitude towards water and water procedures.

Often there is a problem with washing your hair:

Many children begin to “show character” and do not let them wash their hair, start crying, or simply turn away.

1. You should always make sure that water with soapy foam does not get into your eyes, including “no tears” shampoos. Even if ordinary water gets in, it can cause discomfort In eyes.

2. Water should flow from the forehead to the back of the head, and not to the face. Place your hand on the baby's forehead, preventing the water from dripping onto the face. The child will not be able to breathe calmly if water is poured over the face, again, it can thus get into the eyes.

3. Special children's visors for washing their heads are on sale. Perhaps they can help you.

4. Alternatively, try to buy a different shampoo (or pour the one you used into another bottle), tell the child that this is a special shampoo, magical. Come up with some fairy tale related to hair and the need to wash it. The main thing is that the story should be positive.

In short:

Clean the bath or bath, prepare everything, pour water, measure the temperature of the water, bathe, treat the navel (if necessary) and skin, swaddle or dress.

Water temperature: 36-38. air: 24 and above.

Bathing products: potassium permanganate (until the navel has healed), herbs (2r/week), herbal preparations, soap (2r/week), shampoo (1r/week), foam (2r/week). Use only when needed and alternate. The rest of the time, bathe in ordinary clean water.