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How to properly bathe a newborn after the hospital. Baby's first bath after the hospital. Should I bathe an unhealed umbilical wound?

How to properly bathe a newborn after the hospital.  Baby's first bath after the hospital.  Should I bathe an unhealed umbilical wound?

In most cases, women do not need to bathe a newborn in the first days of life right in the maternity hospital.

Treatment of the skin and folds is repeated with each swaddling using a moistened napkin. The nurse tells the new mother in detail how this is done.

In the morning, before the first feeding, the baby is usually washed under the tap. If necessary, the eyes and nose are further treated. They are cleaned with sterile cotton wool.

The need for bathing appears only if there are delays in discharge and the mother and baby are not allowed to go home on time. Different maternity hospitals have different procedures. Daily bathing is carried out by a nurse, involving the child’s mother to help.. There is no need to be afraid of this. Experts will show the woman how to bathe her baby correctly and give the necessary recommendations.

We invite you to watch a video about how the baby is hygienically treated in the maternity hospital:

Features of the procedure after discharge

Water procedures are important not only for maintaining hygiene, but also for the emotional pleasure of the child, as well as for maintaining his immunity.

Benefits of swimming:

  • skin cleansing;
  • calming the baby;
  • hardening;
  • thermoregulation training;
  • knowledge of the surrounding world;
  • pleasant emotions.

The child's first bath will be slightly different from subsequent ones in water temperature and duration.

On what day after discharge can I take a bath?

There are two opinions about bathing after discharge:

If the birth was complicated, then the date of the first bath should be checked with the pediatrician.

You will have to postpone bathing for a day if your child was vaccinated before discharge.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion

Dr. Komarovsky believes that bathing a baby is necessary not only to maintain hygiene, but also to make it healthy. You should be accustomed to water from the first days of life., because properly organized bathing will help the child and his parents sleep soundly throughout the night.

It is important to organize the process correctly. To increase the positive effect before water procedures, it would not be amiss to do a light massage and gymnastics. The sooner a child moves from a baby bath to an adult bath, the better. Dr. Komarovsky believes that daily bathing time should be gradually increased to half an hour.

We invite you to watch a video about the opinion of the famous pediatrician Komarovsky:

When is the best time to start at home?

It is better to accustom your baby to water procedures at the same time, namely in the evening., before the last feeding. This will help the child calm down and get ready for a long night's sleep.

For some children, the bathing procedure can, on the contrary, invigorate them. In this case, it is better to wash in the morning.

Bathing should occur before feeding or 45 minutes after it.

There is no strict connection depending on the feeding regime for the first bath. Breast milk is absorbed quickly, so you can start water treatments almost immediately after the baby has eaten.

How long should it last?

The baby's first acquaintance with water can last from 3-4 minutes to 10-15. It all depends on the mood and well-being of the child. If bathing causes tears and restless behavior, the time should be reduced. And if the newborn feels well, smiles and shows interest in the process, the procedure may last longer.

In the future, bathing may take 30-40 minutes, but for the first time 15 is enough.. The water in the bath should not have time to cool down by the end of the procedure.

What is needed for this?

The first bath will take longer than subsequent ones and you need to prepare for it more carefully. You should prepare the following supplies in advance:

There should be a clock in the bathing area so that parents can monitor the duration of the procedure.

What should the water be and its temperature?

The water temperature should be 36 degrees. Using a thermometer, you need to make sure that it does not cool down while bathing. It is necessary to boil water only if the umbilical wound has not yet healed, and the quality of tap water leaves much to be desired.

Many parents add herbal infusions to the bath while bathing.. This should be done only after consultation with a pediatrician, since the wrong concentration of the solution can harm the baby.

Potassium permanganate is used with extreme caution, as undissolved crystals can cause burns.

How to wash a baby?

The room where swimming will take place should be at a temperature of 20-22 degrees. There should be no drafts in it. If you plan to bathe your baby in the bathroom, you should remove all tubes in advance that could fall and frighten the newborn. The fewer distractions, the calmer your first swim will be.

Particular attention should be paid to lighting. During the dive, the child will look up. A light bulb that is too bright can cause dissatisfaction and even irritation. It is better if the light is dim and diffused.

Step-by-step instruction

It is better to carry out the first bath according to the following algorithm:

  1. The bathtub for bathing the baby is filled with 15 cm of water. Getting to know water should not be stressful, so you should not break this rule and completely immerse the newborn. A ladle for rinsing is placed nearby.
  2. The child undresses and carefully lowers himself into a bath of water. It is necessary to immerse so that the baby's head is on the parent's elbow, and the hand itself supports the back. At the same time, the baby's chest, head and shoulders remain dry.
  3. Using a washcloth or soft cloth, wash the child's body.
  4. The newborn turns over on his stomach. You must still hold your head and chest with your hand.
  5. Next, the back is soaped. The child’s head is washed in the same position.
  6. Soap or shampoo is washed off with water from the ladle. The stream of water is directed from the forehead to the back of the head so that it does not flow into the child’s eyes. There is no need to try to immerse your baby in water with his head.
  7. This is enough for a newborn’s first acquaintance with water. The baby is removed from the bath and placed on a hard surface, for example, on a changing table.

The first bath should be without tears and stress.<. Если малыш слишком волнуется можно намочить только ручки и ножки, а погружение оставить на следующий раз.

We invite you to watch a video on how to properly bathe your baby in the first weeks of life:

Actions after washing

After bathing, the baby's skin should be gently dried with a towel.. You should not make sudden rough movements; it is better to simply blot the moisture without friction. Particular attention is paid to the ears. During water procedures, water may get into them. To remove it, special cotton swabs for newborns with limiters are used.

If your baby's skin is dry, you can apply a moisturizing balm or cream. The folds of skin under the knees and on the elbows are lubricated, as well as, if necessary, the neck and abdomen. Apply the cream with light massage movements in small quantities. The excess is soaked with a dry cloth.

Next you need to treat the navel. Using a pipette, a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide are dripped onto the wound and the remains are soaked with a cotton swab. Instead of peroxide, you can take a strong solution of potassium permanganate or brilliant green.

We invite you to watch a video about what procedures should be carried out with your baby after bathing:

If a child cries during the first bath and screams, then, first of all, you need to make sure that:

  • water temperature is within normal limits;
  • the child does not have a fever and is not sick;
  • the baby does not feel hungry;
  • he feels safe.

All the conditions are met, but the child still bursts into hysterics? The following tricks can help you get used to the water:

  • Bathing in a diaper. Our grandmothers used this method. Psychologists say that the baby’s stomach was cramped and immersion in a large space with water causes him stress.

    A wrapped diaper recreates the sensations that the baby experienced in the womb and makes it easier for him to get used to bathing. When the baby gets used to the water, the diaper can be removed.

  • Bathing together. If during the first immersion in water a mother or father is next to the newborn, it will be easier for him to endure the unusual sensations. More often, young fathers are able to try this method, since in the first time after giving birth, a woman is not recommended to take a bath. Don't be afraid that your child will get used to it. Already during the second bath, parents can try to teach their baby to be independent.

In order to interest the child in the bathing procedure, you can show him a toy, and then send it swimming in the bath. The child will see how she floats and will also reach for the water.

It is important not to give your child any discomfort while preparing for bathing.. It is better to remove the baby’s clothes in advance in another room and allow the skin to take air baths first. When the child gets used to room temperature, you can move him to the bathing room and begin to gently lower him into the water.

The child will closely monitor the parents' mood. If they are worried and nervous, their excitement will be passed on to the baby. Therefore, mom and dad should relax and smile more at their child. A song sung in a gentle and confident voice will help distract you.

Conclusion

The more carefully parents prepare for their baby's first bath, the better. It's worth starting with a positive attitude. Before the wound on the navel heals, it is better to use boiled water and carry out the bathing itself in a baby bath. On the advice of a doctor, you can add an infusion of herbs or a weak solution of potassium permanganate, but this is not necessary.

Parents should prepare everything they need in advance and closely monitor their child while in the water. If done right, your newborn will love bathing. from the first days of his life and in the future it will bring him only joyful sensations.

For your baby's first bath, you will need not only warm water and a small bath, but also more calm and self-confidence. As soon as the baby returns home from the maternity hospital, he is usually given a bath. It is common for all young parents to worry at this moment and make sure that everything goes perfectly. But don't be nervous under any circumstances. This condition will very quickly be transmitted to your baby, and the whole process will be ruined. How to organize bathing for a baby in the very first days of his life?

Nowadays, quite often the question of the first bath leads to the development of a conflict situation between new parents and the older generation - grandparents. After all, bathing means not only getting rid of sweat and dust, but also hardening the child, ensuring his harmonious development and strengthening his overall health.

Let's look at some of the most common questions regarding this.

When can you bathe your baby for the first time?

This can be done on the first day after discharge. But if on this very day you were vaccinated against tuberculosis, then it is better to postpone swimming until tomorrow.

What time of day should you bathe your baby?

At first, try to carry out this procedure at different times, focusing on the baby’s mood and behavior. This way you can decide when it’s most convenient for you and your baby to bathe. All children are individual. For some, water treatments calm and relax, helping them fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly, while others, on the contrary, get terribly excited and then cannot fall asleep for a long time. Traditionally, babies are bathed in the evenings, this allows them to wash away all the dust that has settled on their skin during the day. But you can choose a time that is more convenient for you.

What is the optimal duration of the procedure?

The first time you should not keep the baby in the water for more than three minutes, and then every day you can increase this time to a quarter of an hour. Over time, your child himself will be able to tell you that he is tired of being in the water or is tired. But for now the estimated duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes.

How often should you bathe your baby?

Of course, this is worth doing every day. First, daily bathing is very important for your baby's personal hygiene. And secondly, it is the best option for soft hardening.

Do you need a diaper when bathing your baby?

Some argue that you cannot do without it, otherwise the child may be afraid of water. The diaper gives him a feeling of protection, reminiscent of being in his mother's tummy. But now pediatricians say that this is a prejudice and this method of bathing is a relic of the past. It’s up to you to decide what’s best to do. But remember that the child can get used to the diaper and it will be much more difficult to wean him off.

Is it possible to immediately bathe a baby in a large bathtub?

This is only your personal decision. You need to know that a large bathtub must be thoroughly cleaned (best with regular baking soda). You can teach your baby to swim in it, and it gives him much more freedom to move.

Do you need to boil water for bathing?

Until the wound on the baby's navel has completely healed, it is preferable to bathe him in boiled water. But after three weeks it usually heals, allowing you to use regular tap water.

What can you add to bathing water?

Some experts recommend using a weak solution of potassium permanganate until the umbilical wound has healed. In this case, potassium permanganate should be dissolved only in a separate container to prevent crystals from getting on the delicate baby skin. But be careful, getting even a non-concentrated solution into a newborn’s eyes can cause severe burns.

You can also use various herbs for bathing, such as chamomile, string, oak bark. But keep in mind that they all dry out the skin, so you should use them no more than twice a week.

What equipment might you need?

If you are going to bathe your child yourself, without anyone's help, purchase a special springboard. It is very easy to handle and will allow you to keep your baby's head above the water while your hands are free.

In order to properly organize the bathing process, prepare for it in advance, a quarter of an hour before the start of the procedure. The room should be warm enough - from 22 to 24C. There should be enough space to approach the bath from different sides. Also make sure there are no drafts.

Choose a special safe thermometer for water. For the first bath, the optimal temperature is 37C. Also prepare a ladle or jug ​​with a volume of about a liter, baby soap or foam, a towel or a special diaper with a hood. Older children can be offered several rubber toys.

After bathing, gently dry your baby's skin with a towel, but under no circumstances should you rub it. If the skin is dry, apply oil to it, and the folds can be treated with powder to prevent the formation of diaper rash. If necessary, carefully cut the baby's nails. After you have completed all the procedures, dress your baby in comfortable, clean clothes.

Remember that bathing should be done about an hour after eating, or forty minutes before it. This will avoid regurgitation and discomfort in your small tummy. Before swimming, it’s a good idea to do gymnastics and a special relaxing massage.

Ekaterina, www.site

When can you bathe a newborn?

On what day to bathe a newborn depends on the condition of the baby’s umbilical wound. Previously, it was recommended to bathe a child only after the umbilical wound has healed. Most often this happens in the first or second week of a baby’s life. Before, in order to “wash” the baby and remove food debris and sweat from his body, you had to use high-quality wet wipes or a towel soaked in boiled water. Nowadays, bathing is allowed from the second day the baby is at home, that is, on days 5-7 from the moment of birth.

Only your pediatrician can answer the exact question of when you can start bathing a newborn after examining the child.

What water should I bathe in?

It is believed that it is better to spend the baby’s first baths in boiled water (again, this rule is valid until the umbilical wound heals). Prepare the required amount of boiled water in advance and fill the bath with it. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to buy a special bath for the baby. A well-cleaned adult bathroom with sodium bicarbonate (or simply soda) is also suitable.

However, keep in mind that you will have to bathe and hold both a newborn boy and a newborn girl yourself. And leaning over a large adult bathtub is less comfortable than leaning over a children's bathtub that can be placed on a table. Additionally, filling an adult bathtub will require more water. The water temperature for the first swim should be 36°C. Hotter water temperatures can burn your baby's skin.

What to add to water?

If the water is soft enough and boiled, adding additional products is not necessary. It can even become dangerous if your child is prone to allergies.

You can only decide which grass to bathe your newborn in through trial and error. If, after bathing in a series, you notice that the child has become more excitable and his skin is rough, you will have to stop using this herb. On the contrary, if after bathing in chamomile infusion, the child falls asleep better and behaves more calmly, then this herb is suitable for you, and you can continue to use it. However, leave these experiments for when the baby is a little older.

What cosmetic products should I use?

There is not the slightest need to wash a newborn with special detergents during the first bath. Also save various sponges and washcloths for later. A baby's skin is incredibly vulnerable, one contact with tap water can be enough for it to break out in a rash, and if you also rub it with a washcloth, you can be sure that you will have a sleepless night.

How to hold a newborn during the first bath?

With your left hand, support the child by the back of the head and back, and with your right hand under the buttocks and legs. Can only be supported with your left hand. You will develop the correct support intuitively during the bath itself.

Who should bathe a newborn?

The person with whom the baby spends the most time and whom the baby trusts. So the candidacy of a dad whom the child sees one hour a day is probably not the most optimal. But a father who spends a lot of time with the child can successfully replace a mother who is already tired during the day.

Duration of the first bath of a newborn

Pediatricians recommend up to 10 minutes. But, if the first contact with water frightens your baby, and the calm tone of your voice does not relieve his stress, the baby should be taken out of the water earlier. And if the child really likes it in the water, You can swim longer, provided that the water does not get colder than 32 degrees. (In this case, stock up on an extra pan filled with warm boiled water so that, if necessary, you can add this water during bathing).

First bath of a newborn and signs

  1. According to popular belief, you cannot swim in the same water where a newborn has bathed, otherwise he will get sick, and you cannot wash clothes in it.
  2. In ancient times, a silver decoration (but not a cross) was placed in the bathing water; it was believed that this would bring wealth.
  3. If the baby was bathed in the evening, the water was not thrown out until the sun rose the next morning.

womanadvice.ru

While carrying a baby, expectant mothers worry about the upcoming birth, enjoy reading articles about pregnancy, selecting a maternity hospital, and many, an obstetrician. But soon these problems are left behind, and the long-awaited baby ends up in their arms. This is where anxiety comes in. How to properly care for a child? What procedures are included in mandatory daily care? What is important not to forget in the first months of a baby’s life? It’s good if someone experienced in raising children comes to the rescue. Well, what if there is no one to turn to, and you simply don’t have time to look for the necessary information in books? For such parents, we will try to systematize the necessary information on this issue.

Newborn hygiene

Upon arrival home from the maternity hospital, it is very important carry out hygiene procedures - wash the child, clean his nose and ears, rinse his eyes. In the evening, shortly before bedtime, you should bathe the baby with soap. It should be noted here that if the vaccination was given on the day of discharge, then bathing should be postponed until the next evening. Every child’s morning should begin with changing the diaper, washing, and cleaning the nasal and ear passages.

When changing a diaper, lubricate your baby's skin with baby cream.

When changing a diaper, it is important to lubricate the baby's skin with baby cream, oil or special cream under a diaper. You need to coat every fold and generously apply cream to the baby’s bottom. When putting on a disposable diaper, the most important thing is not to fasten it tightly so as not to damage the delicate skin. The frequency of diaper changes in the first months is approximately three to four hours and is required after each bowel movement. For the sensitive skin of a baby, it is very important to be without a “diaper” for at least a couple of hours a day. The main thing is not to forget to put a waterproof fabric under the diaper, preferably a medical oilcloth. This oilcloth does not rustle and can also be used for a crib and changing table.

You need to wash your child with warm boiled water using a cotton pad. or just your fingers. In case of skin rashes, you can wash your child with the infusion of the series. It is also necessary to wash the child's eyes. Each eye is washed with a separate cotton pad from the outer corner to the inner one. If you experience discharge from the tear ducts after sleep, it is useful to wash your eyes with tea infusion.

Cotton swabs, discs and Vaseline are our helpers in caring for a newborn

Cleaning the child's nasal passages should be done with cotton swabs or flagella rolled from sterile cotton wool. Dip the stick in Vaseline oil and gently clean each nostril with rotational movements. You can insert the stick no more than one centimeter so as not to damage the mucous area. Also remove using rotational movements. The ears are cleaned using cotton swabs soaked in Vaseline oil. But you cannot penetrate inside the ear canal to avoid injury. A separate cotton swab should be used for each ear and each nostril.

Bathing a newborn

Be sure to measure the water temperature when bathing your newborn. It should be at least 36.7-37 degrees

Every baby’s day must end with a bath.. Choose a comfortable baby bathtub for this purpose and clean it well before each bath. Until the umbilical wound heals, you need to add a solution of manganese to the water. Dilute the manganese in a separate bottle, the solution should be bright pink. Add very little to the bath; the required amount is approximately equal to the volume of a cap from a regular plastic bottle. As a rule, the wound heals in no more than 20 days. Bathing with soap or other baby bath product is necessary twice a week. If rashes are found on the child’s skin, you can add an infusion of the series to the water. It is necessary to wash every part of the child’s body, thoroughly wash every fold. Particular attention should be paid to the genitals; they should be washed from front to back to avoid infection from the anus. When bathing your baby, support his head. Make sure that water does not get into the ear canals. If this cannot be avoided, simply hold the child’s side over the water so that the water flows out of the ear. A newborn is usually bathed for five minutes; by the month the time of water procedures increases to 15-20 minutes. The water temperature should be at least 36.7 - 37 degrees Celsius. To measure it you need to buy a special bath thermometer.

It is not necessary to use soap every day during bathing; it can dry out your baby's skin.

Use soap 2-3 times a week. The baby's body can be washed with a baby's soft washcloth or a piece of soft cloth. Do not rub your baby's skin too hard to avoid damaging it. During bathing, so that the baby enjoys this procedure, you can put toys - frogs, ducks - into the bath. When the child is sitting, invite him to play a little in the bath. If a child is naughty, you should not force him into the water; he should be quickly washed and removed from the water.

If you are going to teach your child to swim from birth, then you should teach him to swim in a large bathtub from the earliest stages.

Feeding a newborn

You can feed your baby “by the hour” or “on demand”. The first method involves feeding every 3.5 hours and sleeping at night for 6 hours. The second way is a flexible schedule. In this case, the child is fed when he himself demands it, including at night. Modern pediatricians have come to the conclusion that feeding “on demand” has a beneficial effect on the child’s psyche and establishing contact with the mother. Yes, and what mother can stand it if her baby is suffering from hunger, and there is still an hour before feeding! At first, until the nipples have adapted to feeding, you should hold the baby at the breast for no more than 15 minutes to avoid cracks. You need to feed, alternating between the right and left breasts. While the baby is receiving milk from one breast, the other is storing food for the next feeding. After feeding, it is a good idea to hold the baby in an upright position so that the air that he could swallow during sucking can escape. In hot weather, it is necessary to give the child boiled water, first from a spoon, and a little later from a bottle. You can also give water in winter; many mothers do this regardless of the time of year.
At first, the baby is usually swaddled. Some do this for up to two months, some for the first week, and some do not swaddle at all. The best option is to swaddle for one or two weeks, and then another week only for nighttime sleep. In the meantime, the child’s hands are reaching for his face, it is necessary to dress him in undershirts with “anti-scratch mittens” so that he cannot damage the delicate skin of his face and eyes. After you stop using such vests, you will need to carefully monitor your baby's nails. They need to be cut with special scissors with rounded tips.

Washing a newborn's clothes

When washing clothes for a newborn, be sure to use special baby detergents.

The baby's diapers and clothes should only be washed using special baby detergents. At first, until the umbilical wound heals, clothes and diapers should be ironed on both sides.

Finally, I would like to note that You should always touch your baby with clean hands, do not hesitate to talk about this to your guests. Disinfect pacifiers, bottles, rattles and other baby things after purchase. Rinse the bottle and nipples with boiling water before each use. Wash the pacifier often with boiled water. Avoid loud and harsh sounds in the presence of the baby, talk to him, hold him in your arms, stroke his hair. Let your baby grow up strong, healthy and cheerful!

www.baby.ru

It has long been the custom that a baby’s first bath after the hospital is trusted to his grandmother. It is good when a young mother has someone to rely on and who will share her invaluable experience in caring for her newborn.

But some women want to take care of their baby on their own from the very first day and are jealous of any outside help. And then, even after having previously studied a lot of literature and watched more than one educational video, the new mother realizes that she does not know which side to approach the baby, sometimes experiencing a feeling of fear before bathing.

To prevent this from happening and to ensure that the child’s first bath after the maternity hospital goes well and does not cause unpleasant associations for either the mother or the baby, it is necessary to carefully prepare for this action and understand the basic rules of bathing.

What will you need for your first bath after maternity hospital?

  1. First of all, of course, a bath. It should have a fairly wide bottom and be stable. And although many people want to bathe their babies immediately in a large bath, they should not do this and at first still bathe the baby in a small volume of water. This is even practical, because the water consumption is less, and the herbs in which small children are bathed stain the surface of the bathtub so that it is very difficult to wash later. Plus, another obvious benefit of using a small tub is that you don't have to boil huge amounts of water every day.
  2. Swimming slide. This is a very useful accessory, even if you have an assistant. Having laid the baby down, it will be much easier for the mother, and there will be no strain on the lower back. There are plastic slides that follow the contours of the baby’s body and fabric ones that are stretched over a frame. An alternative can be a foam mat, which is placed on the bottom of the bath to make the baby comfortable and soft, and previously it was replaced with a regular diaper.
  3. A decoction of string or chamomile, carefully strained.
  4. Cotton pads or a soft cloth for washing folds.
  5. Baby soap or foam (optional).
  6. Large soft terry towel.
  7. Floating thermometer.
  8. Boiled water. At first, it is better to boil the water for bathing a newborn, but starting from the second month, you can safely use ordinary, unboiled water.
Water temperature for bathing babies

To prevent a child from freezing in water, its temperature should not be lower than 36.6 ° C, but too warm or even hot water can be even more harmful. It should be no higher than 37.3°C, that is, the range is the same as the baby’s body temperature at this age.

You should not add hot water as the main water cools down; it is better to simply reduce the bathing time. After all, the water layers mix unevenly, this can scare the baby, and then he will refuse to swim.

The air temperature in the room where the child is bathed should be five degrees higher than in other rooms. Unfortunately, many people believe that the room needs to be heated as much as possible. This is not correct, the child will feel stuffy and uncomfortable in the heat, and in the bedroom, where it is much colder, the baby will quickly cool down and may catch a cold.

Baby bathing technique

There should be no more than a third of the water in the bath; this is quite enough to introduce the baby to the bathing procedure. First, the baby is loosely wrapped in a light diaper; this is necessary so that the baby feels comfortable, like in his mother’s tummy, and is not afraid of new sensations.

The legs are slowly dipped into the water first, and then gradually the butt, back and back of the head. You should not immediately immerse the baby completely, as this can cause shock. Now you need to scoop up water with your palm and gently squish it onto the diaper, gradually wetting it. Only the upper chest and head remain above the surface of the water.

It is not at all necessary to wash your child with soap or shampoo at first, but if there is contamination, then you can use detergents, but not more than once a week. After wiping the body with a soft cloth or cotton wool (especially the folds), you can begin washing the head. They carefully water it with water, wiping it behind the ears, and a separate cotton pad for the eyes and face.

You can take the baby out in the same position as when you put it in the bath, or under the arms. It is quite inconvenient when the person helping to bathe throws a towel over the child. It is better to have a changing table or any other surface nearby on which to lay a towel and place the baby on it.

The final step will be to blot the body with a soft towel, wipe the ears and lubricate the folds with baby cream. The best time to bathe a newborn after the hospital is in the evening. The child relaxes and sleeps well throughout the night.

womanadvice.ru

The first bath of a newborn baby - parents, don’t panic!

Where to start with the first bath of a newborn: preparing the room, bath for bathing the child

First of all, to make bathing a joy for both you and your baby, prepare yourself emotionally. That is, don’t worry, don’t be afraid, and don’t gather too many relatives around the bathtub. Coping with bathing It's quite possible to do it alone , and even more so if you and your husband are alone.

Video: First bath of a newborn baby

  • To start preparing a regular or bathroom (many people bathe newborns in the kitchen).
  • Heating the air in room.
  • Installing the bath (if in the room, then on the table).
  • If the bathroom floors are slippery, then don't forget about the rubber mat .
  • We put a chair (holding a baby bending over the bathtub is very difficult).
  • If you decide to bathe your baby in a large shared bathtub, then using chemicals to clean it is unacceptable. It should definitely pour boiling water over it (this also applies to a small bath for disinfection purposes).
  • For the first bath it is better to use boiled water (until the umbilical wound has healed). You can soften it, for example, with an infusion of string, 1 glass per bath (potassium permanganate is not recommended for the first bath).
  • If you have doubts about the quality of your tap water, then install a filter on the faucet in advance .
  • To prevent the baby from slipping in the bath, put a thick diaper on the bottom or a towel.

The best time and most comfortable water temperature for bathing a child

Usually, time for swimming choose evening. But there are babies who fall asleep for a very long time after bathing, and even sleep very restlessly, due to the stimulating effect of water procedures. If this is exactly your case, it is quite possible to bathe him during the day, or even in the morning. The main thing is not to bathe your baby on a full or empty stomach. After feeding, time should pass - at least an hour (and no more than an hour and a half). Concerning water temperature, remember the following:

  • The normal water temperature is individual for everyone. But for the first bath, it is advisable to bring it to 36.6 degrees .
  • The water should not be hot or cold. If you don’t have a thermometer (which is better to stock up on before giving birth), you can dip your elbow in the water and decide based on your feelings whether the water is normal or hot.

www.colady.ru

A solution of manganese must be prepared first by dissolving the crystals in water to a dark purple hue.

Bathing process

Bathing should become a daily procedure, and it is advisable to set a regular time for it.

Your child will soon have tests; find out how to collect urine from a baby here.

It is advisable that one of the relatives help the mother when this happens for the first time. If there is no one to help, then it is not difficult to bathe one.

The presence of a diaper at the bottom of the bath is not mandatory in accordance with modern requirements of pediatricians, so it can be omitted.

You should take the child so that he lies with his head and neck on his left hand, and his buttocks on his right. Lower the baby into the water so that the lower part of the legs and back are immersed in it.

It is necessary to ensure that the head and shoulders are raised above the water; for this you need the support of your left hand. At this time, the right hand waters the protruding surface of the baby’s body.

In the next step, the right hand is filled with bathing liquid, then it is carefully distributed over the child's body using soft, gentle movements. Wash it off.

Rinsing occurs in this order: you need to turn the baby onto his tummy, supporting him with the palm of his left hand. In his right hand is a jug filled with clean water. Pour water over the baby from a jug and cover the top with a towel or diaper. Dry the baby's body, then place him on the prepared, unfolded diaper. Rub the skin with gentle touches, especially carefully in the folds.

In general, the first bath should last no more than 3 minutes, as the child may get tired.

The next stage is intended to treat the surface of the skin and the umbilical wound. To lubricate the folds, use baby cream or oil. The wound is treated with brilliant green, or concentrated potassium permanganate in solution.

After this, the baby needs to be dressed and swaddled.

Bathing products

The product used when bathing the baby should not contain alkali, alcohol, or other substances that may cause an allergic reaction.

At first, it is better to bathe the baby in water with a herbal decoction.

For the decoction, string, chamomile, oak bark, or a combination of these can be used.

The use of herbal decoction provides antiseptic and anti-inflammatory protection. The decoction promotes tissue restoration and soothes the skin.

Later, you can switch to using special products or baby soap. It is first necessary to test for the presence of an allergic reaction by testing the product on a small area of ​​the body.

Video

This video discusses existing contraindications related to bathing an infant. How much time should be devoted to this procedure, how often and to other subtle moments.

Newborn baby's first bath at home

The young couple received a new status - they are now parents! If it’s your first child, there’s especially a lot of anxiety. New moms and dads know little about caring for a baby. But every day hitherto unfamiliar responsibilities become more and more natural. And remembering the first bath of a newborn at home, experienced parents smile at their own fears and awkwardness.

When to start?

After the maternity hospital, I immediately want to make the baby a clean house - wash it and change it into cute things. If you want, do it. The first bath of a newborn is allowed the next day after the vaccination given in the maternity hospital. Moreover, now there are no clear requirements - to boil water or not. If you are sure that the water in the tap is clean, you can do without boiling.

On what day can you bathe a newborn if the birth was complicated or the baby was registered? – only a specialist doctor can answer this question. It is better for parents not to take risks by making such decisions on their own.

What to cook?

What items need to be prepared to make bathing a baby convenient for parents?

  • bath (anatomical, with a stand for the child, round, inflatable);
  • alcohol thermometer;
  • strong solution of potassium permanganate (prepare in advance);
  • a nice ladle (rinse with clean water at the end of bathing);
  • terry towel (natural with a hood);
  • clean clothes and diaper;
  • care products (liquid baby soap; oil, cream or powder; baby comb; scissors with rounded ends; cotton swabs for babies).

How to organize a swim?

Buying a baby bath is not a matter of principle. It is more convenient to bathe a baby for the first time, especially for one parent, in a small bathtub. But an adult bath gives the child the opportunity to work properly! Where else can a baby swing his arms and legs so freely and cheerfully, splashing everything around?

If you choose a children's bathtub, then install it so that you can walk around it - your back will thank you. Keep in mind that when the baby gets playful, he will pour a whole sea of ​​water - before bathing the baby, remove the carpets, or immediately go to the kitchen. Instead of a stand, a kitchen table is suitable - the less you bend over, the less you get tired.

Bathroom temperature

The water temperature for bathing a newborn is 36° – 37°C. The color of the water is light pink. To prevent undissolved lumps of potassium permanganate from burning the baby’s skin, you prepared the solution ahead of time. It can be stored as long as you like and will always be at hand.

By the way, the temperature of the water for bathing a baby can gradually decrease - this is a gradual hardening that began from the first days. To do this, the temperature is lowered by 1°C every three days to the permissible limit (each baby has its own).

Evening or morning: when to bathe your baby?

How to bathe a baby correctly: in the morning or in the evening? You yourself choose a convenient time for swimming. However, an evening bath has important benefits:

  • it is more logical to wash the baby before going to bed at night;
  • dad is already at home and can take part in the fun ceremony;
  • You will accustom your child to the ritual of bedtime, this will help you later move the baby into your bed;
  • household chores are over and the whole family can enjoy communicating with each other.

When should you bathe a newborn for the first time if he is dirty? It is not at all necessary to wash your baby every time you change the diaper. In order to perform a small toilet, place the child on your entire arm, belly down, like this: face on your elbow, butt on your palm, press the little one sideways to you, slightly leaning his back towards you, and bring his butt under the tap (the water is already turned on and temperature is set). Wash for your health! Never place your child on your arm with his back down - children can instantly twist and fall to the floor.

When to bathe a newborn: before or after meals? It’s better before meals, but it’s also possible after - it all depends on the baby’s reaction. Please note that you can only bathe an hour after eating. This is explained by the fact that all children like to be active and playful in the bathroom, which can cause severe regurgitation. It’s better if a clean, tired and cheerful baby sits comfortably next to his mother, has dinner and falls asleep nicely.

How to bathe so that your toddler loves the bath

How to bathe a baby so that he likes it? The water should be warm. Mom and dad are calm. In any case, someone should help mommy. It's not so easy - the first bath of a newborn baby! For a positive first experience, you can wrap your baby in a diaper. This will make him feel more comfortable and calm. But you don't have to do this. The air in the bathroom is 22-24°C, the door is open so that the baby does not go straight from the steam room into a cool room.

How to bathe a newborn for the first time so as not to let him get into the water? Learn to hold your baby correctly: the back of the baby’s head in your palm, with your little finger in the neck area. With your other hand, support the baby under the butt until you get used to holding it with one hand.

Whatever happens, don’t leave your baby alone in the bathroom! This is the main rule of safety when swimming. The baby may choke, hit himself, roll over (after all, you don’t know when your child will do this for the first time!), fall out, open a tap with boiling water, or get scared. There is not a single reason that would justify the risk of an accident with your beloved baby.

Navel: how and when to wash the baby

When to start bathing a newborn if the navel has not healed? Taking into account the fact that water also heals – right after the maternity hospital. Boil the water in advance so that it has time to cool. There is already a solution of potassium permanganate.

Once a day, after a bath, rinse the festering wound with 3% hydrogen peroxide and wipe with a cotton swab moistened with the same peroxide. After this, cauterize the navel (only the wound!) with a concentrated solution of potassium permanganate (it is convenient to use a stick for the ears), a solution of brilliant green 1% or alcohol. Some pediatricians recommend brewing oak bark.

Is it possible to bathe a newborn if the belly button has not fallen off? – without a doubt it is possible. The remnants of the umbilical cord last up to 5-14 days. The wound will heal for another 10-14 days.

There are several unpleasant complications that appear against the background of infection of the umbilical wound (gangrene of the umbilical remnant, fungus, weeping navel, omphalitis). Like any problem related to a baby, a non-healing navel requires examination by a pediatrician.

By the way, not so long ago diapers with a cutout for the navel appeared - especially for newborn babies. If the umbilical cord does not fall off, it’s worth a try.

There is water in my ear, what should I do?

How to bathe a newborn baby for the first time without a cap, since most grandmothers insist on a cap? Even if water gets into the ear, it's not a problem. On the contrary, moisturizing the ears and nose is useful for cleansing the dust that has accumulated during the day. Use a cotton swab to wet the ear at the entrance - this is enough to maintain hygiene.

A baby's first bath is great and fun. Don’t be alarmed if your baby takes a sip of water or spits in his face—children learn to be afraid from their parents. Better invite a relative with a video camera or photo camera - and your family archive will be replenished with funny footage.

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Baby's first bath after maternity hospital | Lazy mom

The day has come when you are already returning home from the maternity ward with a baby in your arms. Joyful feelings engulf you, but small, or maybe even large, anxiety and worries about how to deal with this little bundle of happiness cannot leave you.

Self-doubt is a particularly strong sign if this is the first child in the family. And this is normal, especially since every day you understand better and better how to properly care for a baby and the joy from the first successes only intensifies and fills communication with your child with happiness, sweeping away all the difficulties in your path.

From the very first days you will have to master more and more new horizons in matters of caring for a baby. One of these new things is bathing your baby. Here the question immediately arises - when can you bathe a newly arrived family member?

lenmama.ru

The baby's first bath after the hospital. Caring for a newborn in the first days after the hospital

Hygiene of a newborn baby requires special knowledge from parents. During the first month, you need to especially carefully monitor the condition of the umbilical cord, skin folds, and the hygiene of the mother’s breast. There are special requirements for bathing your baby. Thus, doctors recommend that the child’s first bath after the maternity hospital be carried out no earlier than 2 days after discharge. This article is about what hygiene should be like for a baby in the first month of life.

After discharge from the maternity hospital, the newborn is monitored by a local doctor and a nurse. They are required to visit the baby the next day after the mother and baby return home. Medical professionals give the mother recommendations on how to care for and feed the baby. Health care workers should make follow-up visits on the 14th and 21st days after birth.

  1. In the first month of a baby’s life, you should not invite guests to your home, visit public places with your baby, or go on a visit with him. This is explained by the weak immunity of the little man, when he can get sick from literally every sneeze.
  2. In the children's room, a certain temperature and humidity regime should be maintained: air humidity - 60%, temperature - +23 °C.
  3. If the baby is fed an artificial formula, then each feeding should be done from carefully sterilized bottles.
  4. If breastfeeding, mothers should wash their nipples after each feeding, not before. This is explained by the fact that between feedings, bacteria that are beneficial for the newborn’s intestines are formed on the nipples, which are easily washed off if you wash the breasts before feeding. In this case, the mother should wear a clean bra with disposable pads.

Umbilical cord care

When the baby is born, doctors place a special plastic bracket on the remainder of the umbilical cord. By the 4-6th day of the baby’s life, the umbilical wound becomes covered with a crust, and after a month it is completely healed. Modern doctors are confident that the umbilical cord does not require special care, as this can lead to infection of the wound and its traumatization.

There are a number of unfavorable symptoms that require you to see a doctor:

  • the area near the navel is red and swollen;
  • the wound has an unpleasant odor or purulent discharge;
  • the umbilical cord heals too slowly;
  • a protrusion has formed, increasing when the baby cries.

Doctors do not recommend washing your baby in the bath until a crust forms on the wound! The first bath of a child after the maternity hospital in the absence of a crust is unacceptable; in this case, it is enough to wash the baby and carry out morning hygiene procedures.

Washing your face in the morning

Newborn babies have very vulnerable skin, so it should be taken care of very carefully from the first days of life. For the first month, you can wash your baby only with boiled water. Before you begin this procedure, you should prepare:

  • container with boiled water heated to a temperature of +32 ° C;
  • baby oil (mineral or vegetable);
  • sterile cotton wool flagella and cotton pads;
  • a soft towel (preferably bamboo).

Before starting to wash the baby, the mother should wash her hands with soap and hot water so that they are warm and tender. Rules for swimming in the morning:

  1. Each eye is wiped with a cotton pad moistened with water and wrung out. Movements should be from the center to the periphery. After wiping with a wet disc, you need to blot your eyes with a towel.
  2. The nose and ears are cleaned with cotton wool dipped in oil. It is prohibited to use cotton swabs!
  3. Use a damp disc to wipe the baby's ear and the area behind it, nose and mouth, forehead and cheeks.
  4. The procedure is completed by drying with a towel - to do this, simply blot the baby’s skin.

After each toilet, the baby should be washed with running warm water without using detergents (maximum once a week). It is not recommended to use commercially made wet wipes as they contain many chemicals that can cause unnecessary irritation and trigger an allergic reaction. Bathing infants should also be complemented by intimate hygiene procedures for babies.

How to wash a girl

Before you take your daughter into the bath, you should pick her up in a special way: her head should lie on your elbow, and her butt should be supported by your palm. The baby is placed on the inside of the arm with her tummy down. For ease of washing, baby baths for newborns are usually used, which are placed in a large bathtub - this reduces the risk of dropping the baby.

During the procedure, the girl should be washed from the bottom up - avoiding dirty water getting into the vagina. Do not wipe the labia from the inside! After the procedure, you should blot your butt and genitals with a soft towel. If there is irritation, treat the skin with a special product.

How to wash a boy

Before going to the bath, the baby should be picked up in the same way as described above. When washing, water should be directed from front to back. The scrotum and penis should be washed carefully, without pulling off the delicate skin or exposing the head of the penis.

After water procedures, dry and lubricate the skin if there is irritation.

What to do with crusts on your head

After birth, babies often develop yellowish crusts on their heads - the so-called gneiss. The reason for its formation is unknown. It is assumed that its appearance may be associated with the baby’s body’s reaction to food.

To get rid of crusts on the scalp, you should prepare vegetable or mineral oil, a cotton pad and a small comb. One hour before bathing in the bath, you need to lubricate the crusts with oil, previously boiled in a water bath. Bathing infants should be supplemented by wiping the gneiss with a soapy cotton swab and then combing it out. When your hair is dry, remove any remaining flakes by combing it out with a comb.

Bathing the baby

If a crust has formed on the umbilical wound, there is no inflammation or discharge from it, then you can start washing the baby. As a rule, the baby’s first bath after the maternity hospital occurs a couple of days after discharge.

During the first month of a child’s life, water procedures should be taken every day. Starting from the second month - every other day. By six months, it is enough to bathe the baby a couple of times a week. There is no need to do this too often, as exposure to water with bleach negatively affects the condition of the baby’s skin.

Bathing should be done at the same time every day, preferably before evening feeding. The duration of water procedures is up to 6 minutes. The baby's first bath after the hospital can be scary, so 1-2 minutes will be enough to start with. If the baby starts crying, you should stop the procedure. You need to bathe on a full stomach so that the child does not become capricious. You should not take a bath after 21:00, as this will have a stimulating effect on the baby’s nervous system, and it will be more difficult to put him to sleep. Water for bathing newborns should be about +23 °C.

If necessary, bathing string or chamomile can be added to the water, but it is not recommended to bathe the baby in manganese water. Potassium permanganate dries the skin very much and is very dangerous in terms of causing burns from crystals of the substance. In the first month of a child’s life, water should be used that has settled and boiled to get rid of excess chlorine and other harmful elements. For the procedure, you can use baby baths for newborns - they do not require a large amount of water.

When bathing your baby, use the left river to hold his head and neck, and use the right river to pour water on his body and wipe the skin. Upon completion of the procedure, the child should be doused with water at a temperature 2 degrees lower than what it was during bathing.

Diaper handling

This accessory makes life much easier for parents, but its use comes with a number of requirements.

  1. Before going outside, after emptying, half an hour after feeding, the diaper should be changed.
  2. After removing the diaper, you need to allow the skin to “breathe” for 40-60 minutes.
  3. If there is irritation on the skin, you should stop using this item for a while. As an alternative, you can use regular diapers, washed and ironed.
  4. If allergic rashes appear in the diaper area, you should immediately replace it with products from other manufacturers.

Compliance with these simple requirements will allow you to avoid unpleasant consequences in the form of sweat rash, allergies, diaper rash and other troubles.

The birth of a child is a long-awaited event in every family, which brings great responsibility. It is important not only to feed and change diapers for your baby on time, but also to know how to properly give a newborn a first bath. In fact, there is nothing complicated here, stick to a few simple rules and motherhood will bring you great pleasure.

When to bathe a newborn for the first time

Young mothers are interested in the answer to the question: “On what day after the maternity hospital is it allowed to bathe the child?” This will depend on the condition of the newborn's umbilical wound. Until recently, it was allowed to bathe a baby from the moment the umbilical wound had completely healed - approximately in the second week after birth. And to remove sweat from the child’s body and food debris, it was recommended to use a towel or napkin soaked in boiled water. But now the bathing procedure is allowed to be carried out starting from the second day the child is at home (5th day after birth).

To get an accurate answer, you need to consult a pediatrician who will examine the child and give practical advice. Bathing the baby is carried out only in boiled water - this rule is observed until the umbilical wound is completely healed. The required amount of water is prepared in advance, then a clean bath is filled. To bathe a child, you don’t have to buy a special bathtub - wash an adult bathtub with simple baking soda.

When using an adult bathtub to bathe a newborn, you need to hold it yourself, and bending over a large bathtub is not very convenient, and this hygienic procedure will have to be carried out regularly. Therefore, it is best to spend a little and buy a special bath for bathing newborn children.

To fill an adult bathtub, you will have to boil a lot more water, which will take a lot of time. It is important that the water temperature is 36°C. If you use hot water, there is a risk of leaving burns on the baby's delicate skin. It is necessary to check the water temperature before each swim. To do this, purchase a special thermometer.

What you need for swimming at home

The baby's first bath will take a long time, so first you need to prepare the bath accessories that may be needed:

  • Bath for bathing. For the first days of your baby's life, purchase a special baby bath. Before the procedure, wash it thoroughly using cleaning products intended for children. It is not recommended to spend the first bath in large adult bathtubs, otherwise the child will be scared.
  • Thermometer for measuring water temperature. The first bathing of newborns must be carried out only at an optimal temperature of no more than 36°C. If the water is too hot, your baby may overheat.
  • Soft mitten or washcloth. As a washcloth, you need to use a soft cloth, mitten, or sponge, which gently wipes the baby’s skin. It is strictly forbidden to use hard washcloths, as they can seriously damage the delicate skin of a newborn.
  • Toys and soap. It is not necessary to take toys into the bath, but they can distract the baby, and bathing a newborn for the first time will be more relaxed.
  • A clean and soft towel, hydrogen peroxide or brilliant green to treat the umbilical wound, a diaper, cotton swabs with a special limiter, clothes.

Water temperature

The most important thing is to know what water is allowed to bathe a newborn, and for this you should consult with your pediatrician. The bathtub must be filled with water to about 15 cm. The first bath of a newborn baby is recommended in boiled water, but if the tap water is well filtered, then it is not necessary to boil it again.

What to add to water - bathing products

To bathe a newborn baby, use plain boiled water; it is recommended to add decoctions of medicinal herbs that need to be infused (chamomile, chamomile, etc.) or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Before using potassium permanganate, consult a pediatrician who will tell you the correct concentration of the solution so as not to harm the baby. There is one interesting sign - a silver decoration (not a cross) was placed in a bath of water to attract wealth and prosperity to the child’s destiny.

Bathing a newborn in a diaper

The first bath of a newborn baby can be carried out in a diaper according to the following principle:

  • the baby must be wrapped in a thin diaper or simply thrown over the baby’s shoulders and lowered into a clean bath;
  • You need to bathe the child together - one person holds the baby, opening the arms and legs, and after washing with warm water, covers it again with film, the other waters it from a ladle;
  • Hands are washed first, then legs;
  • Next, the tummy is washed, then the back;
  • At the end of the bath procedures, the child is taken out of the bath and wrapped in a dry towel.
  • After drying, the baby is dressed in warm clothes.

Duration

Professional pediatricians advise bathing newborn babies for no more than 10 minutes. If the first bath frightens the newborn and even the mother’s gentle voice cannot calm him down, it is worth getting the baby out of the water much earlier. Provided that the child likes the water procedure, you can extend the process a little, but in this case it is important to constantly monitor the water temperature so that the baby does not freeze. To do this, prepare another pan of water to add during bathing.

How to bathe newborns

Provided that the child is completely healthy and the first bath caused only positive emotions, the water procedure is allowed to be carried out every day. Pediatricians recommend bathing your baby at approximately the same time. Most parents choose the evening, before feeding the baby. It is best to monitor your child's mood; if he feels well and likes daytime bathing, refuse evening procedures. For some children, bathing does not have a calming, but an exciting effect, and here it is necessary to take into account the mood of the little one.

Rules for bathing newborns

It is necessary to bathe your child according to the following instructions:

  • The bath is filled with water to about 15 cm. The chest, shoulders and head remain dry. A ladle filled with warm water is placed next to the bath, which will be needed for rinsing.
  • A small child undresses and is picked up, then very carefully, slowly lowered into the water. It is necessary to immerse the baby in the water so that his head is on the elbow of his mother, and his back is supported by his left hand.
  • Using a soapy cotton swab, carefully wash the chest, arms, legs, and genitals. Then the baby turns over onto his tummy, his chest and head are supported by his hand, and his back is lathered. At the end, you need to soap your hair (it is recommended to use a special baby shampoo).
  • Using warm water from a jug, the rinsing procedure is performed. It is important to wash off soap suds from your head very carefully, avoiding getting them into your eyes. To do this, a stream of water is directed from the forehead to the back of the head, but not vice versa. It is necessary to rinse the child thoroughly so that no soap traces are left on the delicate skin, otherwise there is a risk of an allergic reaction.
  • Next, the child is quickly removed from the bath and wrapped in a soft towel, placed on a changing table (hard bed) and the remaining water is blotted with gentle movements. It is important to dry the skin with gentle movements, but not to rub too hard, paying special attention to the folds of the neck, groin area and armpits. If your child has very dry skin, it is recommended to use baby oil or cream (it is advisable to consult your pediatrician).
  • At the next stage, the navel treatment procedure is carried out. Use a pipette to take a small amount of hydrogen peroxide solution (only a doctor can determine the correct consistency) and drop a couple of drops directly onto the navel area, then gently wipe it with a clean cotton swab. It is possible to replace peroxide with a solution of potassium permanganate (strong) or simple brilliant green.

Up to 6 months, the child must be bathed every day, provided that contact with water does not cause severe stress, and then water procedures can be carried out every other day. It is mandatory to constantly monitor the water temperature. It is gradually allowed to increase the duration of bathing.

Video: About bathing a newborn - Dr. Komarovsky

Before the first bathing procedure for a newborn baby, parents are consulted, the doctor gives advice and general recommendations. But oral advice alone is not always enough, especially for young parents. Therefore, it will be useful for them to familiarize themselves with several videos and learn about all the intricacies and rules of bathing newborn children. It is important to provide the baby with proper care, and Dr. Komarovsky will tell you how to do this.

The child is born sterile. The mother's microflora does not pose a danger to him due to immunity transmitted through blood and milk.

Microbes in the maternity hospital are much less harmless: because of this, they try to discharge newborns home early - on the 3rd day, and not after 5-7, as in previous years. But even the home of a small new resident is attacked by the microflora of the apartment and its inhabitants - it will take the baby at least a month to adapt to it. Moreover, “outsiders” are joining their “domestic” bacteria, fungi and viruses, as the pilgrimage of relatives and friends who are eager to look at your “work” gains momentum.

When planning your first day at home, schedule your baby's bath first. Set aside the clothes in which he was brought in to wash and boil them. Don't forget to do the same with your things.

  • Wash the bathtub with baby soap and pour boiling water over it.
  • Dissolve potassium permanganate crystals - potassium permanganate - in a clean jar so that the solution is a deep crimson color.
  • Fill the bath with water (temperature 36-37°C, you need to measure it with a special water thermometer). It is not necessary to boil water: after all, we are preparing a bath with a disinfectant solution,
  • Pour the potassium permanganate solution from the jar so that the water in the “font” turns pale pink. There will be no need to add it when the umbilical wound heals. In the meantime, store the solution in a dark place.
  • Give your child a bath together! Before putting your baby in the water, measure her temperature again with a thermometer. The “grandmother’s” method - dipping your elbow in water - is less reliable. You can’t rely on your own feelings based on the hot-cold principle!

Fearing that the baby might slip out of their hands and choke, some mothers at first refuse to bathe altogether and wash the baby in the air - in this position, it is really difficult not to drop the soapy body. All you need to do is use a thin diaper when bathing, supporting the baby’s head and back through it with your left hand.

  • Take a piece of cotton wool or flannel in your right hand, soap and wipe the baby’s neck, arms, body, then armpits, legs, groin folds - remember this exact sequence!
  • Now wash your hair with soapy hand, not forgetting the folds behind the ears.
  • Finally, wash your face with boiled water from a mug, pick up the baby with his back up and rinse with boiled water from a jug.
  • Your assistant takes the baby in a bath diaper, to one of the corners of which a triangle from the same flannel or flannel is attached in the form of a hood, and takes him to the changing table.
  • Under no circumstances should you rub a newborn: just place a diaper on his body and make a few stroking movements on top of it.

Designate a special tray for your baby's needs. There should be a bottle of special oil for babies on it (you can buy it at the pharmacy). You can use sunflower or vaseline oil by sterilizing the bottle by boiling it for 10 minutes in a pan of water. You will also need hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, brilliant green, alcohol, sterile cotton wool, sterile sticks (wooden or glass) with a cotton ball at the end, as well as a second tray for used cotton balls.

  • After bathing, moisten a piece of cotton wool with oil and lubricate the baby's skin folds: first the neck and behind the ears, then small folds of the fingers and palms - threads and cotton fibers usually get stuck in clenched fists, causing diaper rash and inflammation.
  • Next is the turn for the elbows and armpits.
  • When treating the legs, also move from the bottom up, starting with the toes, the bends of the ankle joints, the popliteal fossae, the folds in the middle of the thighs and in the groin.
  • Dampen a new cotton ball with oil and wipe the baby's genitals and intergluteal fold.

You will have to repeat this procedure after every bath for up to 3 months, and then you can forget about it if the baby’s skin is fine. You need to bathe your child every day, but use soap no more than 2-3 times a week, otherwise the baby’s skin will become dry and flaky.

    Now take care of the umbilical wound. Moisten a sterile swab with a cotton ball at the end with 3% hydrogen peroxide and treat the wound from the center to the outer edges, carefully removing any loose crusts. Then do the same with another stick with a cotton tip moistened with a 5% (pharmacy) solution of potassium permanganate or a 1-2% solution of brilliant green.

    After dressing your baby, begin what you will need to do every day in the morning after washing and in the evening after bathing. Wash his eyes with a piece of sterile cotton wool soaked in boiled water from the outer corner to the inner one - in the direction of the tears.

    Twist small cotton wool strands with wet fingers, moisten them with oil and, with rotational movements, carefully move 1.5-2 cm inside the nasal passages. Sometimes the mucus accumulated in the nose prevents the baby from breathing. It is convenient to suck it out with a small rubber can.

    To clean the ears, you do not need to soak the flagella in oil, and you will have to do this once a week, not every day. ENT doctors believe that it is impossible to constantly remove earwax: after all, it protects the ear canal from germs! Be sure to inspect the bends of the ears and the folds behind them, where milk flows after regurgitation and soapy water during bathing. After the bath, insert loose pieces of cotton wool into the child’s ears - they will absorb the water that gets into the ear canal.

Baby's first feeding at home

While they were putting things in order, the baby got pretty hungry and lets it know with a loud cry. A mother has the right to respond to a call only if she has already carved out a moment for herself to wash herself after the maternity hospital and change her linen. It doesn’t matter that I wore these things just a couple of hours ago. Your motto is “Down with hospital microflora!”, and you will not deviate from it.

  • You should have 2 personal soap dishes with soap, preferably of different colors, so as not to be confused: say, white for the chest, pink for washing.
  • Those who like to relax in a bath surrounded by fragrant flakes of foam will have to deny themselves this pleasure for 1-1.5 months. But you can take a shower as much as you like, but at least 2 times a day.
  • After getting dressed after swimming, wash your hands again and once they are clean, rinse your chest with boiled water.

Feeding your baby for the first time at home is a moment you will never forget! Only one circumstance can ruin it: due to anxiety, some mothers have less milk than in the maternity hospital, and the child does not get enough to eat. There is no need to panic about this. In a day or two you will be drawn into the new role, and everything will go smoothly.

    Before breastfeeding, express a few drops to remove any stray bacteria that may have entered the milk ducts.

Usually the baby is kept at the breast for 15-20 minutes, but a newborn can be fed longer - up to half an hour.

    It is most convenient to do this while sitting in a chair, with your feet on a low bench, or reclining.

    After eating, hold the baby in a “column” position - the swallowed air will be burped.

A clean, well-fed and contented baby fell asleep for the first time in his own crib. Rest too: you did everything right!

Toddler's current toilet

We have already talked about bathing and washing the baby.

The second type of toilet is current. It is associated with the need to wash the baby after urination and defecation. A newborn's urine is watery, odorless and does not leave noticeable stains on the diaper. Therefore, some mothers think that a wet diaper can be dried without washing. This should not be done, because mineral salts and other waste substances will dry out on the diaper and can irritate the baby’s skin. Each used diaper must be washed, boiled and ironed. Diapers, like all children's underwear, are washed only with baby soap. For this purpose, you should not use laundry soap, washing powders and pastes (except for special ones for children), since the smallest particles of these detergents remaining on the laundry after normal rinsing can cause allergic skin reactions.

Sometimes, after urination, brown spots appear on the diaper. This indicates a high concentration of uric acid and some kind of metabolic disorder. Don't forget to tell your child's doctor about this during your next visit. The same should be done if the urine becomes cloudy, changes color, or has an unusual odor.

The stool of a healthy child is semi-liquid, homogeneous, rich yellow in color, without a pungent odor. When it becomes more frequent (6-7 times a day), it becomes liquid, wets the diaper abundantly and acquires a sour smell. The stool may become smaller (once a day or once every few days). Pale gray, soapy stool indicates malnutrition. Delayed movement of food through the intestines causes dehydration of stool and accumulation of pigment in them. The stool becomes dense, acquires a brown color and a fecal smell. Various shades of green, mucus and heterogeneous inclusions appear in the stool when digestion is impaired. A change in the frequency of stool and its appearance is one of the signs of a child’s illness. In such cases, you should consult a doctor.

When using the toilet after urination or defecation, it is advisable to follow certain rules: at first, the child should be washed with boiled vodka. A stream of warm water should wash the groin areas from front to back. This rule must be observed especially strictly when dressing a girl. You need to dry the baby with a clean diaper by blotting. After drying, the groin and buttock folds are powdered with baby powder. If the skin is red or irritated, these areas are lubricated with special baby oil. This simple procedure is the best way to prevent diaper rash.

You cannot use powder and lubricant at the same time, as this will create lumps that will further irritate the skin.

Dummy

Whether to give your baby a pacifier or not - doctors have not reached a consensus on this matter. The pacifier has both advantages and disadvantages. Our domestic dentists clearly say “no” to the pacifier, considering it to be the culprit of anomalies in the formation of the dental system. Their American colleagues, on the contrary, believe that it does not have a harmful effect on this process. Meanwhile, neurologists and psychologists definitely believe that if a child has a pacifier in his mouth all the time, there is nothing good about it. But - for a different reason. At the end of the first - beginning of the second half of life, the child's mouth becomes a sensitive instrument for studying the properties of objects. Therefore, if the baby’s mouth is always occupied with a pacifier while he is awake, this has a negative impact on his mental and psychological development.

However, when a baby suffers from gas or is very excited, cannot calm down and fall asleep, and therefore cries, sometimes nothing can compare in effectiveness with a pacifier. As P. Leach writes, “the fiercely screaming mouth attaches itself to the pacifier, and from that moment all the energy that went into screaming is spent on sucking.” Gradually, the rhythm of sucking becomes calmer, and the baby falls asleep. Probably the main thing here is to stick to the “golden mean”: do not give a pacifier without a serious reason.

The pacifier has another undeniable advantage. Some children love to suck their fingers. It is even suggested that they did this in utero. For them, thumb sucking is the best way to self-soothe. It is believed that the reason for this is an unsatisfied sucking reflex. That is why babies, having sucked the main portion of milk and are full in the first 5-7 minutes, then simply suckle for the remaining 10-12 minutes, because they like it. And, as one of the ways to wean a child from sucking fingers, doctors recommend allowing the baby to suckle for a longer period of time. Thumb sucking is a really bad habit as it further leads to crooked teeth. Because children, when they suck their thumb, stick it far into their mouth, they put pressure on their growing teeth, causing them to lean back. A pacifier can help in this case - it does not have such an effect on growing teeth.

Baby's position in the crib

How should a baby lie in a crib? On your back, on your stomach, on your side? Both our and French pediatricians recommend placing the baby on his side. But American doctors advise that the baby lie on his stomach. This position promotes better removal of gases, which means the child will be less tormented by cramps in the intestines. In addition, lying on his stomach, the baby, upon waking up, will more often try to raise his head and exercise his neck muscles. Lying on his back and side, he is deprived of this opportunity. If you choose a tummy position for your baby, you will need to remove the pillow. The mattress should be firm and even. The child’s head should be turned from time to time, either to the right or to the left, so that the skull does not become deformed.

Some babies are able to move around while lying on their back. Most often this happens when a child is dissatisfied with something. He presses his heels into the mattress and pushes off with them. Approaching the headboard and pushing off again, he may hit his head. Therefore, if you prefer your baby to lie on his back, but without a pillow, create a soft barrier across the entire width of the crib, say, from a rolled-up thin blanket wrapped in a diaper.

If you watch your baby, you will find that most of the time (85%) when he is awake, he looks in the same direction - most often in one of the corners of the room. To prevent the baby’s skull from becoming deformed, the baby should be placed with his head in the other direction after each feeding.

One more circumstance must be remembered. In newborns, the formation of surfactant has not yet been completed - a special lining of the pulmonary vesicles, thanks to which the alveoli become elastic. If the child maintains the same position, his lungs may collapse in places, and air will stagnate in isolated areas. This contributes to the occurrence of pneumonia.

It is especially important to monitor the position of the child in the crib if there are congenital or acquired defects of the musculoskeletal system - muscular torticollis, fractures of the clavicle, forearm, hip, dislocation of the hip joint, clubfoot.