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 it, whether it is dangerous to get water into the ears, and so on. The famous pediatrician Yevgeny Komarovsky, in his books and articles, has repeatedly talked about the basic rules and principles of organizing water procedures for an infant.

It is worth considering the most important points, which you should know for bathing to bring pleasure and benefit to both the child and his parents.

Features:

Water procedures are useful for absolutely 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 dear to them. The toddler feels at home in the water. Bathing is not only a hygienic procedure aimed at keeping the skin and hair of the child clean. Taking a bath 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 established quite a few rather stringent requirements and restrictions for parents.

Modern doctors look at bathing in a more democratic way.

Parents with experience, as a rule, have much less difficulties when bathing a newborn at home for the first time than for newly-made mothers and fathers who received their first-born in their arms just a few hours ago. Komarovsky advises to keep the Spartan calm. It is this that is the guarantee of success in the difficult matter of bathing crumbs.

Training

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 treatments until the umbilical cord dries up. Yevgeny Komarovsky says that the choice is definitely up to the parents. However, if the child is kept in acceptable living conditions, does not sweat, does not overheat, does not get dirty, then nothing bad will happen to him if the baby does not bathe for a week or two. It doesn't bother him in any way. If anyone is worried, then only mom and dad, but for this case, there are wet baby sanitary napkins with which you can wipe problem areas and folds at any time.

However, if you nevertheless decide to bathe, then the doctor advises to do this only with boiled water until the umbilical wound heals.

For a long time doctors advised bathing in water with a solution of potassium permanganate. However, you need to be extremely careful here, 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 the infusion of the series.

Massage

A massage before an evening swim is a very useful and important procedure, says Evgeny Komarovsky.During stroking and patting, the blood supply to the muscles and skin improves, and the benefits will be even more tangible if you bathe the baby immediately after the manipulations. All parents, without exception, can master a simple massage. You don't need to sign up for special courses for this.

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

The movements of the mother 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 when the first bathing at home occurs in winter). Komarovsky advises against doing this. The temperature in the bathroom should be about the same as in the rest of the apartment (optimal values \u200b\u200bare 18-20 degrees), and it is harmful to overheat the air in the bathing room.

Komarovsky advises to practice bathing in cool water for a sound sleep at night, 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, the child can lower 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 - half an hour.

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

Time

The first bath should not be done very long. It is better to start with 3 minutes, the next day extend the procedure to 5 minutes, then add some more time. Komarovsky considers the best bathing time to be 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 bathing is prolonged.

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

Although Komarovsky strongly advises to wash the baby every day. When the baby begins to crawl, get dirty, actively explore the world, water procedures before bedtime should become regular and obligatory - the baby will have to be bathed daily.

Komarovsky thinks 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 postponed to lunchtime. However, Komarovsky warns that evening bathing has its benefits - for example, it promotes relaxation for a sound and healthy night's sleep.

Herbs and decoctions

No matter what traditional healers say, any use of phytotherapeutic agents when bathing is better to coordinate with the attending pediatrician. Grandmothers, of course, will advise the granddaughter to bathe more often in line, or be sure to brew him nine-strength, but common sense parents should be above all else. If a child suffers from atopic dermatitis, diaper rash, a tendency (genetic) to allergies, be sure to consult a doctor.

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

Naturally, treating something with the help of herbal decoctions added to water will not work, since this is impossible, says Dr. Komarovsky. But even a lot of harm with moderate dosage will not happen.

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

Such situations 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, the 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 figure out which water is most comfortable for the child. Bathing should begin with it - and only then adjust the temperature in favor of cooling (adding a thin stream of cold water) or heating (adding hot water in the same way).

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

For example, a mother tries to bathe the baby only at night, and it is at this time that the child wants to sleep, and not swim. Therefore, Komarovsky gives several tips to help parents whose children are scandalous 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 baby.

Large bath

This can be done already in 2-3 months, says Evgeny Komarovsky... At first, the child can master in a large water space with a circle around his neck. This is a special inflatable device with a chin cut and Velcro on the back of the neck. The baby 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 immersed in water entirely, only the face remains on the surface. At the same time, it is supported by the index fingers under the neck. There is nothing dangerous in getting water into the ears and eyes, the doctor says. The main thing is that water does not get into the nose and mouth. Even if the baby sips it a little, nothing terrible will happen either.

Among the rituals that are repeated every day, bathing is important. In addition to eliminating sweat and dirt, it helps the baby to relax the muscles and calm the nervous system. He sleeps soundly and eats well. Adults need to try to properly organize the place for bathing the child and think over all the details.

It is important to know a few rules to make bathing enjoyable.

Reasons for inconvenience

Bathing is often a pleasure for the baby. If after that he cries, then something was done wrong. It is important to understand why whims appear.

• Perhaps the room is cold, and the baby feels uncomfortable after a warm bath.
• Fright (the child drank water, heard a sharp sound).
• Hunger or thirst (a long time has passed since feeding).
• If the baby is tired, wants to sleep, cries, you shouldn't wash it. Washing will be enough.
• If the child cries not only after, but also during washing, he may have colic. While bathing, you can stroke his tummy.

It is necessary to take into account the rule: the baby can be bathed only 30-40 minutes after feeding. You can not start the procedure after eating, the child may regurgitate everything eaten during physical activity in the water. That is why it is better to keep the time interval after eating.

Parents are often frightened by the situation when the baby drank water. You don't have to do anything. Water can also get into the ears. Then it is enough just to get it wet with cotton swabs.

In order to get the maximum benefit, babies are bathed in herbs: chamomile or string. Sea salt is also useful. The entire first month, until the wound on the navel heals, the bath water is boiled.

These conditions are difficult to comply with if the bathtub is large. In addition, all family members bathe in a large bath, and this is unacceptable for a newborn child. After 1 month, you can bathe your baby in a large bath.

Modern fixture

Restriction of space often causes the baby to cry. With a circle you can swim in a large bath. Parents don't have to keep their babies in one place. With the circle he feels safe.

The inflatable ring has special fasteners with which it is attached to the child's neck. The front of the circle has a chin recess. The kid will not be able to bend his head down and take a sip of water. With a circle, the child's muscles completely relax, spasms are relieved.

There are contraindications for which you cannot swim in a circle around your neck: increased intracranial pressure, viral infections, birth trauma.

The main thing is to correctly position the child in the circle. Before bathing, put the baby on his stomach. Move the halves of the circle apart and stick the child's head between them. It is necessary to make sure that the chin is in the groove, and the fastener is not pulled tight.

Bathing time in the circle is not limited, it is allowed to use it every day. You need to start from 5-10 minutes so that the child gets used to being free in the water.

Children should not be left alone in the bathroom for a second!

Comfort and relaxation

Finding a baby in herbs will heal his body, relieve skin problems. Herbs such as nettle, chamomile, string will help. A bath with sea salt and decoctions of these herbs will enhance the healing effect.

It is also possible to relieve inflammation on the skin and reduce the rash. Often you cannot bathe in a row. You can add it once a week as it dries out your skin.

Bathing in chamomile has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and disinfects water. Chamomile has antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Bay leaf helps with allergic rash, purulent wounds, eczema, diathesis. Bay leaf is a powerful natural antibiotic that helps get rid of excessive sweating. The essential oils that each leaf contains help to calm the nervous system and cope with insomnia.

Bay leaf helps to relieve skin inflammation. Its broth is used as lotions or evening baths. To prepare the broth, take a bay leaf (7-10 pieces) and boil in water for 20 minutes. After that, let it brew for an hour. The strained infusion is added to the bathing water.

Bay leaf is considered safe means treatment of allergies, but in the case of children under one year old, caution should be exercised. Up to 3 months, the sheet is allowed to be used only externally, after that you can drink.

Bay leaf has its own contraindications for use: stomach diseases, constipation, pancreatitis. Do not repeat the procedure daily. This will help prevent rashes and dry skin.

Soothing herbs that can be added to water: Valerian, lavender, mint, oregano. Any herbs should be used with care.

Security measures:

• procedures with decoctions of several herbs are not allowed in the first month of a child's life. This makes it difficult to identify allergies to a particular plant;
• if herbs are in filter bags, then they are used 5 pieces per 1.5 liters of water;
• before you dip the child into the herb bath, be sure to moisten a cotton swab with the broth and apply it to the child's skin. If after a few minutes there is no allergic reaction, you can bathe your baby.

Salty water

Sea salt contains important trace elements (potassium, iodine, magnesium). Salt baths will successfully replace swimming in the sea. Coniferous extracts will only enhance the effect of sea salt.

You need to bathe your baby in a bathtub with sea salt no earlier than six months after birth. Up to three baths per week are allowed. Neurologists prescribe salt baths for birth injuries, hypertonicity. Do not add salt if you have open wounds, abrasions on the skin. Salt is also harmful for diseases of the nervous system. After water, where there is salt, be sure to rinse the child in the shower.

Coniferous salt baths will help relieve excessive excitability and strengthen the immune system. Salt baths are done according to the doctor's instructions.

It is necessary to properly prepare water with sea salt. Salt is diluted in a separate container, after which it is poured through a sieve into a bath of water. The time for taking such a bath is 5-10 minutes - up to 6 months, and 20 minutes - after 6 months. If you make coniferous-salt baths, then add a few more drops of pine needles extract.

Water with sea salt will start metabolic processes and activate the body's defenses. But salt can render negative action on the sensitive skin baby. Prolonged bathing in water with sea salt leads to flaking and dryness of the skin.

It is good to turn water procedures into addicting game... You can take your favorite toys with you, massage and stroke your baby, tell him stories. Parents can create all the conditions so that bathing for the child is useful and pleasant.

Seems like a real problem. In this article, we will try to answer the basic questions about child hygiene that concern young parents.

When can I bathe my baby in the bathroom for the first time?

If the baby was born healthy, then this procedure can be started from the second day. But make sure that no water gets on the umbilical wound that has not yet healed. If, despite all your efforts, this happens, be sure to dry it and treat it with hydrogen peroxide.

What places on baby's skin are most prone to irritation?

These are folds of skin and neck. Sweat accumulates here, milk, which can spit out a crumb, exfoliated particles of the epidermis. With improper care, such places may appear. To prevent this from happening, dry them thoroughly with a towel every time you swim and lubricate the skin with baby cream.

How often should a newborn be bathed?

Daily. The baby periodically spits up, sweats, and stains the diaper, so daily bathing is very important. But do not forget that water dries out the baby's skin and washes away the protective layer of fat from it, so limit the time of water procedures.

Where is it better to lather a child - on a special table or in a bathtub?

Both will work. The main thing is for the parents to feel confident and comfortable. If you will soap your child on the table, do not forget that the room must be warm so that the baby does not freeze.

How often do you need to wash your baby's hair?

Daily. A newborn child spends a lot of time in a supine position. His head often sweats, the baby sometimes spits up and milk can dry out in his hair, therefore. You can use special “no tears” shampoos (1-2 times a week) or baby soap, but they must be thoroughly washed off so that the child does not dry out the scalp and there is no irritation.

Can I lather my baby with a washcloth?

You can, but keep in mind that the baby must have a personal washcloth that no one else will use. After bathing, it must be thoroughly washed and rinsed so that it does not become a carrier of bacteria and fungi that can cause skin diseases. Washcloths that are made of cloth need to be boiled sometimes. Special attention you should pay to the rugs that you put on the bottom of the bathroom (so that the crumb does not slip). They need to be washed with soap as often as possible, and then poured over with boiling water. If there are dark spotsdiscard it immediately.

Whether to lubricate the skin of the crumbs with oil after bathing?

It depends on the condition of the baby's skin. If it is dry and flaky, it needs to be moisturized. In the first month of a baby's life, it is better to use baby oil or baby cream. Later you can replace them with baby moisturizing balms, which are quickly absorbed and perfectly protect the baby's skin.

What are the best diapers for a newborn: disposable or gauze?

Of course, disposable would be better. They perfectly absorb moisture and keep baby's skin dry and clean. But do not forget that disposable diapers need to be changed frequently (at least once every 3 hours).

Should I lubricate the baby's face with cream?

Look at the skin, if it is healthy and moisturized, then you don't need any creams. If a child has or skin diseases, contact a pediatrician or dermatologist, they will definitely advise special means (ointments or creams).

How often should you brush your child?

Daily. Brushing improves blood circulation in the scalp and strengthens the hair follicles. Try to choose a brush made of soft natural bristles for your child, then his hair will not electrify.

Good day, dear parents!

I, just like you, at one time was interested in how to bathe a child. What water temperature should be and how long to bathe, how to bathe and when, there were a lot of questions, and this article is devoted to them.

About the benefits of bathing:

Bathing a baby is, of course, first of all, a hygienic procedure, here everything is clear to everyone. Bathing has a relaxing effect, strengthens muscles, normalizes appetite, strengthens the nervous system. And again we play, learn the properties of water and just indulge and splash.

What to bathe in?

For bathing, you can purchase a special baby bath, which is more suitable for bathing a newborn baby for hygienic purposes. Then, with an older child, you can move into an adult bath or shower, this will be more than enough for the child.

Temperature regime

The room temperature should be 22-25 degrees. It shouldn't be too hot or too cold. What is more important is the absence of drafts. Cover windows and vents for this time.

The water temperature, as our grandmothers measured: by immersing the elbow in water: if the elbow is normal, then it is normal for the child. When the child is very young, you can use a thermometer.

As the child grows up, it already becomes too lazy to use it, and the "elbow" is becoming more and more like the mother.

The optimum temperature for bathing a one-year-old child and older is 32-33 degrees, this is exactly the temperature in children's pools. If the child is sitting in the bath and you are worried that the water has already cooled down, you should not add hot water if the child is comfortable in it.

Bathing in hot water does not bring any benefit: it only dries the skin more, relaxes it and can have a laxative effect. Swimming, on the contrary, in cooler water - hardens and strengthens the immune system.

Just not abruptly: you decided to temper the child and immersed him in an ice bath, in no case! Very, very carefully, by lowering each bathing degree by degree.

When you can't bathe your child

You can not bathe a child after vaccination, with open wounds or sores, with a temperature.

How long does it take to bathe the baby?

We bathe the child until he gets bored, usually at this age it is not very long, about 15 minutes. If more, children get tired, start to act up or rub their eyes.

Does the child need a washcloth?

Yes, you need it, just like an adult. We must remove the dead epidermis layer.

Only she must be from natural materials and quite soft, as children's skin is still very sensitive to various kinds of rubbing. She blushes instantly and can cause discomfort to the baby.

Can i use a shower?

You can use a shower, but you will not create the same effect as from a bath. The shower should be used in rare, I would say, in an emergency, when a child is in the sand or gets very dirty. The child needs a bath.

How often to bathe a child after a year?

At the age after a year of the child in the cold season, it is enough to bathe 2-3 times a week. But if it is not difficult for you to organize bathing for your baby, you can swim every day. At the discretion of the parents.

In the warm season, take a shower as needed. This happens several times a day, as the kids are busy in the sandbox and launch boats in puddles. After a dirty walk, as they say. And so, with soap, again 2-3 times a week.

What cosmetics is needed for bathing a child?

For bathing, you only need baby soap, it is better in liquid form, it is more convenient to use it and shampoo for baby hair, which does not irritate the eyes. And the rest of the charm, this is already a secondary fun for parents, it can be bath foam, bath gel, etc.

Why do you need bath toys?

Toys are very helpful for the child to have fun in the bathroom. Through play, he develops, learns the properties of water and objects: some sink, some do not, some take in air or water, etc. The fear of water, if any, is smoothed out, and children really like such games in water and they swim with pleasure.

What toys can I use while swimming?

Bathing toys are used, as a rule, resistant to water: these can be rubber animals, soft bathing books, clockwork toys are now very popular, etc.

What to do if water gets into your mouth?

Sometimes this happens by accident during the game. Sometimes, if the child does not bathe in special devices, he can dive and accordingly sip water. Sometimes kids do it on purpose.

My Danil is very fond of playing "poured" with cups and sometimes he can specially drink from this very cup. What to do in such cases?

Well, first of all, in no case should you panic or yell at the child. He's as scared as you are. If you scream, you will scare him even more and what could be even worse - the child will be afraid of water and water procedures. Secondly, nothing terrible happened, a second diving will not lead to bad consequences.

If the child coughs or sneezes, the airways are naturally released, give him a good cough. If he just cries, you can take him out and hug him, yes, wet, so the child will understand that mom is always there and nothing terrible has happened.

If he goes back into the water, then you can continue bathing, if he flatly refuses, then do not force, then the bathing is over for today.

What to do if water gets into your ears?

There is nothing fatal about that either. Babies accumulate a sufficient amount of sulfur, which helps to protect the ear canal from external influences. And even more so, when your baby was 9 months old in his mother's belly and his ears were in the water, nothing happened, so don't worry!

What to do if water or soap gets in your eyes?

In this case, use a cotton swab to flush your eyes with plenty of running water, towards the inner corner of the eye (nose).

When to feed your baby before bathing or after?

Here you have to decide for yourself, you can swim both before and after eating, the most important thing is that the baby is in a good mood and does not require food. And you tell him that first we bathe, and then we eat. In this case, it is better to have lunch, so the baby is good and the mother is calmer.

How to dry your baby after bathing?

If the baby is still relatively young, about a year old or slightly older, you can lay a blanket with a towel and wrap it while lying down. We did this when Danilka was little, and after a year and a half we already had a terry robe or a large towel prepared. We take out the child and, while standing, wrap him in a robe or towel. We kiss and everyone is happy and clean!

What cosmetics to use after bathing?

After bathing, I smeared my son with baby moisturizing oil, the skin dried a little, up to 3 months. Now I have given up on it. The skin is soft and silky, this is the quality of water. Therefore, at the present time I do not smear anything.

Can be used olive oil or baby moisturizing oil for dry skin.

In no case leave your child in the bathroom unattended, even if you think that he will not go anywhere, alas, it is not!

Happy bathing! All the best!

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They proceed with an increase in body temperature. If it does not rise above 37.5 degrees, then you can safely bathe the child. Do not make the water in the bathroom too hot - this will cause the temperature to rise. Most the best way - collect warm water.

If the child has heat (above 37.5), then by bathing in warm water (36.6 degrees) you can reduce it. This will allow less use of antipyretic drugs. In this case, bathing is a way to bring down the temperature, not a hygiene procedure. Do not use gels or other cleansers. Better to just place the baby in warm water and wait a little.

When you can't bathe your child

There are contraindications for bathing a child. First, with otitis media, it is better to avoid water procedures. Secondly, with skin diseases, you should also not take a bath. This is not only dermatitis, but also chicken pox... In the case of chickenpox, doctors do not recommend bathing for the first 6 days of illness, until the sores have crusted. After the sores are dry, you can bathe the baby to relieve the itching.

Hygiene procedures are essential during illness. If doctors do not recommend a bath for the child, then it can be wiped off with a damp towel or washed under the shower.

Bathing and colds

The most common illnesses in children are colds. If a child has a runny nose, then moist air is quite capable of relieving his condition. Mucus in the nose is the body's defense. This keeps bacteria in the nose and does not get inside. Many parents make a cardinal mistake trying to dry out a baby's runny nose unnecessarily. Whereas the opposite action helps - humid indoor air, for example. Therefore, bathing in the bathroom is a good help in treating nasal congestion in a child.

All of this applies to coughing. Bathing in the bathroom can replace the inhalation procedure. But it is imperative to take into account general state baby, his temperature and desire to swim. If the child does not want to take a bath during illness, do not force him.

When it comes to bathing water, you can add decoctions of medicinal herbs or essential oil (for example, eucalyptus). Before using herbs and oils, you must make sure that you are not allergic to them.

It is very important not to chill your child after bathing. It must be immediately wiped well and dressed according to the temperature in the room, given a warm drink or breast (if we are talking about an infant). Do not wrap up the child unnecessarily. A sick child should neither get cold nor sweat in clothes.

Thus, it is possible to bathe a sick child, but first it is necessary to assess his condition, listen to the doctor's recommendations and measure the child's body temperature. You will have to evaluate all contraindications for bathing every day while the child is sick.