What to bathe a newborn baby for the first time. How to bathe a newborn baby for the first time. The best time and most comfortable water temperature for bathing a baby

17.05.2019

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

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

Peculiarities

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

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

Modern doctors look at bathing more democratically.

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

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

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

Massage

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

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

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

Water temperature

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

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

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

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

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

Time

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

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

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

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

Herbs and decoctions

Whatever traditional healers say, it is better to coordinate any use of phytotherapeutic agents when bathing with the attending pediatrician. Grandmothers, of course, will advise you to bathe your granddaughter in a row more often or be sure to brew nine forces for him, but the common sense of parents should be above all. 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, Yevgeny Komarovsky believes. However, measure is good in everything, you should not prepare herbal baths daily, and you should be more careful with the dosage of decoctions and infusions.

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

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

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

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

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

Change the time of day.

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

Practice bathing with your child.

Large bath

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

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

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

Bathing is very important for newborns. This is not just a hygienic procedure, but also the hardening of the baby, his acquaintance with the outside world. Almost all children like to swim, they are happy to go into the water. However, if at the first acquaintance with water the baby has unpleasant sensations, he is frightened, then in the future it will not be so easy to force him to bathe. That is why it is important to carry out the first water procedures in life, having previously familiarized yourself with how to bathe a newborn baby correctly.

Content:

When to take your first bath

There is a lot of controversy about when to bathe a child for the first time. Some insist that it is necessary to wait for the complete healing of the umbilical wound, others say that you can take a bath immediately after discharge from the hospital. As a rule, this happens on the third or fifth day of the baby's life. In this matter, it is better to rely on the opinion of the pediatrician, who, according to the general condition of the newborn, will give recommendations on care and daily hygiene procedures.

It is better to bathe a newborn at the same time, preferably every day before the last feeding. If the child is naughty, it can be seen that he is tired, then it is advisable to cancel bathing, limiting himself to wiping with wet wipes or a soft towel soaked in warm water.

Important! Rinse or wipe the baby's folds, treat them with baby cream, oil or talc every day. It is in these places that the skin is most prone to diaper rash.

Video: Processing baby's folds to prevent diaper rash

Swimming preparation

Before water procedures, you should prepare all the necessary accessories in advance, put them so that they are at hand. This is especially important if the mother bathes the baby alone, without helpers. To take a bath you will need:

special baby bath and slide;
antiseptic solutions;
ladle for pouring water and rinsing the baby;
baby detergents - soap, shampoo;
soft towel.

Baby wrinkle cream or powder, clean clothes in which the baby will sleep should also be prepared in advance.

baby bath

It is better to bathe a newborn in a special bath. It is convenient because it is compact, does not require a large volume of water. The first time when water for a newborn has to be boiled, this is a big plus. It is advisable to install the bath so that the mother does not have to bend over much.

The bath is washed before each bath. It is not necessary to use chlorine-containing products for these purposes every time, it is enough to carry out thorough disinfection once every 1-2 weeks. Before each bath, it is washed with soda or laundry soap, rinsed thoroughly with water. You can pour boiling water over, but this is not necessary.

Antiseptics

Until the umbilical wound has healed, bathe the child in pre-boiled water. In this case, there is no need to add additional disinfectants. The procedure consists in washing the baby, washing the folds. After bathing, the umbilical wound should be treated as recommended by the pediatrician (usually brilliant green is used for this purpose).

When the umbilical wound heals well, you can not boil the water, but it is advisable to pass it through a filter, at least a home-made one. In unboiled water, it is recommended to add products that have disinfectant properties.

Potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate)

Until recently, pediatricians strongly recommended adding a weak solution of potassium permanganate to the water. Today, this method is increasingly abandoned. And not without reason. The fact is that a solution acceptable for bathing, when the water becomes only slightly pink, is not able to fully disinfect. A stronger solution will burn the delicate skin of the baby. Potassium permanganate is very dry, which negatively affects the condition of the skin of a newborn, leads to the appearance of a rash, peeling, dermatitis and other problems.

If, nevertheless, it is decided to bathe the newborn in a solution of potassium permanganate, it should be diluted in a separate container of a small volume. To do this, first pour potassium permanganate (at the tip of a knife) into the prepared clean dishes, then pour warm boiled water. Close the container and shake the resulting solution thoroughly so that all particles dissolve.

The product should be poured into the water prepared for bathing very carefully, controlling the amount. Then mix the water and make sure that there are no undissolved particles left, which, if they get on the skin, can leave a burn, and if they get into the eyes, they can even lead to blindness. The color of the water should be slightly pink.

Herbal infusions

It is preferable to use decoctions and infusions of herbs: chamomile, sage, calendula, succession and others. These herbs have an antiseptic, soothing effect on the skin, relieve irritation, inflammation and flaking.

To prepare the infusion 2 tbsp. l. of the selected herb pour 1 liter of boiling water, cover and wrap. Let it brew for 1-2 hours, strain. Pour warm infusion into the prepared bath (30-50 liters), mix. Do not make too strong infusion. The listed herbs have a drying effect and, if their concentration is too strong, can cause peeling. In addition, some newborns have an allergic reaction.

Bathing water temperature

It is convenient to use a children's water thermometer to measure the water temperature. A comfortable temperature for the first bath is 37°C. As it cools, you should pour hot water from the ladle carefully along the wall of the bath from the side of the baby's legs, then carefully stir it.

When the baby gets used to the water and loves to swim, at the request of the parents, it will be possible to lower the temperature. Some parents, for the purpose of hardening, bathe the child in water, the temperature of which does not exceed 32 ° C. This is a good hardening measure, but you should not start with cool water.

General rules for bathing a newborn

When everything is prepared, you can proceed to water procedures:

For bathing a newborn, a special washcloth is used. A small piece of clean, soft cloth can replace it. Many parents wash their baby with their soapy hands.
You can’t use soap every time, you can wash a newborn with soap or special foam no more than once a week. Even if the baby was sweating, washing with plain water (possibly with the addition of herbs) will be enough. You also need to wash your hair with detergents no more than once a week. If a newborn has yellow crusts on his head, they are removed during bathing, when the skin is steamed. To do this, use special shampoos to remove crusts or baby cosmetic oil, as well as soft brushes with natural bristles.
It is convenient to have a special slide for babies up to six months, until they learn to sit on their own. If there is no slide, then the newborn should be held with the left hand (provided that the mother is right-handed) so that the head lies on a bent elbow, carefully clasping his left arm under the armpit: this way the child will not slip out and will be securely fixed.
Bathing a newborn baby is necessary, following from above, from the baby's neck, down to the legs. Much attention is paid to the folds. It is necessary to wash each of them with soft sliding movements: on the neck, armpits, arms, inguinal folds, folds on the legs.
Wash the child's head from the forehead to the back of the head, thoroughly rinse the folds behind the ears. Wash your face, avoiding the eye area. It is better to wipe the eyes of a child of the first month of life after bathing separately with a gauze swab dipped in chamomile decoction.
Do not use soap when washing. It will be enough to rinse the genitals with a cotton pad, abundantly moistened with water. It is impossible to rub for a long time, try to remove a film or a protective white coating in girls, otherwise the risk of infection will increase.
After bathing, remove the child from the bath and rinse with clean water from the ladle. It is desirable that the rinsing water is a degree lower than the one in which the child bathed.

For the first water procedures, 5-7 minutes are enough. The child gets acquainted with water, gets used to it. It is not necessary to use soap and shampoo in the very first bath, it is better to introduce the baby to them in a week or two. Subsequent bathing increases by 1-2 minutes each time, if the child likes it, he is satisfied, not naughty. By the month, the duration of the procedure takes 15-20 minutes, and by 6 months - up to half an hour.

It should be remembered: The risk of injury in the bath is very high, so the baby should not be left alone even for a minute. The baby can completely immerse himself in water and choke.

Swimming with an inflatable ring

Many mothers use an inflatable circle for the neck almost from the first days of a child's life. In fact, this is a very useful attribute, but it is advisable to use it not earlier than 1-2 months of the baby, when he is already strong, confidently holds his head, is used to water and is not afraid to bathe in a large bath.

A properly selected circle is absolutely safe. It fixes the baby's head and does not allow water to penetrate to the baby's mouth and nose, which eliminates the possibility of choking. In addition to fun bathing, it is also a great exercise for the child.

After swimming

Take the child out of the bath very carefully, holding the head. It is advisable that someone throw a towel over the child and take it from the mother's hands. If there is no one to help, then put the newborn on a bent arm, turning it upside down so that the head rests on the palm of your hand, put a towel on top and then gently turn it over onto its back.

Some mothers spread a towel on a washing machine or a changing table installed in the bathroom, put a bathed baby on it and wrap it up. This can really be a way out if at first it’s hard to get used to getting the baby out of the bath. However, it is worth remembering that under no circumstances should a child be left at a height: even newborn children, actively moving their arms and legs, can approach the edge and fall. Unfortunately, there are many such cases.

After bathing, let the baby lie down for 5-10 minutes. At the same time, you should not pre-heat the air in the room too much, otherwise there will be no point in hardening. Pediatricians believe that 22-25 ° C is the optimal temperature for such procedures. After the baby is completely dry, treat the wrinkles with baby cream, oil or powder to avoid diaper rash.

Important! Talc should only be applied to completely dry skin, otherwise, under the influence of moisture, it will roll up and clog into folds, which will cause even more irritation.

After all the procedures, the baby should be dressed in dry, clean clothes, fed and put to bed. Most likely, full, satisfied and tired, he will quickly fall asleep on his own.

Upon arrival with the newborn home, it is necessary to carry out hygiene procedures and bathe the baby. However, if the discharge from the hospital coincided with the day of vaccination, then bathing should be postponed until the next evening.

The child's sweat glands have not yet formed, despite this, daily cleaning from dust is necessary. Traditionally, it has become customary that the grandmother is trusted to bathe the baby after the maternity hospital, as young mothers' hands tremble with excitement. Therefore, if possible, you need to learn from the older generation.

Before you start swimming, you need to conduct a thorough preparation. Everything you need should be placed at hand: a washing mitt, a water thermometer, cotton pads, a container for dousing after bathing, a towel or sheet for wiping, oil for the baby's skin. And, of course, a convenient plastic bath.

The first week at home, before the umbilical cord heals, the newborn is bathed only in boiled water with slightly diluted potassium permanganate. From the second month you can use ordinary water.

When can you bathe? Usually children are bathed before bed at night, as a pleasant procedure contributes to a good sleep of the baby. Water calms the baby and removes excess energy from him. No need to arrange a game out of bathing, this will excite the child and prevent him from falling asleep later.

The optimum water temperature varies from 36 to 37 ° C, the temperature in the room should be maintained at 22-24 ° C.

bathing procedure

How to bathe for the first time is a burning question. The ritual includes a series of sequential actions:

First you need to undress the newborn (some recommend wrapping him in a cotton diaper, but this is not necessary).
Then the baby is carefully placed in the water (right in the diaper), supporting the back with the left hand.
With your free hand, water should be poured over the child's body, while not forgetting to speak affectionately to him.
Then, with a cotton ball, gently wash the baby's face and head (from the forehead to the back of the head).
At the end of the bathing procedure, you need to pour the crumbs with clean water.
After the baby is placed on the changing table, where they are carefully blotted with a soft towel or diaper.
Next, you need to lubricate all the folds with special oil, treat the navel with brilliant green or peroxide, and blot the water from the ears with special sticks for newborns. No need to cajole the entire skin of the baby - only the folds.
After all the manipulations, the baby can be dressed and fed.

This sequence of actions should be made permanent, then over time it will know that after bathing it is fed and put to sleep. The first days of bathing lasts 2-3 minutes. Then the procedure is gradually increased to 20 minutes, the baby will not be able to stand it anymore and will get overexcited instead of calming down.

While bathing, you must carefully support the baby's head with your hand. To do this, the head must be placed on the left forearm, and the back of the child should be held with the palm of your hand. So the baby is reclining in the water, leaning on his mother's hand.

It is advisable to bathe the baby every day. After this period, you can once every 2 days. Soap should not be used more than once a week. Soap breaks down the protective layer of thin skin. And most importantly - you need to bathe the baby only when he is in a good mood!

In no case should you leave the baby alone in the bath on a special slide or stand, you can’t even turn away from it!

Folk omens about bathing

There are several signs for the first bath of a newborn at home. You can follow them, or you can just smile:

the girl is dipped into the water in a white diaper so that she becomes cute and pretty,
water from the bath must certainly be poured out, and not wash the baby’s things in it,
put something silver at the bottom of the bath so that the child becomes rich (but not a cross!),
You can bathe your baby for the first time on any day except Friday and Sunday.

When the first-born appears in the family, the rhythm of life changes, all the time you have to adjust to the little person. The mother of the baby may have difficulty with the first swaddling of the child, at the first feeding. But if this can be dealt with without much difficulty, then questions related to the personal hygiene of the baby will certainly arise. One of the first questions that will arise is how to bathe a newborn after the mother and baby arrive from the maternity hospital.

What should be prepared for the first bath?

The first time a baby can be bathed at home on the day of arrival home of the maternity hospital. But if the baby was vaccinated just before the discharge, then you need to bathe the child the next day. In addition to the bathing bath, you will need a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water, and here the question arises at what temperature is it better to bathe the baby. The best temperature for swimming is 37° - 38.5°. And you will also need a thin diaper (the baby must first be wrapped in a thin film, and then lowered into water), a towel. You can add a pre-prepared decoction of herbs to the bath, and add it to the bath with water before bathing. In the room where the child is brought, there should be an oilcloth, a diaper on top of it, on which the baby will need to be placed. Oil should be prepared in advance for smearing wrinkles, powder, cotton pads or sticks. There are several options for when you can bathe a newborn. The time of day at which you can bathe the baby individually for each, it will depend on the well-being of the child. The best time for swimming is in the evening.

How to bathe and wash your baby?

After everything necessary for bathing is ready, the baby is undressed and left for a while on the changing table so that he gets used to the ambient temperature. Before bathing, you can massage your baby or perform gymnastic exercises with him.

We put a diaper in the bath, on which we put the crumbs. Before lowering the child into the bath, you need to check the water, it should be warm. To answer the question of how often to bathe a newborn, that the baby is bathed so that it is clean. According to most pediatricians, you need to bathe your baby at least twice a week. And you need to wash and wash every day. It is important to properly wash children of different sexes. So, girls are washed in the direction from front to back, and boys, on the contrary, laying their stomachs on their palms.

Let's bathe the baby

Some tips for bathing your baby:

We put the child on a thin diaper, which we prepared in advance, gradually immerse the baby in water, holding his head with his left hand. Bathing a baby in a diaper is necessary so that he quickly adapts to life outside the stomach, and so he will feel much calmer.
First, the baby can simply be washed with water.
Next, you need to draw very carefully over the head, then behind the ears, and under the chin.

Now let's move on to the baby's body. We thoroughly wash all the folds, do not forget about the armpits, the area under the knees and the groin. The baby has even higher muscle tone, and the fists, as a rule, are compressed, so you need to unclench them and wash the palms themselves and between the fingers.
The water in the bath will gradually cool down, so you need to prepare a container of hot water in advance to pour it into the bath when the need arises. Water is poured into the bath in a thin stream, along the wall of the bath, where the child's legs are. At the end of bathing the baby should be rinsed. To do this, the child must be removed from the bath, and holding it over the bath, rinse with boiled water prepared in advance. The baby is placed on his stomach on his left hand and rinsed, it will be most convenient.

After that, holding the child in this position, they put a pre-prepared towel on him and wrap him up.

After bathing, the child is wiped dry, the navel is treated, the folds are sprinkled with powder, then the baby is dressed.

E.O. Komarovsky gives even more advice on how to properly bathe a child in his programs.

What to choose means for bathing?

When bathing a baby, you can use baby products that are designed for this: shampoo, foam, gel, soap. It is advisable to purchase all these funds in a specialized children's store, or in pharmacies. And you can also use a decoction of herbs for bathing a child, for example, chamomile, calendula, motherwort. A decoction of such herbs will relieve inflammation on the skin, relieve diaper rash. Infusions can be prepared not only from one herb, but also from a mixture of several herbs.

Newborn Bathing Equipment

It will not be easy for one mother to bathe a baby for the first time, so it is better for one of the relatives to help. But if no one is around while bathing the baby, you can use special bathing devices that are sold in any children's store. For example, it can be a circle or a slide. When the child lies on the slide, his back and head are fixed, which makes bathing easier. Unlike the slide, when the child is on the circle, only his head is supported. The choice of bathing device is up to the parents. And if there is a desire, how the kids bathe with the help of certain devices, you can watch the video.

The long-awaited little man appeared in the house. Parents waited for the appearance of their child for 9 months. We prepared in advance: we read books on upbringing and care, bought diapers and undershirts, consulted with doctors. Taking a small helpless child in their arms, adults have fear and fear of harming the baby. The biggest concern for parents is bathing a newborn baby.

Mom and dad are afraid that the child will slip out during the bath. There are many questions about how to wash a newborn baby. What to do so that bathing brings benefits and joy, and does not scare the baby? It must be understood that water procedures, including bathing, are a very important part of care that affects the physical and psycho-emotional state of the baby.

For comfortable bathing of the child and the convenience of parents, it is necessary to purchase a bath and special accessories that facilitate water procedures. Some doctors advise bathing the baby in a large bathtub, where the baby has more room for movement. And yet, it is better for a newborn child to buy a special baby bath.

The procedure for bathing a baby in such a bath will not be difficult for young parents. In addition, in a container for children it is easier to control the condition of the baby, to hold it. Currently, there is a huge selection of various types of bathtubs:

Classic baby bath. Comfortable for baby and mom. Pretty safe option.
Anatomical. It differs from the classic version in the presence of special protruding parts corresponding to the physique of the baby. Very suitable for babies up to 3 months old. Later, the bath will have to be changed, as the grown-up baby will knock on protruding parts while bathing.
With an antimicrobial coating containing a special antimicrobial additive "microban". This additive destroys more than 95% of harmful bacteria on the surface, it does not “wash out”, it remains active for the entire service life of the bath, which does not need special disinfection. If an infant has sensitive skin or allergic symptoms, an antimicrobial bath is best.
"Mom's belly" This type of baby bath is widespread in European countries. In Russia, such baths are not yet very popular. Outwardly, it looks like a pot-bellied, wide bucket. The baby in such a container is in the form of an embryo, which helps to reduce stress from the procedure.
Thermo bath. The built-in thermometer is also a stopper for draining water. Built-in container for liquid soap or shampoo. Sometimes there are two such containers. The thermometer is located in such a way that the child cannot pull out the cork.
Inflatable - a good option for a summer holiday. Such containers require thorough disinfection.

After the bathing bath is selected, it is worth considering the additional accessories that are required for this water procedure:

A special slide or hammock for a baby bath that keeps the baby in a reclining state, with a raised head.
Jug or ladle with a lid. Before starting the procedure, fill the container with water from the bath, and set aside a little. During bathing, the water in the jug will cool down a little and it can be used to rinse the baby. Rinsing with slightly cooled water is one of the elements of hardening.
Water thermometer, if the bath does not have a built-in device.
Bathing products: baby shampoo, soap, oil for the delicate skin of the baby.
A piece of soft cloth or sponge.
A solution of potassium permanganate.

The use of herbal infusions

Often, parents are interested in how exactly to bathe a newborn in herbal infusions?

Herbal infusions for bathing babies should be used strictly according to the doctor's indications. If the child is healthy, then the use of herbs can be harmful to his health.

Indications for use:

Increased or decreased muscle tone.
Disturbances in the nervous system: anxiety, capriciousness, irritability, as well as restless, interrupted sleep, frequent non-stop crying.
Reduced immunity, which leads to frequent illnesses.
Problems in the work of the gastrointestinal tract: frequent colic, regurgitation, flatulence.
Diaper rash, sweating. Skin rashes and diseases: eczema, dermatitis, allergic rash.

Medicinal preparations and herbs affect the functioning of many body systems, not only when used internally, but also when used externally. The baby is not immune. In a little man, body systems that are defenseless against external adverse factors are just beginning to form. Be sure to consult a doctor, do not make rash decisions that can harm the baby.

Contraindications:

Period before and after vaccination.
The manifestation of an allergic reaction to medicinal herbs.
Elevated temperature.
Any damage to the skin: wounds, scratches, ulcers, diaper rash, wet eczema.

If there are contraindications, any baths with medicinal herbs can harm the child. If the pediatrician has prescribed therapeutic baths, then specify which herbal infusions can be used. The doctor, depending on the diagnosis, will advise which herb to use for your child.

Chamomile is one of the most popular medicinal herbs. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and also used to correct muscle tone and relieve skin irritations.
A series - to eliminate the causes of seborrheic crusts. It is also used to treat almost all types of skin rashes and diseases.
Soothing: valerian, motherwort, mint, lavender.

There are herbs to treat colic and problems of the reproductive system. How to brew decoctions, make infusions, how much to add to the bath - do not solve all these questions yourself. Be sure to check with specialists so as not to harm the baby.

When can you swim

Ensuring the cleanliness of the baby is one of the important tasks of caring for the baby. It should also be clean in the children's room. Every morning of a newborn begins with hygiene procedures. Mommy cleans the eyes, ears, nose, wipes the baby's body with wet wipes or a soft, damp cloth.

Through the navel, an infection can enter the baby's body, cause a disease. That is why, for about 10 to 14 days, doctors advise not to bathe the baby in the bathroom until the umbilical wound has healed: wiping is enough. They wash the babies under a tap with running water, holding on one hand, and with the other they direct a stream of water in the direction from the genitals.

The benefits of bathing

Bathing a newborn baby is not only about ensuring hygienic cleanliness. This procedure has a huge impact on the psycho-emotional and intellectual development of the baby. During bathing, all muscles relax, hypertonicity is removed, large motor skills develop, and the body hardens. All nerve receptors respond positively to the aquatic environment. The baby's motor functions are improving. Positive emotions, vivid impressions - all this has a positive effect on the nervous system.

The baby is less naughty, sleeps more soundly. The water relieves pain caused by colic in the abdomen. The emotional closeness of the child and parents during bathing creates the prerequisites for the successful socialization of the crumbs.

You must select a specific time. Each family chooses the time of bathing itself, taking into account the peculiarities of the baby's daily routine, and taking into account the interests of adults.

Several requirements must be met:

You can not bathe immediately after feeding, so that the baby does not burp.
The child should not be hungry during the procedure, otherwise he will be capricious.
Most often, the procedure is carried out in the evening, before the penultimate feeding.
For children with pronounced hyperactivity, bathing has an exciting effect. For such children, it is better to schedule the procedure for a day.

First bath

Finally, the umbilical wound healed, and the doctor allowed the baby to be bathed. The attitude of the child to this type of water procedure often depends on the first experience, so prepare in advance. Consider step by step how to bathe a newborn baby for the first time.

Getting ready for swimming:

Bathing procedure:

So, everything is ready for the bath. Undress your chest. Let the baby lie down quietly for a few minutes, take air baths. Make a light massage, gently stroking the arms, legs, tummy of the child.
So that the fool is not afraid, put on a thin diaper. The fabric will gradually get wet and envelop the body: the baby will be cozy and comfortable.
Gradually lower the child's legs into the water, with one hand holding the head and shoulders, and with the other, hold the child by the buttocks. So you fix the baby, and he will not slip out of your hands.
The water should reach the top of the baby's chest. The head lies on the elbow, for example, dad. The first bath lasts no more than 3 minutes. When the baby is dipped into the water, the process begins.
Gently wash the face with a cotton pad without soap. First wash the body, moving from top to bottom. Lather the body of the baby with your hand or a soft cloth.
The head is washed last. You can lather the head, and wash off the soap from the forehead towards the back of the head so that the detergent does not get into the eyes, and water into the ears.
The baby at this age does not move much, so thoroughly rinse all the folds of the neck and perineum. Unclench your fists, wash your hands.
Rinse off the soap and shampoo carefully. To rinse, remove the baby from the water and place it upside down on your left hand. Rinse your baby from a nearby bucket of prepared water. Place a soft towel over the top and wrap.
Do not dry the skin with a towel, as it is very thin, and a rough towel can damage it. The child is simply blotted with a thin cloth, the skin is allowed to dry. After bathing, on the folds and folds, lubricate the skin with baby cream.

The first 6 months the procedure should be carried out daily. The time gradually increases from 2 minutes to 30 minutes. After the first procedure, young parents are already more confident in their abilities. Now you can play a little with the fool in the water: raise and lower the legs and arms in turn. Be sure to talk to the baby when you bathe him.

While dad is holding the child in his arms, mom can unclench her fingers in her fist one at a time, while telling a rhyme or a nursery rhyme. The baby responds well to a calm, familiar voice.

After swimming

After a properly conducted process, the child is in a good mood, he is tired and wants to sleep.

The first fears and doubts of parents disappear after a few days. But kids know how to surprise adults. Sometimes parents complain that the baby loved to swim, and now constant tantrums. To understand how to properly bathe a newborn baby in a bath, sometimes it is enough to observe his behavior.

Adults often make the water hotter, forgetting that babies have almost no thermoregulation system. The foolish can feel comfortable at a water temperature of 30 - 32 degrees. When a mother, following instructions from books, achieves a temperature of 37 degrees, such a lover of “colder” water will throw tantrums, cry, and break out of her hands.
Shampoos and detergents should not be used more than 2 times a week. If the baby is healthy, the skin is clean, then do not be afraid to wash the baby with plain water.
Some parents carry babies with them to the bath. High humidity, intense heat in the bath - all this can lead to overheating of the body of a little man. It is especially dangerous when adults, in order to harden a baby, cut a hole in the ice, and after a hot bath they dip the baby into ice water. This type of hardening is available to big guys, but not to babies.
Boys and girls should be bathed according to the characteristics of their genitals. Wash the girl in the direction from the genitals to the ass. This is due to the not fully developed labia, through which an infection can enter the vagina. For boys, it is important not to open the foreskin so that the fusion process does not begin. The genitals must be washed with plain water, without using shampoos.
How to properly bathe a newborn baby can also be found in groups of young parents who share their experiences. In such groups, you can get advice backed up by practice.

Children's fears and their causes

If after some time the behavior of the baby changes dramatically, it is possible that he was frightened. Talk to your doctor or review your behavior and your child's behavior.

The baby often slips and falls in the tub. The reason may be in an uncomfortable bath. You can correct the situation by placing a diaper folded several times on the bottom.
Refuses to wash his hair. Perhaps one day the shampoo got into the baby's mouth. Wash your hair with plain water for several days to calm down the baby. Subsequently, take a little shampoo and make sure that it does not get into the eyes and mouth.
Afraid to go deeper. Tries to jump out of the water. The reason may be that he once took a sip of water in the tub. To correct this situation, pour less water. Distract with conversations, songs, when adding water from a jug.
Parents speak loudly and harshly, quarrel while bathing. The fool catches intonations, a nervous mood is transmitted to him, as a result, the baby begins to be afraid to swim.

Most of the fears of children that have arisen before water are associated with the inattention of adults.