Bathing for a newborn is a very important process that is not only needed to maintain hygiene. It develops the skeleton and muscles, strengthens nerve cells and immunity, soothes and relaxes, improves sleep and appetite of the baby. In addition, the first baths help to quickly straighten the arms and fingers of the crumbs. They stabilize blood supply and pressure, improve coordination and orientation of the baby in space.

In order for bathing and swimming in the bathroom to be safe and beneficial, it is important to follow a number of rules and recommendations. Parents are concerned about how to properly organize this procedure and how often to bathe a newborn baby. Let's take a closer look at these questions.

Features of bathing a baby

The child does not have to be bathed every day if it is not necessary. It is enough to do this once every two or three days. The rest of the time, wipe the crumbs with wet wipes or a damp towel. Too frequent bathing can negatively affect the immune system, body temperature and the protective layer of the skin, which are only being formed in the first month of life.

Babies are not recommended to be washed with ordinary soap. In the first weeks of life, it is enough to simply wash it with warm boiled water. After a month, you can use liquid baby soap without fragrances, flavors and other chemicals. Baby shampoo “no tears” is used after 2-3 months. It is necessary to wash the baby up to six months using cosmetics no more than once every 7-10 days, then you can carry out bath procedures with soap and shampoo every 5-7 days.

It is important that cosmetics are natural and hypoallergenic, including wet wipes. For the little ones, choose cosmetics for newborns. Carefully study the composition and expiration date of each product, check the product for age. When washing, take a soft sponge or cloth that will not scratch or damage the delicate skin of the baby.

The first bathing is carried out at a temperature of 36.6-37 degrees, starting from five to seven minutes. Then the residence time in the water is gradually increased, and the temperature is reduced. In this case, the air temperature should be about 25 degrees. Then the baby will not get cold and will not freeze after bathing or, conversely, will not overheat.

Before each bath, the bath must be washed with safe detergents. To do this, use laundry soap, baking soda, neutral liquid soap, baby gel or vinegar. For more information on how to clean the bath before bathing a newborn, read. And then we will consider the basic rules of bathing. We will learn how to properly and how often you need to bathe a baby, depending on age.

Rules for bathing newborns

• The first bathing is carried out for five minutes in the evening in boiled water with a temperature of 36.6-37 degrees;
• Then the water temperature is gradually reduced by one degree in 5-7 days, and the bathing time, on the contrary, is increased. By six months, a baby can bathe for half an hour;
• The air temperature in the bathroom should be about 25 degrees;
• Wipe the newborn with wet wipes or a wet towel several times a day, bathe in a baby bath with boiled water if necessary;
• It is recommended to bathe the child more often in the heat, with heavy sweating and diaper rash, skin irritations;
• When the umbilical wound heals, at 3-4 weeks the child can begin to bathe in a regular adult bath with running water;
• Washing your baby with soap and shampoo is not recommended more than once a week. Moreover, the shampoo is used only after two to three months. Prior to this, the head of the baby is washed with baby soap;
• Use only hypoallergenic cosmetics and detergents with natural ingredients that are suitable for the baby by age;
• After two to three months, swimming exercises are included;
• Herbal supplements in the form of a string, chamomile or calendula can be used after 3-4 months, coniferous-salt baths are made for children older than six months. But be careful, the components can cause allergies in a child!;
• Before bathing, be sure to wash the tub with baking soda, laundry soap, or other safe products.

Bathing a newborn in the first month

In the first weeks of life, the baby requires special care and attention, because the child's body is only adapting to new conditions. The baby should not be bathed in ordinary running water and an adult bath until the umbilical wound heals. As a rule, this happens in the second or third week. During this period, the baby is bathed in a special baby bath or simply wiped off the body with wet wipes.

In the first days of life, it is enough to wipe the baby with wet hypoallergenic wipes or a soft towel dipped in boiled water. Then the baby can begin to bathe in a baby bath. In this case, only boiled water with a temperature of about 37 degrees above zero is also used. The first bathing should not exceed five minutes.

For bathing, rinse and prepare a bath. Pour boiled water and wait until it cools to the desired temperature. Then undress the baby, hold it on the handles and press it to you. It is important that he calms down and knows that you are there. Immerse your baby into the water gradually and gently.

Prepare a table in advance where you will wipe the baby after bathing. Lay a diaper or sheet, wrap the bathed baby in a warm terry towel. When drying the baby, do not rub the skin, but lightly blot the moisture. Do not forget to treat the umbilical wound. To do this, blot your stomach with a towel or dry cloth. If there is still a clothespin on the navel, carefully remove it. Dip a Q-tip in 3% hydrogen peroxide, carefully remove the scab, and then thoroughly apply the peroxide to each area of ​​the skin.

The clothespin is also treated with peroxide and wiped dry with a cotton pad. After it, you can still process it with 70% alcohol to increase protection against infections and bacteria. After the procedures done, the clothespin is put back on. Then the skin of the crumbs can be lubricated with lotion or oil for newborns to moisturize and soften it. After that, they put on diapers and clothes or wrap the baby in a diaper. Remember, it is not recommended to wear a diaper under a diaper!

Bathing a baby after a month

When the baby is 3-4 weeks old, the child can begin to bathe in a regular adult bath. However, it needs to be handled more carefully! But many parents even after a month prefer to use a baby bath. This is not surprising, because it is very comfortable. Plus, it's more hygienic.

If you bathe the baby in an adult bath, you can use a children's slide or a hammock. This will simplify the procedure, because mom or dad, who wash the baby, will not have to lean too low towards the child. In addition, the baby, while in a hammock or on a slide, will not slide on the bath.

After a month, the water is no longer necessary to boil. The water temperature is reduced by one degree every week, and the bathing time is gradually increased to 15-20 minutes. A suitable water temperature for a child per month is 36 degrees, at three months - up to 32 degrees.

For children older than two or three months, you can already practice special swimming exercises. This will further strengthen the muscles and immunity. The kid will not be afraid of water and will learn to swim faster. Due to the long evening bathing, the baby eats well before going to bed, quickly falls asleep and sleeps peacefully all night.

You can bathe the child every day, and wash with soap and other means - about once a week. It is important to wash every fold of the baby. It is better to water the child from a bucket. If the baby is afraid of water and is naughty, use various toys. They will help to relax and be distracted, because bathing for a newborn can be stressful.

Bathing a baby after six months

The appearance of a baby at home is always a joy, anxious expectations and ... stress for young parents. When the first emotions subside, parents begin to think that the baby should be washed, dressed and fed. However, in the absence of experience, even simple tasks can raise many questions.

One of the situations that cause confusion in young mothers is the first bath of the child after the hospital. If there is a caring grandmother nearby or if you are lucky with the supervising nurse and doctor, then bathing will not be a big problem. But if not, moms need instructions. Therefore, now we will give detailed recommendations for bathing a newborn baby.

Preparing the bathroom and water for a newborn's first bath

First of all, it is worth refuting the myth that it is impossible to bathe a child until the umbilical wound is completely healed. You can bathe your baby from the first day of life, but you need to approach this issue very responsibly so as not to introduce infections.

Tray . The main thing to remember is safety. Therefore, take care of purchasing a baby bath in advance. There are many reasons not to bathe a child in an adult bath - the danger of positioning, a rough surface for the baby's skin, the remnants of aggressive detergents, the risk of injury and even accidental drowning.

The baby bath is safe for the baby in all respects. It is not worth saving when buying it. On sale there are anatomical baths, baths like "mother's belly", ordinary, built-in adult and inflatable models. The safest for newborns are "mother's tummy" baths. They are cup-shaped, non-slip, stable, comfortable for mothers and keep the temperature. In addition, they help with intestinal colic and support newborns who cannot hold their heads in the correct physiological position.

Water . Babies can only be bathed in boiled water and weak decoctions of herbs. The water temperature for the first bath of the baby at home should be 36.6 ° C, if the mother does not want to cause fear of water in the newborn for the next few months. The baby should not feel the temperature difference. In order to control this aspect, you need to buy a bath thermometer in advance. Or a bath with a thermostat that will maintain the desired temperature.

To avoid infection in the umbilical wound, a solution of potassium permanganate can be added to the water for the first bath. To do this, you need to make a strong bright purple solution, take a clean gauze folded in two or three layers, and pour the solution into the bath, filtering through the gauze. Pour until the water turns slightly pink. You can also add strong solutions of herbs to the water - chamomile, linden, dill.

Bathing facilities. If possible, water and herbal decoctions with potassium permanganate should be dispensed with, but if detergents must be used, antibacterial products and soaps should be avoided. Only special foams for babies can be used. The packaging must indicate that the use is permissible from birth (0+). The foam must be dissolved in a small amount in water in the bath.

The temperature in the bathroom is also very important. If the temperature of the water contrasts sharply with the temperature of the air, the least to be expected is tears and screams; more - inflammation of the lungs. The bathroom should be warm, as well as the room in which the baby gets after bathing.

The first bath of the child should be as less traumatic as possible. Try to follow all the recommendations so that it does not cause long-term fear.

How to bathe a child?

So, all the preparations are made, and it's time for a daily bath. First of all, you need to stock up on bathing attributes - a watering can with a spray, a soft towel, cotton balls and flagella (by no means sticks), a solution of brilliant green, clean gauze, diapers and talc.

Let's go to swimming. It is necessary to undress the baby, wash it if necessary, and gently put / put it clean in the bath. To do this, you need to support the head (nape), neck, back with the left hand (if the mother is right-handed), and the legs and buttocks with the right hand. So the baby is lowered into a lying bath. In the baths of the "mother's tummy" type, the baby is planted supporting under the armpits and head, carefully leaning against the walls and making sure that the child is comfortable. It is necessary to lower it slowly and gradually, giving him the opportunity to get used to the water. If everything was done correctly, the baby will relax.

Then you need to take a watering can with water (temperature 36.6 ° C) and carefully pour the baby's body, but not the head. Water in the eyes will frighten the child and may cause fear of bathing. Watering the baby with water (or a decoction of herbs), you need to give him time to adapt, stroking and talking to him.

What to do after swimming?

After the washing procedure, you need to carefully remove the baby and immediately wrap it in a towel from the head to the feet. The towel should be soft, dry and warm. Until 6 months, pediatricians do not recommend using anything that is applied to the skin (creams, lotions, oils). The exception is coconut oil, it is hypoallergenic and in a small amount (just a couple of drops) will help retain moisture. Apply it before you dry your baby's skin.

You need to prepare in advance the room in which the baby will fall after bathing. Cover the changing table with a warm, clean and soft diaper, put diapers and talcum powder next to it. Be sure to close windows and check for drafts. In the first 10 minutes, do not put on a baby diaper and sliders. It is enough to cover the child with a terry blanket and let the skin breathe.

Bathing a baby is a procedure that should bring joy and pleasure. When in contact with water, tactile stimulation occurs, physical performance improves.

But a prerequisite, of course, are hygienic manipulations and temperature conditions: both water and ambient air.

During intrauterine life, all 9 months the baby was surrounded by amniotic fluid. After birth, he leaves this environment, goes through the processes of adaptation to new conditions. Therefore, bathing in water is for him a reminder of the "past" life in his mother's tummy.

If we talk about the temperature regime, then it is about 37 degrees. If this temperature level rises, the child may overheat or get burned. Conversely, bathing in cold water can even cause fright in an infant and discourage the desire to swim for a long time.

The first bath of the baby lasts about 10 minutes, so you should not worry that the water will have time to cool.

Ways to measure water temperature:

• thermometer;
• "elbow method".

Pharmacies sell many thermometers for water in the form of fish that are immersed in the bath. You can also use your own hands. Submerge your elbow in the water and roughly estimate whether the water is hot or cool.

It should be remembered that the umbilical wound in very small crumbs has not yet healed, and for bathing newborns in the first days of life, it is necessary to boil water. This must be done within the first two weeks. To do this, we first collect cold water in the bath, then add boiling water to the temperature we need - 36-37 degrees. Be sure to stir the water.

When the baby overheats, you will notice redness of the skin, lethargy. And, on the contrary, if the baby is cold, he will clench his fists, cry, and his lips and limbs will turn blue.

If during bathing the child cries, then the procedure should be stopped. Reconsider what you are doing wrong.

The air temperature in the bathroom should be around 23 degrees.

What do you need to prepare for swimming?

For water procedures you will need the following items:

• bath;
• swimming slide;
• thermometer;
• diaper;
• soft terry towel;
• bathing facilities for children.

Baby bath products

In modern stores you can find a lot of all kinds of baby shampoos, gels and bath foams. The most widely used line is the Johnsons Baby.

Bathing foam, especially with lavender oil, has hypoallergenic properties and a soothing effect.

1. Hypoallergenic - the absence of harmful dyes and fragrances that can cause an allergic reaction.
2. Safety. After all, any child can try the foam “by the tooth”.

Of course, if it was not a drop of gel, but a whole sip or two, you need to call an ambulance.

Daria, Moscow, 25 years old:“Johnsons Baby bathing foam worked perfectly for us, or rather, for my six-month-old happiness. You can purchase a large pink bottle of 500 ml. The price is very democratic, and enough for a long time - about 4 months. But, depending on how much you pour it into the bath. For excitable children, also eat with lavender.

Baby soap "Eared Nanny", Hipp is also popular among young mothers. It is convenient and the form of its use is liquid.

This soap should not contain fragrances. An obligatory component is glycerin to soften delicate skin. Always a big plus for soap is the presence of substances of plant origin and a special dispenser for easy use.

You can still bathe children in herbal preparations with thyme, chamomile, lemon balm. They have a good anti-inflammatory and soothing effect. They will provide all possible assistance with diaper rash and hyperexcitability of the baby.

Natalia, 28 years old:“I bought the Eared Nanny hair wash, I thought it would work as a bath foam, it wasn’t there. Foams mediocre. Great for babies, softens the skin well. Allergic reactions were not found. There is, however, a grape fragrance, so I would not recommend it for newborns. ”

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. For my son I use the Eared Nanny liquid soap. It foams very well, so to speak "2 in 1" - both foam and soap. The smell is pleasant, it washes off quickly. I have never noticed allergies, it softens and soothes the skin very well with diaper rash, if any.

Also in high demand on the market is a line of bathing products from the German company Bübchen. But they are pricey.

Nowadays, you can find a lot of shampoos, bath foams, bathing gels for children. But even with such a variety, an individual approach and mandatory consideration of possible allergic reactions are necessary. In what to bathe the baby, it is up to the parents to decide.

Newborn's first bath

Here is the long-awaited moment of discharge from the hospital. You have arrived home, and after some time the question arises of how to bathe this small and very fragile bundle of happiness.

Bathing the baby after the hospital should be carried out the next day to allow the newborn to adapt to his new room and crib.

The child should be bathed in his own tub. The bath should be chosen in children's stores, as the product is certified there, and the plastic and other substances from which the bath is made will not harm the health of the baby when bathing.

With this procedure, for convenience, you can use a slide. There are plastic slides, fabric hammocks, slides with a metal frame covered with fabric. Special baths with already built-in slides are also sold.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. My husband and I enjoyed bathing our baby on a fabric slide with a metal frame. My husband even made it himself. The child is more comfortable and softer to lie on the fabric than on the plastic substrate.

Baby bath rules

1. We are preparing a place in the bathroom where it is most convenient to place the bath. You can put it on a stool, or in a large bath.
2. We prepare water. If the umbilical wound has not healed, then the water should be boiled.
3. We check the presence of a mug or a small bucket to rinse the baby.
4. We collect water, about a quarter of the bath. We check the temperature with a thermometer or an elbow. If desired, add foam or a decoction of herbs.
5. We put up a hill.
6. We close the bathroom.
7. We are preparing a child.
8. Undress the baby on the changing table. If the room is warm, then you can take air baths for several minutes. Then we swaddle with the head, but not tight.
9. We carefully place the baby on the hill, monitor the well-being of the child, the color of his skin, and a large fontanel.
10. First, gently wash the arms, legs, body, then the head of the child, trying to protect the eyes from water. At the end, rinse the baby with clean water. Bathing a newborn should begin with five minutes, gradually increasing the amount of time to 15 minutes.

For more information about and up to what age a child should be wrapped in a diaper, read the article by a children's doctor.

How to wash a newborn?

You can wash the child simply with your hand, or with a special washcloth-mitt, which can be bought at a children's store. When choosing a mitten, evaluate the material from which it is made and the smell, so as not to cause allergies in the child.

After the child has bathed, it should be wrapped in a dry terry towel and dried with blotting movements. Dress in a vest, sliders, or swaddle.

Bathe the baby for the first 4-5 months should be daily, but wash the hair no more than 2 times a week. In the second half of life, you can bathe every other day.

Bathing a baby is a very difficult task. While still in a pregnant position, it will be useful to study the necessary materials on how to properly bathe a newborn baby. Try to involve your husband in this process as well.

Helpers are never redundant. The baby will feel the care of both parents.

Finally, the mother and baby were discharged from the hospital. The main difficulties are behind us, relatives and friends are waiting at home, everything is ready to welcome a new family member. Nevertheless, there is still so much trouble ahead - to establish a regimen, organize feeding, learn how to swaddle properly ...

One of the most pleasant worries is the first bath of a newborn, which must be taken with all responsibility. After all, this water procedure is very important for his health and further development.

If bathing a newborn in the first days of life is carried out correctly, this will contribute to its healthy and full development. The beneficial properties of the water procedure have long been beyond doubt among pediatricians, since it:

• stimulates the functions of the skin, maintains it in a normal state;
• normalizes blood circulation;
• relieves tense muscle tone;
• strengthens the immune system;
• eliminates manifestations;
• provides high-quality hardening;
• contributes to the prevention of allergic rashes and skin diseases;
• increases motor activity;
• improves appetite and sleep.

It must be understood that the first bath of newborns is very important both physiologically and emotionally. Its task is to make the skin clean, as well as to open new facets of this world to the child. He should like the process itself, which can become a source of good mood and positive emotions for him in the future. So you have to prepare for the first procedure with all responsibility. And it is advisable to start in advance - with the acquisition of the necessary things for this.

There is an opinion. Some pediatricians advise bathing newborns daily, while another group of doctors say that water dries out the skin. Therefore, they recommend arranging water procedures three times a week.

Equipment

Tray for bathing a newborn anatomically shaped

In order for the bathing of a newborn for the first time to pass without problems and unexpected troubles, it is advisable to prepare the necessary things for this in advance. These include:

• anatomically shaped plastic bath for children with special protrusions and recesses;
• soft sponge / mittens from a bike;
• water thermometer;
• jug for pouring;
• a special stand in the form of a slide that supports the baby in the reclining bath (optional);
• diaper / soft baby towel for wiping;
• clean pajamas / diaper for changing clothes after bathing;
• a watch to monitor the duration of the procedure;
• a camera to capture such a significant event for the whole family.

If caring parents have purchased all this in advance, the first bathing of a newborn at home will be much calmer and without nerves. Otherwise, it usually happens that you didn’t buy a thermometer, didn’t prepare a watch, and the camera generally ran out of power at the right time. But the most important thing is to choose the right baby cosmetics for this procedure - shampoo and soap.

Baby shampoo

• shampoo for children from the basic series with wheat, aloe vera, panthenol, chamomile extract from Bubchen (Germany);
• soft shampoo from the children's series "For the smallest" with extracts of soapwort, angelica from Little Siberica (Russia);
• baby shampoo-gel with calendula from Weleda (Germany).

• Eared nanny (Russia);
• My sun (Russia);
• Our mother (Russia);
• From top to toe - foam-shampoo from Johnson's Baby (Italy);
• Pigeon (Japan);
• Sanosan baby (Germany).

Baby soap

• Our mother: with chamomile and string;
• moisturizing soap from Sanosan baby;
• vegetable soap for children with calendula from Weleda.

• eared nanny;
• Johnson's Baby
• Bubchen.

At the same time, keep in mind that shampoo and soap will be needed for the first bath of a newborn. All kinds of foams, gels, milk offered in a wide range are best used much later. Otherwise, do not be surprised that the next morning after the procedure, the baby was covered with an incomprehensible rash. Protect his thin and very sensitive skin from unnecessary parabens, fragrances and dyes. And take care of the water in which the first bath will take place.

We distinguish concepts. In many sources, you can read that already from the first bath for a newborn, you can use a special soap or shampoo, which are identical in their functionality. And yet, it would be more correct to initially distinguish between them: wash your head with shampoo, and your body with soap.

Water

So that the first bathing of a newborn after the maternity hospital does not harm his health, it is very important to properly prepare the water for this procedure. A lot depends on her: it is with her that the baby's skin will contact, including the umbilical wound and fontanelles on the head. Therefore, it must be:

• boiled;
• disinfected with an unsaturated solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) to prevent suppuration of the umbilical wound; moreover, you need to ensure that all crystals are well dissolved in water, because large ones can leave a burn on delicate, thin skin;
• with diathesis, a pediatrician or a dermatologist may prescribe bathing in herbal decoctions, but you should not add them if the child is absolutely healthy, otherwise the protective layer of the skin can be broken;
• the water temperature during the first bath of a newborn should be + 36.5-37 ° C (for a healthy baby), 38 ° C (for children at risk).

Regarding the use of potassium permanganate, it is advisable to first consult with a pediatrician while still in the hospital. He will know the state of the umbilical wound in the newborn and will advise whether such disinfection is necessary during the first bath. Perhaps, in general, it will be recommended to postpone water procedures until this place is completely healed. Now for the procedure itself.

Curious fact. Modern doctors say that already the first bath can be carried out without boiled water, taking a bath directly from the tap and not even using potassium permanganate. Well, pediatricians know better, but in this case, the responsibility lies on the shoulders of the parents. Still, an umbilical wound that has not yet healed can become a gateway for bacteria that are teeming with tap water.

detailed instructions

The procedure for the first bathing of a newborn after discharge from the hospital is carried out on the second day of his stay at home. Not the first, because for him at this moment there will be a lot of stress.

Training

1. Prepare everything you need in advance. After all, a newborn should not be left unattended in the bath for a minute.
2. Bathing is recommended immediately before the last feeding. But at the same time, the child should not be very hungry, otherwise he will cry and act up.
3. In the room where the water procedure will be carried out, the temperature for bathing a newborn for the first time should be: for healthy babies + 22-23 ° C. For those who are at risk - + 23-24 ° С.
4. Lubricate the crusts on the baby's head with vegetable oil 10-15 minutes before bathing.
5. Place a rubber mat on the floor to prevent adult feet from slipping. This will protect against injury.
6. Open the door to the room so that the humidity does not rise.
7. Disinfect the room. This can be done with the help of special devices - a bactericidal recirculator, a salt lamp, a humidifying air purifier. If it is not possible to use them, it will be enough to put a saucer with several peeled garlic cloves in the room 15 minutes before bathing.
8. Arrange for 5-7 minutes before bathing the first air bath in the life of a newborn.
9. Reassure him, talk to him affectionately, smile.
10. Fill the bathtub with water, measure its temperature, bring it to the recommended mark.

bathing process

1. So that the newborn is not afraid of water for the first time, he must be lowered into the bath in a vest or in a diaper, and after 1-2 minutes, when he gets used to it, remove it.
2. The first dive should be slow until the water covers the chest and shoulders.
3. With your left hand, support the head and neck so that the thumb of the adult lies on the left shoulder of the newborn, and the rest under the left armpit. So the head will lie firmly on the forearm of the bather's hand.
4. If bathing is carried out by one adult, he rinses the child with his free right hand. If there is an assistant, then with this hand you can support the baby under the ass. Fix its position so that it does not accidentally slip out of your hands.
5. As soon as the newborn becomes worried, you can start rocking him right in the bath.
6. First, they wash their face without soap, paying special attention to the eyes.
7. Wash the body (especially the folds - armpits, neck, perineum, behind the ears) thoroughly with soap and water.
8. Wash your baby's head with soap or shampoo.
9. The perineum is washed last.
10. When bathing girls, all movements of an adult should be in one direction: from the urethra to the anus.
11. For boys, just rinse the external genitalia. In this case, it is desirable to delay the foreskin and rinse all the folds under it to prevent its infection.
12. The duration of the first bath should not exceed 2-3 minutes, although some pediatricians allow you to do this much longer - up to 5-7, or even up to 10 minutes.
13. Do not forget to learn a few special nursery rhymes and jokes for such a significant event. If you sentence them, starting from the very first bath, the baby will quickly get used to water procedures.
14. After the procedure, pour clean water over the newborn from a jug on the back, holding it over the bath. The temperature of the water for such a rinse should be 1-2 ° C lower than that in which it was just bathed.

After swimming

1. Wrap the newborn in a diaper. Wipe gently, making blotting, but not rubbing movements.
2. Treat body creases with sterilized vegetable oil / baby cream. You can not lubricate the entire skin.

If everything is done correctly during the first bath, the procedure will be pleasant for the newborn and joyful for adults. True, in rare cases, the matter is complicated by unforeseen circumstances, which are also desirable to keep in mind in order to know how to behave in a given situation.

The right of the first bath. There are many disputes in the family about who should bathe the newborn. For the first time, parents should definitely do this - mom is sure to and dad as an assistant. Let the rest of the relatives (grandparents and siblings) enjoy this procedure later, when the baby is emotionally ready for it.

Possible problems

A newborn cannot express what hurts him and why he cries. Doctors and parents can only guess about many of his conditions. During the first bath, he can also behave unusually - and parents must be prepared for this in order to respond correctly and not spoil the impression of the procedure.

What to do if a newborn cries during the first bath?

Stop the procedure and postpone it for the next day. The child should experience only positive emotions in these moments. There can be many reasons for naughty behavior:

• hungry;
• something hurts;
• afraid of the first contact with water;
• wants to go to the toilet.

Try to foresee all these circumstances and warn them.

What to do if a newborn cries after the first bath?

A possible reason for this behavior is fear due to temperature differences. From the warm and comfortable bath, the newborn was pulled naked into the air. To smooth out this unpleasant impression, you need to immediately wrap the baby in a pre-prepared towel or diaper.

What to do if the newborn fell asleep during the first bath?

Nothing wrong with that. This happens very often: a new procedure for the first time calms and relaxes the baby. However, bathing will have to be interrupted. If he is awakened at this moment by a careless movement, he can be very frightened. Therefore, we carefully pull the sleeping person out of the bath and put him in the crib. Feed him in such a situation, already when he wakes up.

What to do if a newborn cannot fall asleep after the first bath?

This happens often: the first bath excites the baby so much that he actively moves, tosses and turns, turns around, asks for food, but does not fall asleep. If this situation repeats in subsequent water procedures, just know that your child is special and needs to be bathed in the morning.

What to do if the newborn empties into the bath?

There are children who are so relaxed in the bath that they use it as a toilet. If this happened on the first bath, it should be stopped and postponed for the next day. But, having such experience, you need to wait until the baby is empty, and then bathe him.

No matter how the newborn behaves during the first bath, parents must be prepared for one circumstance or another. This will help them respond correctly and quickly. In addition, it will be useful to know that the famous pediatrician Komarovsky has his own opinion on this procedure.

Could be so. If the parents are very young and do not have enough experience to bathe the newborn for the first time themselves, you can invite a nurse specifically for this procedure. Many hospitals now provide this service. You can see how a professional does it, and in the future do everything right yourself.

Komarovsky system

It is worth paying special attention to the method of bathing newborns, according to the system of Dr. Komarovsky. To date, it has been approved by many well-known pediatricians and parents who have already put it into practice. They do not differ much from the generally accepted postulates, but there are some nuances. Study - perhaps you will spend the first bathing of your baby using this technique. We are only interested in those points that relate to the very first procedure. Here's what they say.

1. You can start them no earlier than 2 weeks after the birth of the child - that is how long it takes for the umbilical wound to heal. During this period, Komarovsky offers simple rubbing with a damp sponge, without touching the navel area.
2. Exclude the kitchen as the venue for the first water treatment. It can be too stuffy here from the constantly working stove and other kitchen appliances.
3. From the point of view of Komarovsky, the best option is to spend the first and all subsequent baths in an ordinary bathroom. Moreover, a children's bath can be inserted into a large adult.
4. A feature of the Komarovsky system is his opinion that a baby bath does not need to be bought at all, and the very first bath should be carried out in a large adult bath. This gives the child maximum freedom of action, trains the muscles of a small body, improves his cardiac activity.
5. Boiling water is not necessary for a healthy newborn.
6. Its temperature should be 33-34 ° C for the first bath, and then it must be gradually reduced for hardening.
7. Bathing time is between 23 and 24 hours.
8. Before this newborn, you can do a massage, then gymnastics for the whole body. This should take 15 minutes.
9. Komarovsky opposes potassium permanganate, believing that it does not provide a normal level of disinfection. He suggests replacing it with a decoction of the string, which must be prepared 12 hours before bathing the newborn.
10. Soap in the first weeks should not be used.
11. It is impossible to swaddle a newborn tightly after bathing. He should feel free and uninhibited.

Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Many of Komarovsky's advice on bathing newborns are approved, find positive feedback. But not using soap, not having to boil water, not using potassium permanganate is still being criticized by the medical community. So whether to use this system or not is up to the parents to decide. Well, it's time for us to prepare disinfectant medicinal solutions for the baby's first bath.

Reference Information. Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich (born in 1960) - doctor of the highest category, pediatrician, TV presenter of the special program "School of Doctor Komarovsky", which in Russia goes on the channels "TV3", "Mama", "Friday!".

Recipes for disinfectant solutions

If you waited until the umbilical wound healed, the first bath should not be carried out with a solution of potassium permanganate. If it is still wet or festering, it is better to add an old proven remedy. If from birth the baby suffers or sweats, with the permission of the doctor, use decoctions of medicinal anti-inflammatory herbs.

• Decoction of a series

Pour a glass of chopped string with a liter of boiling water. Insist 4 hours under the lid. Prepare 12 hours before swimming. Strain immediately before the procedure. Fill the bath with water and pour the infusion into it. A series without loss of bathing quality is replaced by chamomile or calendula.

• Potassium permanganate solution

Dissolve a pinch of potassium permanganate (2-3 g) in a glass of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until all crystals disappear completely. The solution should turn out to be a transparent purple color (but not black!). After pouring it into the bath, the water should turn pink.

Potassium permanganate - the same "potassium permanganate" for disinfection

Recipes for the preparation of disinfectant solutions are best agreed with the pediatrician. This will eliminate the possibility of complications and skin rashes the next morning. The experience of the first bath of a newborn is very important for parents, who, on its basis, must build a whole system of water procedures throughout the year.

Additional Information. If a newborn is suspected of having rickets, the doctor may prescribe salt or coniferous baths for him. Without medical indications, it is strictly forbidden to use them on their own for the first bath.

Do not think that after the first bath all problems are solved. During the first year of a baby's life, questions regarding water procedures will arise constantly. A few useful tips will help you avoid mistakes and overcome all difficulties.

1. The average duration of bathing should be 5-7 minutes.
2. Bathing should be daily during the first year of life.
3. You need to boil water for up to 3 months.
4. Add potassium permanganate to water until the umbilical wound has healed in the newborn.
5. Bathing with soap should be arranged no more than 1-2 times a week.
6. After each bath, the bath should be washed with hot water, and once a week - cleaned with baking soda.
7. Bathing should be carried out at the same time so that the baby develops a habit of daily routine.

In order for the first bathing of a newborn to be touching, and most importantly, correctly, parents need to thoroughly prepare for this procedure. How the baby will perceive the bath in the future, as well as his health, will depend on this. Healing of an umbilical hernia, skin condition, overgrowth of fontanelles, treatment of allergic rashes and prevention of diaper rash - all this is within the competence of water procedures. So you need to take control of this from the first time and follow the professional advice of pediatricians, and not engage in dangerous amateur activities.

When a small miracle appears in the family, it's just wonderful. A young mother immediately has many questions related to caring for a baby. One of these questions is how to bathe a newborn baby for the first time at home?

Of course, even in the hospital you will be told and shown how to properly bathe your baby. But this happens, unfortunately not always. In addition, grandmothers begin to advise how to do it right, what to add, what to add, and so on. In addition to grandmothers, there are also experienced friends who will definitely share their experience in bathing a child.

Preparing to bathe a child.

Of course, everyone is worth listening to, especially grandmothers, it will be pleasant for them. Of course, you will use something, but you will still do it your own way. This is from personal experience.

And so, here you come from the hospital and on the first day you need to bathe the child, what to do first:

1. Don't panic, don't be afraid! This is very important, as the baby will feel it and may be afraid of water. Do not forget - child feels everything, all your emotions and feelings.
2. You need to bathe or 1 hour after feeding or 1 hour before feeding.
3. The room where you will bathe the child should be well ventilated and warm. If you bathe in the bathroom, then close the door so that there are no drafts.
4. The bath tub needs to be washed well., you can use detergents for washing children's dishes, soda and pour boiling water over.
5. The water temperature should be around 37 degrees. Anyway, while you are carrying the child, getting ready, the water will cool down and will be pleasant to the baby.
6. You don't need to take a lot of water about 2/3 bath, maybe a little less.
7. Better prepare a bowl of warm clean water and put next to it. The temperature of the water should be approximately 36 degrees. It can be warmer, it will still cool down. This is for bathing a child.
8. Also in advance prepare a towel (not hard) or a diaper. Preferably warm.
9. Your hands must be clean It's better to just wash them before bathing.
10. Same way remove all jewelry from your hands, it is desirable that the nails be cut short, so as not to harm the baby.

You can swim only with the permission of an obstetrician or pediatrician, even in the hospital. Since the navel must heal before bathing. It is important. If the navel has not yet healed, you just need to moisten a gauze or soft cloth and wipe the child.

Some mothers advise boiling water before bathing. I don't think it's mandatory or even necessary. Why do it? I don't understand at all, so plain water you wash yourself with is great.

How to bathe your baby for the first time

Now let's move on to bathing the baby. It is advisable to do this together with your husband, not only for help, but also for the baby, he will be pleased to feel both mom and dad, as well as hear you both, then the baby will not be afraid and will always enjoy bathing.

Yes, and of course you need to talk more often with the baby while bathing, voice all the actions, it is very useful, and mom too. The duration of bathing a newborn baby is about 2-3 minutes. As you get older, time increases.

This is the right way to hold a baby on your tummy
This is the right way to hold a baby on your back

1. First of all, we undress the child completely, giving a minute to lie down. So we still do air baths, we temper the baby.
2. Now we hold the child in a prone position, holding the head necessarily, first dip your feet into the water. Do not put directly into water. Move your feet in the water a little.
3. Now we can immerse the child in the water y, but so that the head was not in the water, I think you yourself understand why. It's okay if water gets into the ears children are not afraid of it. Do not allow water to enter the eyes, nose and mouth.
4. A little, just a little, lying down, start washing your face first: with your free hand, wet your forehead, then your face completely. Water should not get into the nose, mouth and eyes. Do not rub or press hard.
5. Now my neck slightly raising your chin. It needs to be rinsed very well.
6. Now wash the arms, legs, body and groin well.
7. Then carefully roll baby on tummy, also on your hand. And in the same way, we wash the neck, body, legs and arms again. Rinse well behind the ears.
8. Roll over onto your back again. Now wash the head. You can use soap or foam (there is no difference). Be careful not to get soap in your eyes. We lather the head a little and rinse gently, from the forehead to the back of the head.
9. Now we turn the baby over on the tummy and hold it above the water, take the prepared bucket of water, and We wash the baby from the neck to the feet for the first time. The second time you can from the head and to the legs.
10. Rinse and cover your head with a towel or diaper, put on the back.
11. Now the child is not three towels, but simply We dry the child with blotting movements. The baby's skin is very delicate and should not be rubbed.

OK it's all over Now. Now only small procedures remain. For example, treatment of the navel with brilliant green and, if necessary, powder and ointment.

The child needs to be dressed as soon as possible so that he does not freeze, and it is imperative to wear a hat. Because the hairs are still wet, and the cap will absorb all the moisture. Later, the cap can be removed and the child put to bed.

It is worth bathing a child every day, but at the same time with soap no more than 1-2 times a week. For example, just after discharge from the hospital, you can wash your head with soap for the first time and that's it. Next time maybe in a week.

Baby loves to swim

The fact is that babies do not get dirty, and if some part of the body gets dirty, then you can simply wash it. The less you use soap products, the less likely the child has dermatitis and various allergic reactions. You just need to rinse with water and that's it.

The same goes for baby washcloths. In the first weeks of life, the best washcloth for a baby is mother's hand. The baby's skin is very delicate and thin, there is no need to break the baby's protective barrier. Well, if you use washcloths, then terry mittens and soft washcloths for babies are well suited.

Do not use different herbs. Especially in the first months, the child may experience allergic reactions. The most harmless will be only chamomile. It has medicinal properties. It can also be used 1-2 times a week, brewing 4 sachets and pouring into the bath.

Also, after bathing, you can wipe the child's ears with special cotton swabs with limiters, but do not climb inside in any case, only the auricle and that's it.

You can use various slides or nets that hold devices for swimming, since there are many different types of them, the main thing is to be comfortable and hold your head in the same way.

Also, I want to give you some video tutorials, because I understand that it is better for some to see once than to read several times:

That's all, if you still have questions, ask them in the comments, bye everyone.

How to bathe a newborn baby for the first time at home, video updated: September 11, 2017 by: Subbotina Maria