What is more convenient to bathe a newborn. We clean the ears, nose and trim the nails. Choose organic products

Instruction

Children under one year old are bathed daily. You need to start bathing as soon as the umbilical wound dries up. Children under the age of pediatricians are advised to bathe in boiled water, especially if tap water is of poor quality. The air temperature in the bathroom should be approximately 20-22 ° C, the temperature of the bathing water should be 37 ° C.

In the first life of a child, it is better to bathe in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, this is a good antiseptic that helps to disinfect the umbilical wound and its rapid healing. Manganese crystals must first be dissolved in a bowl of water, and then added to the solution in the bath until a faint pink color. Also, instead of manganese, you can add an infusion of string or chamomile to the bath - these herbs are also antiseptics, soothe the skin, and help fight diaper rash.

Before bathing, it is necessary to rinse the bath with baby soap and rinse it with boiling water each time. Clean linen for the baby should be prepared in advance, like all hygiene items: cotton flagella, baby oil, diapers.

If you are unsure of holding the baby, have someone help you bathe him at first. A newborn can be supported by a father or grandmother while you wash him. It is not necessary to pour a lot of water into the bath while the child is small. Soon you will learn how to bathe your baby on your own.

When everything is ready for bathing, undress the child, wash him, if he has soiled the diaper, carefully immerse his body in water. Hold it in the water with one hand, placing it under the top of the child's shoulder. Its head should lie on your arm bent at the elbow. The rest of the body must be in the water. Wash your face first. You can do this with your hand, a soft sponge or a piece of cotton wool. Then wash your hair with water. Hair should be washed with soap 1-2 times a week - gently lathering them in the direction from the forehead to the back of the head, and then gently washing off the foam.

After washing your head, with a soapy sponge or hand, wipe the skin behind the ears, neck, armpits, arms, legs, sides, back, tummy, groin. After this, the baby should be rinsed with clean water from a jug, which should be the same temperature as the water in the bath.

Having taken the child out of the water, wrap it in a terry towel and hold it there for 5-7 minutes so that the child dries and does not freeze when you undress him. After that, put it on a clean, dry diaper and proceed to the toilet: wipe the ears with cotton flagella, grease the folds with baby oil, treat the navel with hydrogen peroxide to remove the crusts, and then with brilliant green. After that, you can dress the child.

Related videos

The birth of a child brings joy, happiness, as well as a sea of ​​worries and a thousand new responsibilities. With daily chores, many questions arise: how to express milk, how to calm the baby if she cries, which diapers will not cause allergies, and, perhaps, the most important question is how to bathe a newborn baby after discharge.

A small, defenseless living ball needs constant care 24 hours a day. A young mother has to adjust to a new regime, change habits established over the years and forget about a good sleep, thinking only about the well-being of the crumbs. The baby learns the first bath in the hospital. Experienced midwives wash the newborn, treat the navel, ears and nose with a disinfectant solution. The following days, the child is wiped with antimicrobial wipes, so the question of a full-fledged bath arises already at home.

Rules for bathing a newborn baby

Water for a newly born man is the most comfortable environment, because for 9 months the baby has been in the amniotic sac. If you are worried about stomach cramps, and the child starts crying, put him in the bath, and he will immediately calm down, tense muscles will relax. If the dried umbilical cord has not fallen off, try not to touch the process, do not lather with soap. External microbes can enter the open wound, which will infect and provoke suppuration. It is best to wait until the umbilical cord is completely discharged, and clean the skin with napkins. Completely the process dries out after 14 days.

It is undesirable to bathe a child in an adult bath. Get a plastic slide or a small bath. If the baby sits like a glove on the slide, then in the bath it is necessary to hold the head so that the liquid does not get into the mouth or flow into the ears. The children's bath has an oblong shape, but you can find a round one with handles on the sides. It is in round baths that babies learn best to work with legs and arms. This bath is convenient because it can be placed on the table in any room.

Don't forget important details:

• Do not put the baby on a hill with a swing. The first bath should resemble an acquaintance: first immerse the legs in some water and look at the reaction;
• At the first sign of fear, pull the child out and calm him down, otherwise he will be afraid of water;
• Prepare everything you need in advance: a soft sponge, a clean diaper, a thermometer to measure the water temperature, a towel. If the mother is not collected, a rush will begin, which the newborn may not like;
• To create the appearance of protection, wrap the body in a thin diaper or gauze. As soon as you realize that the danger has passed, turn the baby around, let him splash in the water;
• Do not always use soap accessories: the head is washed with shampoo once every seven days, and the body is washed with soap twice;
• The best time to swim is in the evening, just before bed.

Add 1-2 drops of manganese to pre-boiled water for disinfection. It is imperative to boil water for at least the first two weeks. Especially if the umbilical wound has not healed. Do not overdo it with manganese, the baby's skin is very delicate, you can cause burns or dryness. It is very useful to add infusions of medicinal herbs - chamomile, plantain, coltsfoot, succession, lemon balm. Even the most capricious baby will calm down from such a herbal set. But, when bathing a baby for the first time, it is better to do without any additives and wait for getting used to. Many herbs can cause allergies, so don't mix too many herbs at once.

Check the water with a thermometer - the temperature should be 37 degrees. If there is no thermometer, dip your elbow into the water - if it burns, you need to wait. Some mothers harden the child, gradually cooling the water to 30 degrees. Do not be afraid if the child poops into the water - this means that all the muscles have relaxed.

Where to start swimming

First of all, wash the folds behind the ears, armpits, neck. The genitals of girls should be washed gently using a cotton pad. If touched with fingers, you can damage the delicate skin. Wash your head at the very end. Try not to get water in your eyes or mouth - the baby will remember the uncomfortable state and the next time he will start crying. For older babies, inflatable circles are purchased - in this way you can quickly learn to swim. After bathing, wrap the child in a towel, cover his head. No need to immediately rub the body - let the moisture absorb on its own.

When the skin dries, treat all the folds with baby cream, remove the softened crusts from the head, clean the ears with cotton flagella. If your child bursts into tears at the sight of the bathroom, do bath procedures together. Before this, mommy needs to take a shower.

It is important not only to know how to properly bathe a newborn baby, but also not to forget about communication. Talk to the baby, turn bathing into a fun game, and your baby will be happy to take water procedures.

Approximate reading time: 10 minutes

Bathing a newborn baby is part of daily care. Incorrect technique and mistakes made can lead to a negative attitude of the baby to taking baths, and sometimes to serious complications. How to bathe correctly, what nuances should be taken into account, about this and more, in more detail.

Necessary attributes for bathing a newborn

For bathing a newborn, the following items are needed:

Bathing products

The skin of a newborn is very delicate and after childbirth is not fully formed, the sebaceous and sweat glands are not developed, so there is some dryness of the skin, unstable thermoregulation.

Cosmetics containing chemical fragrances, various harmful components can lead to unpleasant moments, such as dryness, rashes, dermatitis, etc.

Baby shampoo and bath foam are not recommended for the first six months of a baby's life. This is due to the content of fragrances and other substances that cause dry skin, allergic reactions.

The first week after birth, the baby should be bathed in a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate, in other words, potassium permanganate. This anesthetic disinfects water, does not allow pathogenic microorganisms to multiply, and promotes healing of the umbilical wound.

For bathing, a weak solution of the substance is used. In the pharmacy, you can buy already prepared 5% potassium permanganate, add 2-3 drops of the concentrate to the water prepared for bathing.

If it is not possible to find a finished drug, then you can do the following:

After consulting a specialist, when the umbilical wound has healed, the child should be bathed using herbal preparations. It must be remembered that herbs must be purchased in specialized stores or pharmacies, have appropriate safety certificates for use.

Medicinal herbs	Medicinal properties
Oak bark	It is used for various skin rashes (diaper rash, sweating, etc.). It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Promotes rapid healing of wounds. It is not recommended to apply more than 2 times a week.
	It has the following healing properties: anti-inflammatory, soothing, reduces irritation. It is recommended for the development of diaper rash, various skin rashes.
	It has a calming effect, normalizes sleep, improves the condition of the skin. It is used for various neurological conditions.
	Typically used for skin problems. Relieves inflammation and rash, especially in the formation of a crust-gneiss, seborrheic skin manifestations. It is not recommended to apply more than 2 times a week.
	It has anti-inflammatory, softening properties.
	The main property is calming. Shown as a sedative for hyperactive babies.

The combination of herbs allows you to enhance the healing properties and achieve several effects, for example, a relaxing collection:

• valerian root;
• lavender;
• motherwort;
• chamomile.

It should be remembered that the use of any collection of medicinal herbs should be only after consultation with a pediatrician in order to avoid side effects.

Preparation of herbal decoction for bathing a newborn

The shelf life of the prepared bathing decoctions is not long, as a rule, does not exceed 48 hours. Therefore, it should be done on the eve of water procedures, so all useful properties are preserved.

For cooking, you need to take a 2-liter pot, boil water, add a handful of herbs of your choice. Turn off the heat, cover with a lid and let it brew for 20-30 minutes. After that, the mixture should be filtered through cheesecloth. Pour the resulting solution into a bath with water for bathing a baby.

If the decoction has been made in large quantities or has not been used for any other reason, it can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 48 hours.

Choosing a baby bath

The range of children's baths is quite diverse, various models and a rich selection of colors. However, not all of them may be safe. In order not to put your child at risk, you should pay attention to the following points:

• baby bath must be made of safe materials (polyurethane, acrylic, etc.)
• have appropriate security certificates;
• bath surface (sliding or vice versa);
• the baby bath should be well tolerated by systematic treatment with detergents;
• convenient dimensions (length from 80 cm, width at least 50 cm, height from 30 cm);
• stability of fasteners and the structure of the sides.

Baby bathtubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Today there are the following varieties:

• The oval bath is a fairly common model and is in demand because of its cheapness. Regular model that does not contain additional accessories, however, they can be purchased separately;
• The anatomical bath is complemented by a built-in slide that repeats the shape of the baby's body. Prevents baby from slipping, head above water surface, suitable for single parent bathing;
• Antimicrobial bath surface, which is made of a material with antimicrobial properties, is indicated for children with high sensitivity of the skin. The disadvantage is its rather high price;
• The folding model of the bath is convenient because it does not take up space and is compact due to the folding property;
• The inflatable bathtub is an addition to the main bathtub, it is convenient for traveling, it can serve as a swimming pool;
• Built-in bathtubs allow you to install in special cabinets, combining with a changing table, or for installation in showers, bathrooms.

Preparing a baby bath

The purchased bath should be prepared before starting water procedures. It is necessary to wash it with ordinary baking soda, then rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and pour boiling water over it. This should be done before each bathing the baby.

It is not recommended to wash the baby bath with the usual detergents, since excess with insufficient rinsing can provoke a number of complications in the form of allergic reactions, poisoning and other pathological conditions.

Today, the topic of bathing a baby in an ordinary bathroom is becoming popular, however, in the first months of a child’s life, when the body is not yet adapted to the environment and for safety reasons, experts recommend conducting water procedures in special baby baths using various devices.

Bathing in the bathroom

Bathing a baby in a regular bath is not an absolute contraindication.

If the choice fell on the use of an ordinary bath for water procedures, preparation is necessary. It should be cleaned with baking soda, then thoroughly washed and rinsed with boiling water. This manipulation should be done before each water procedure.

The air temperature in the bathroom should be between +22 and 24°C. You can’t overheat because of the risk of complications in the baby due to temperature changes, where bathing is carried out and where the baby is dressed afterwards. There must be an anti-slip mat on the floor to prevent falling.

There are a number of points when it is worth making a choice in favor of a baby bath:

• poor condition of an ordinary bath;
• inconsistency of the microclimate of the bathroom;
• poor quality of running water;
• premature baby;
• the impossibility of the presence of an assistant.

Additional baby bath accessories

Today, to facilitate the task, a number of devices have been invented that not only make the bathing process safe, but also enjoyable for the baby. They are an addition to the baths, where such innovations are not provided.

Additional attributes include:

• inflatable circles;
• hammocks;
• mattresses;
• various coasters.

Some of them are already built into the baths, which is very convenient and does not require additional costs. It should be noted that they also require cleanliness, like the baby bath itself.

After each use, rinse with baking soda, rinse with plenty of water and, if possible, pour over with boiling water. It should be stored in a certain place where there is no accumulation of dirt and dust.

bathing water

On the issue of whether to boil water for bathing, experts are divided into two camps. Some recommend bathing in boiled water in the first month of a child's life, while others believe that this opinion is erroneous and the baby must be washed in running water from the first days of life.

The danger of swimming in ordinary water can be in the following case:

• if the water does not meet sanitary standards;
• if the umbilical wound has not healed, infection may occur with poor water quality;
• the threat of ingestion of poor-quality water.

In order not to endanger the baby, it is recommended to wash the first six months in boiled water. The temperature should not exceed + 37°С. To determine, you should use a special thermometer, in case of its absence, you can determine the comfort with the help of your wrist, dipping it in the bath. The water level should be approximately 5 - 10 cm, in the process of water procedures it will be necessary to add warm water.

It is necessary to boil water for bathing in advance, so it will be possible to dilute it to a comfortable temperature. To do this, you need to purchase an enameled bucket with a lid. Boiling water must be stored separately, out of the reach of children!

Conditions for conducting water procedures

Before bathing a baby, it is necessary to prepare not only a bath and water, but also a room where the procedure itself will take place. The room or bathroom should be warm. The air temperature should be + 22 - + 23 ° С, you can use a room thermometer to determine it.

It is necessary to bathe in a separate room (bathroom) so that humidity does not affect the microclimate of the place where the baby is most of the time. It is not necessary to close the doors to avoid drafts, a temperature drop can lead to a negative result.

First you need to prepare a changing table and the necessary things:

• cotton diaper, necessary for carrying out the first water procedures and adapting the baby to the difference between the temperature of the water and the environment;
• natural fabric towel (cotton 100%);
• diaper ironed on both sides;
• diaper;
• things for changing clothes after swimming (calico vest or knitted bodysuit, knitted overalls, cap);
• means for treating the umbilical wound, if it has not yet healed (hydrogen peroxide solution, brilliant green or chlorphilipt solution, sterile bandage, cotton swabs);
• sterile oil, powder.

Bath time

The bathing regimen should be stable and unchanged, so the child will be disciplined in the future, and over time the daily routine will be established. It is recommended to carry out the procedure in the evening, as it is relaxing in nature. At the same time, intestinal colic bothers the baby less, due to the antispasmodic effect of baths.

Bathed in the evening, the newborn falls asleep faster, and the quality of sleep is much better.

The period of the first bathing is up to 5 minutes, then in the subsequent time increases.

Bathing rules and techniques

The success of water procedures depends on the following points:

Massage and gymnastics

Performing massage and gymnastics allows not only to prepare for water procedures, but also to improve the physical, psycho-emotional state of the baby. Before bathing, while one of the adults is preparing everything necessary for bathing, as well as water, another adult is preparing the child. It is recommended to undress the baby and massage with light movements, turn it over on the stomach, and do gymnastics.

Massage consists of three stages:

• Stroking is carried out by hands with light movements. Sequentially, starting with the lower limbs, then the upper limbs, turn on the stomach and stroke the buttocks, back. After the baby is turned on its back and the stomach is massaged clockwise;
• Muscle kneading is carried out in the same sequence as stroking, with light kneading movements;
• Gymnastics is carried out by flexion and extension of all joints, it is forbidden to perform movements forcibly.

When performing exercises, there should be no negative emotions in the child.

Bathing technique

Bathing technique:

Newborn
The initial stage of bathing
The child is awake, calm and in a crib.	Prepares boiled water for bathing, potassium permanganate solution or herbal decoction. And also prepares a changing table, things and means for treating the umbilical wound, skin.	Helps mom prepare water for bathing. Measures the child's body temperature. Communicates with the baby.
The second stage of bathing
The child is calm.	Undresses the baby and prepares him for the adoption of water procedures. It is recommended that air baths for 2-3 minutes, you can do a light massage or lay the child on his stomach. Manipulation is carried out accompanied by communication with the child.	At this time, dad is preparing the room for the bathing procedure. Installs a pre-treated bath so that both parents have access. Prepares water no more than + 37ºС, also pours it into a jug for pouring. Pours a decoction or a few drops of potassium permanganate. Preparing a diaper for bathing.
The third stage of bathing (immersion)
The child is immersed in water. His reaction may be different and depends on the mood of the parents, who should not interrupt communication with him for a minute. Fear often arises not from water, but from the difference in temperature between air and water, as well as a misunderstanding of what is happening.	Mom wraps the baby in a diaper and places it on a slightly bent left arm, the baby's head should be in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe elbow. The hand should be under the knees of the newborn, holding it. First, the legs fall, then the buttocks and then the back. Thus, there is a slow immersion in water. The head is slightly raised above the water.		At this moment, dad should be on the hook and serve everything you need. At the same time, he must monitor the temperature of the water, if necessary, add warm water from the prepared bucket. And also maintain an emotionally positive attitude towards water procedures.
Fourth stage (bathing)
	With his free right hand, he waters the body of the baby. Washes with light movements using a terry washcloth the face, neck, arms, chest and stomach, legs of the child. At the same time, it makes sure that the water does not cool down and does not get into the ears.	Dad has to keep track of time. Monitors the child's condition, namely the symptoms of hypothermia (the appearance of "goose bumps"). Keep pouring hot water.
The final stage of the water procedure
The child may be tired from bathing and act up. A situation may arise that crying will occur after the end of the procedure, which should not cause concern for parents.	Having freed from the diaper, turns it gently back up. At the same time, mother continues verbal communication, for example: “Vodichka washes, makes our bead clean and healthy.” After transferring the baby to the changing table, the mother gently dries the baby, treats the umbilical wound as necessary, as well as the skin in the places of folds, then puts on a diaper and clean clothes.	Dad helps mom. Pours warm water from a ladle. Then wraps in a prepared terry towel and transfers to the changing table. After bathing, the father collects all the equipment, washes and prepares it for the next procedure.

Features of bathing a premature newborn

Bathing premature babies is different and requires the following guidelines:

• if the baby was born less than 1500 gr. bathing is contraindicated for the first 2-3 weeks after discharge;
• if the newborn was born with a body weight of more than 1500 gr. bathing is shown after 7 - 10 days;
• bathing should take place only in baby baths;
• room temperature + 25°С;
• water temperature + 38°С;
• after bathing, wrap in a warm towel;
• things intended for changing clothes after swimming should be warmed up and ironed on both sides.

Features of bathing boys and girls

In principle, there are no special differences, except for the difference in the anatomical structure of the genital organs in boys and girls. Ignoring these features can lead to various pathological conditions.

How to wash a girl

How to wash a boy

The health of the genitourinary system depends on the correct washing of the girl. It is necessary to wash the genitals from the clitoris towards the anus. This is necessary to avoid getting feces and intestinal infections into the vagina and urethra, which can cause inflammation and the development of diseases of the genitourinary system (vaginitis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, etc.).

You can not move the foreskin on the penis. In the first year of life, physiological phimosis is observed (the foreskin is motionless and completely covers the glans penis). It is recommended that while bathing, gently and gently pull the fold and clear the accumulated mucus, while the baby should not experience negative sensations. When the head of the penis opens, then special hygiene care is required using soap and rinsing with water.

Umbilical wound and bathing

Bathing a baby with an umbilical cord that has not fallen off is not an absolute contraindication. The use of boiled water and an antiseptic in the form of potassium permanganate prevents the infection from entering the wound.

If the child has additional contraindications to taking baths, then you can resort to skin hygiene in the form of wiping and washing, which is carried out with warm, boiled water.

You may be interested in: How long does it take for a newborn's belly button to heal?

What follows after bathing?

After bathing, the baby should be wrapped in a warm soft towel and transferred to the changing table, where the following manipulations will be carried out:

• Drying should be carried out with light movements. It is necessary to carefully perform movements, since the skin of a baby is extremely delicate and sensitive.
• Treatment of the navel is necessary after each bathing with an unhealed wound. For this you need:
  • hydrogen peroxide;
  • antiseptic (solution of brilliant green, chlorphilipt, concentrated solution of potassium permanganate, etc.);
  • cotton buds.

  First, the wound is treated with hydrogen peroxide - this is necessary to remove dead cells, dried blood clots and impurities. Then, with a cotton swab, previously moistened in one of the antiseptics, the umbilical wound is carefully lubricated, without affecting the surrounding skin. After the final healing, this procedure is no longer necessary.

• Treatment of the skin, nasal cavity, eyes and ears. During bathing, water may enter, which, in principle, is not dangerous due to the anatomical features (the ear canal is wider in a newborn than in an adult), however, it can cause the development of otitis media. The ears are cleaned with the help of cotton wool twisted into a flagellum, prepared for each ear canal separately.

  If water gets into the eyes, drying is carried out with clean cotton swabs or disks from the edge of the eye to the inner corner, also adhering to the principle of a separate swab for each eye.

  Then the skin is treated with baby oil or sterile olive oil. Wipe with your hands every crease in the neck, behind the ears, armpits, inguinal region, popliteal region. If there is diaper rash, it is necessary to use special creams Depanten, Bepanten, Desitin, zinc ointment, etc. The use of baby talc prevents the development of diaper rash in the folds.

• Dressing the baby begins with a diaper (the size corresponds to the age and body weight of the child). If the umbilical residue has not yet fallen off, the front of the diaper should be folded over to avoid injury. Then they put on a bodysuit made of natural fabric, usually made of 100% cotton, then they put on a jumpsuit or romper with a blouse and a fastener in front, knitted mittens. A cap made of chintz or knitwear is put on the head of the newborn.
• Feeding the baby is the final step. Then the baby goes to sleep.

Sterile leather treatment oil

The availability of various baby cosmetics relieves some parents of the hassle. However, there are situations when an infant suffers from excessive sensitivity to the components of industrial baby oil. In this case, the use of sterile vegetable oil is indicated.

For its preparation, you can use vegetable, olive, linseed and other types of oils. The content of nutrients (vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, healthy fats, etc.) contributes to gentle protection, regenerative ability.

Preparation of sterile oil is possible in advance, and the manufactured product must be stored in a dark place.

You need to use only high-quality oil, pour it into a glass for testing and leave it in a dark place if flakes have formed or other inclusions cannot be used.

Preparation of sterile oil:

• it is necessary to prepare dark glassware with a lid;
• the oil should be boiled in a water bath for 10 minutes;
• you can only stir with a wooden stick;
• the finished product is poured into a prepared jar, sealed and stored in a dark place.

Psycho-emotional factor

Bathing is not only a necessary daily care, but also a psychological process when a child receives communication and understanding, the realization that he is loved and taken care of.

By the expression on the faces of his relatives, the intonation of their voice, he feels safe and secure.

It is recommended that when bathing a baby, turn on music or sounds of nature (birdsong, water sounds, etc.). Thus, the effect of relaxation is achieved and the child receives positive emotions from what is happening. Communication during the procedure develops his sensory skills, namely visual and auditory. It is necessary to pronounce all the words in a calm tone, for example: “This is how well we swim”, “The water loves us, the water is warm”, etc.

Bathing for a baby is not something new, as spending 9 months in the womb, being in the aquatic environment introduced him to the feeling of lightness and weightlessness of the aquatic environment. Taking baths after birth, he already sees his mother's face and clearly hears her voice. This strengthens the bond between mother and child, which subsequently plays an important role in the educational process and psycho-emotional development of the child.

The reward for a good organization of bathing is a beneficial attitude towards the baby’s procedure, accompanied by a smile, his satisfied pronunciation of sounds in the form of “agu” or “uh-uh”.

Why is the baby crying?

Often parents make mistakes that cause negative emotions in the baby from the bathing process. These factors can play a cruel joke, and subsequently the child will have a fear of water.

Bathing Mistakes:

• violation of the bathing regimen (late time);
• too cold or hot water;
• hit of soap or water on the mucous membrane of the eye;
• bad mood of the baby (crying, screaming);
• hunger;
• bad mood of parents.

What to do if the baby cries?

If the child expresses dissatisfaction in the form of crying or screaming, the procedure must be stopped immediately and calm the baby. In the case when the crying of the baby arose after being taken out of the bath, it is necessary to quickly complete the process of treating the umbilical wound, skin and dressing. Start feeding immediately.

You can not carry out the procedure while the child is screaming or crying, or in a sleeping state!

Note to parents

Bathing is essential in daily care, however, there are a number of conditions when water procedures are prohibited.

The contraindication is:

• high body temperature (more than 37.5 ° C);
• convulsive syndrome;
• the first two days after vaccination;
• heart defects;
• acute forms of various pathologies, accompanied by violations of the general condition (runny nose, vomiting, lethargy, etc.);
• postoperative period (first week).

In such cases, wiping the child with a damp cloth or a soft towel moistened with warm water is shown.

dangerous moments

Parents need to remember that bathing can become dangerous, lead to a fatal outcome in case of inattention and negligence. To avoid unpleasant moments, you must remember:

• Preparation of water at the desired temperature should be carried out in advance, without the child being in the bath. It is always necessary to check the water intended for pouring in order to avoid burns. Boiling water should not be near where water procedures are carried out!
• Today, the use of various bathing devices has become common, they are not a guarantee of the safety of the child, so the child should not be left unattended for a minute!
• Two adults must bathe the child. You can not leave the baby under the supervision of younger children!
• At the end of water procedures, when the baby is turned on his stomach, it is necessary to ensure that he does not swallow water. To do this, the baby is lifted above the water level, then gently turned on its stomach, so that it is located on the adult's arm, slightly bent at the elbow joint. At the same time, the helping adult secures and pours warm water from the ladle.
• Bathing an infant with an adult or other children is contraindicated, as there is a risk of infection or injury.
• After transferring the baby to the changing table for further manipulations (treatment of the umbilical wound, skin, dressing), it must not be left unattended!

First aid

If force majeure occurs during bathing, you must not panic and adhere to the following recommendations:

	Clinical manifestations	What to do?
Water got into the ears	Maybe anxiety in the presence of inflammatory processes.	The baby should be taken out of the bath onto the changing table. Turn on the barrel so that the water that has got in can come out, then wipe the ear with a cotton flagellum made. Remember not to use: cotton buds, sharp objects, etc.
Water got into your eyes	May cry if exposed to soapy water.	Dry with a cotton swab.
Chemical burn of the eyes with potassium permanganate crystals	Scream, cry, blush.	It is necessary to rinse the affected eye with plenty of water and immediately consult a specialist.
child swallowed water	There is no violation of the general condition.	Assistance is not required if there is no violation of vital parameters.
Child choked on water	The child's eyes are frightened, and the mouth is wide open. If the skin is pale or red, the water has not entered the lungs. In the case of bluish skin color, water is in the bronchi and lungs. Absence of breath.	Do not panic! Remove the infant from the water immediately. Turn your head down, shake slightly or lightly pat in the interscapular region. Call an ambulance! If breathing has not been restored before the arrival of the doctors, carry out artificial respiration "mouth to mouth".
contact with boiling water	Scream, cry. Possible loss of consciousness. Local hyperemia of the burn site, blistering.	Remove the baby from the water, pour cold water over the burn site, apply a sterile bandage with a solution of furacilin or cool water. Urgently contact a specialist.
allergic reactions	Asphyxia attacks, skin rashes in the form of urticaria. The risk of developing Quincke's edema.	Avoid contact with the allergen. Contact a specialist for antiallergic treatment.

Hygiene of the newborn with a contraindication to bathing

There are situations when bathing is contraindicated, then the following methods of maintaining the frequency of the skin are used:

Hardening and bathing

It is considered erroneous to think that hardening is only dousing with cold water. Pouring, bathing in the bathroom, ponds, sponging, air baths, walking barefoot are methods of improving health.

Bathing is not only daily care and hygiene, but a type of hardening, which strengthens the child's immunity. Proper execution allows you to avoid frequent viral and colds.

Hardening must be carried out against the background of the complete health of the baby. First, the water temperature is + 37°C, then after 3-4 days it gradually decreases by 1°C. And also increases the time spent in the water of the child. In this case, one should observe the general condition (body temperature, absence of catarrhal symptoms, etc.).

Hardening should not be carried out in the following situations:

• if the child is sick;
• rash of various etiologies;
• vomiting and diarrhea;
• period of treatment;
• when switching to another type of feeding (from natural to mixed or artificial feeding);
• the introduction of complementary foods;
• before and after vaccination;
• change in climatic conditions.

Folk omens and bathing

Many parents adhere to the rules associated with folk signs at the same time, without thinking about whether this is good for the baby, or can cause trouble.

For example, it is believed that it is impossible to bathe babies on Sunday and Friday, or on the full moon, as misfortunes and illnesses will overtake him. Or you can wash the baby only after his baptism. However, as a rule, the child is baptized on the 40th day, which is not acceptable for refusing hygiene procedures and can provoke a number of pathological conditions (dermatitis, diaper rash, prickly heat, etc.).

Such hypotheses are not supported by scientific evidence, therefore, they are groundless and it makes no sense to deprive a child of bathing.

There are a number of rituals that do not negatively affect the health of the baby and their use is harmless, permissible at the request of the parents:

• the mother prepares the first water for bathing, in order to avoid the evil eye of the baby;
• a little holy water is added to the water so that troubles bypass the baby;
• water after bathing with holy water should not be poured into the sewer, but only under a tree - this will help release all the negative into the ground and give the child strength;
• so that the baby is not jinxed, several silver coins are thrown into the bath;
• after being taken out of the water, the baby must be wrapped in a towel three times to kiss and spit into the bath, so the baby will not have hydrophobia.

It is the right of parents to adhere to certain superstitions, however, one should take into account the fact of possible damage to the health of a small creature. It is necessary to rationally treat certain customs.

By the evening, from 19:00 and no later than 22:00, most parents begin to bathe their children. How to choose a good time for it? If the baby is hungry, he can throw a serious tantrum during water procedures. Therefore, it is better to bathe him 40 minutes after eating, so that the child is full, satisfied and able to withstand his and your stresses.

About two-thirds full of the bath with warm tap water and check its temperature. Most newborns are comfortable if it is about 37 degrees, because in their mother's belly they are used to just such a temperature. To measure it, the simplest bathing thermometer will do. There are also universal thermometers; they can measure the air temperature in the children's room, and throw it into the water. Curious remote thermometers are also for sale. It is interesting that the annotations to them suggest using them not only for bathing children, but also for checking the temperature of any liquid, for example, wine in a glass.

If you did not have time to buy a thermometer, then do not be discouraged and evaluate the temperature of the water with your elbow, lowered into the water of the bath. Our hands are used to completely different temperatures, and judging by their sensations, it is difficult for us to understand whether it is cold or hot. Another thing is the elbow, most of the time protected by clothing. He will quickly "understand" whether the water temperature is suitable for bathing the baby.

So, you poured water, checked its temperature. Of course, your water is tap and clean. But it is better to further disinfect it, since the child has an open umbilical wound on the body. Therefore, take out a hidden jar with a "mother" solution of potassium permanganate from a secluded place and pour quite a bit, just one or two tablespoons, into the bath. The water will hardly change color, it should not turn pink, except that it will be a little opalescent. Stir the bath water with your hands. Now everything is ready for swimming.

The baby has been living in the aquatic environment for nine months and, it would seem, should be very happy with it. But newborns are creatures so gentle and shy that immersion in a bath with warm and so seemingly familiar water can still cause them to panic and cry loudly.

You remember that many stimuli lead to the appearance of the Moro reflex in an infant, or fright with the spread of the arms to the sides, followed by general restlessness and crying. It is this reflex that occurs in a child when immersed in a bath, which can immediately cause a startle reflex in mom and dad. This is, of course, a joke. But psychologists put the fear of bathing babies in first place among the fears of young parents.

In many families, both parents traditionally bathe the baby in the evenings.

It’s very good when dads offer their help to moms and support them, so that it doesn’t happen, as in the next joke.

From practice

In some families, at first, dads bathe babies, because mom is having a hard time after giving birth or she is afraid. So, men say that they tense all the muscles of the body and especially the arms to the point of trembling, fearing that the child might slip out of them. By the way, not so rarely parents told me that in their first days the babies still tried to “drown” a couple of times, but they “saved” them in time, and everything ended well. Most often, when immersed in water, the baby turns on the protective reflex of holding the breath, and nothing terrible happens. But it’s not necessary once at a time, so be extremely careful!

In order not to provoke the manifestation of the Moro reflex, lower the baby into the bath slowly, slowly, not abruptly, bending over with him in his arms almost to the very water. First, gradually immerse the child's legs, and then the body and arms. If the newborn is very excitable, and you are not yet confident in your abilities, then use the old grandmother's advice - in the early days, bathe the baby in a thin diaper. Lightly wrap the baby in it, grabbing the handles more tightly, and then, when lowered into the water, the diaper will prevent him from spreading them to the sides and giving out the first stage of the Moro reflex. And if there is no first stage, then the reflex will fade away and will not pass into the second stage, accompanied by general excitement and screams. After immersion and getting used to the aquatic environment and the temperature difference between water and air, open the diaper, throwing it over the edges of the bath, and calmly bathe the child further.

Sometimes I hear recommendations: do not bathe babies and do not add any disinfectant solutions to the water until the umbilical wound is completely healed. Bacteria can multiply perfectly in a nutrient medium. Moreover, the most diverse, including evil, nasty - Staphylococcus aureus etched in various ways, over-etched in medical institutions. These bacteria with such a beautiful name just most often lead to the appearance of purulent pimples and other dangerous inflammatory processes on the skin.

Therefore, I insist that newborns, the very next day after being discharged from the hospital, must, firstly, be washed, and, secondly, disinfectants should be used. If for some reason you do not like potassium permanganate or you could not find this remedy in a pharmacy, then you can replace it with an infusion of calendula (marigold) flowers or its alcohol tincture diluted in water in accordance with the annotation to the medicine.

After the umbilical wound has healed, you no longer need any disinfection of the water in the bathroom.

Parents like to add decoctions or herbal infusions to the water for bathing children. Components of herbs, penetrating through thin children's skin, can allergize (sensitize) the child's body. In the future, especially with a family predisposition, this may be a risk of pollinosis - an allergy to flowering. With this in mind, I do not recommend unnecessarily adding any herbs to bathing water.

How long to bathe newborns?

Usually in the first days, three to five minutes will be enough for you and your baby. Gradually, bathing time can be increased to 10-15 minutes per month.

To bathe or not to bathe a newborn baby

Contrary to popular belief, babies do not need to be bathed every day, especially newborns. Until kids start crawling in the mud, in the sandbox, or even just on the kitchen floor and examining the contents of their children's plates, which usually ends up with more food on their faces than in their stomachs, then they're guaranteed a full wash every day. However, until that time, you have a real opportunity to focus your attention only on certain parts of the body. It is quite predictable that the diaper area and, of course, the areas adjacent to it will require the most attention, the size of which will depend on how accurately your baby will have a bowel movement. Other areas that require special attention are the area around the mouth and any skin folds. While some of you look at your newborn and wonder where those wrinkles could be, the rest of you are sure that the wrinkles will appear soon. Birth-born and all too often ignored armpits and groin creases are likely to be joined by a double chin and thigh creases in a few weeks. If you get in the habit of checking these hot spots regularly and cleaning them properly with a damp cloth, you won't actually need to bathe your baby every day. In fact, bathing twice a week is often enough.

bathing area for newborn baby

Baby bath time

Deciding when during the day is the best time to sit (or kneel or double over) and start bathing your baby is simply a matter of personal preference and convenience. As a practical matter, we suggest scheduling your baby's bath time based on your work schedule, your baby's sleep patterns, your own newborn bathing routine, or before or after feedings. However, if you decide to bathe your baby after eating, you will have to wait a little while for the contents of the baby's stomach to settle a little, so that he burps, pees, or, if possible, poops before starting the process of bathing the newborn. We have to give you time-tested advice: babies do respond well to certain routines, and while you certainly don't have to stick to a set routine and there's nothing wrong with having a nice trip or visiting, over time, you and your baby will only benefit from a comfortable routine. Our favorite option, and one we highly recommend starting sooner rather than later: offer your baby a breast or bottle first, followed by a warm, relaxing bath, and then some fun with a good book in hand and baby on your lap before lying down. sleep.

Conditioning

We won't talk about caring for a baby's hair (if they have hair at all, which we'll discuss later), but about conditioning (improving) water for a newborn - the look, sounds and feel of water splashing around. While there are definitely some safety precautions when bathing a newborn, we will turn to those that you should learn and not be afraid that water sometimes gets into the eyes or ears of the baby. Newborns are fully capable of getting rid of splashed or even slightly flooded water with the help of blinking. And frankly, few of them even pay attention to it. And that's why we're convinced there's such a thing as being overly careful about splashing when bathing kids. From what we've seen, babies who never get water anywhere, hearing the sound of water from the shower or feeling drops of water on their face, are likely to turn into children who are afraid of water, turn bath time during battle, and resist washing their hair in every possible way.

water in the ears

As for the ears, your baby's ear canals (like yours) end in a cul-de-sac in the form of a tympanic membrane. What this means in terms of bathing a newborn: water is easily blocked from entering the middle ear. This also means that getting a small amount of water into the ear canal does not cause middle ear infections (otitis media) and may even help clear earwax from the canal.

"Deck"

If you've fallen for our parenting preparation philosophy, it's a good idea to think ahead about how you'll bathe your baby. It's important to have everything you need on hand before you get started. Never leave your little one alone in the bath, even for a minute, to grab something needed, answer the phone, answer the doorbell, or for any other reason. Whether serving as a “deck” on the edge of your bathroom, a table next to the sink in the kitchen or in the bathroom, you should have everything you need before, during and after bathing your newborn at your fingertips. Some of the most useful things to have around are:

• Water. Does this seem obvious? Of course, you need water, but we suggest that you develop the habit of filling the tub you plan to use before putting your baby in. In general, we believe that with a water level in the bathroom of about 7.5 cm - 10 cm, washing will be the easiest to cope with. It's enough to wash a baby, and not so much that you create a wave. You will also find that this small amount of water in the bath makes it much easier to keep the baby's head above the surface of the water.
• Soap and shampoo. Washing your baby with plain water is very good, as long as you remember to adequately dry and rinse problem areas (the famous diaper area and skin folds). Many problems, however, require the use of suds. For this purpose, there are many types of baby soap, baby liquid soap and shampoo, from which you can easily choose what is right for you.
• Washcloth made of terry cloth (or two). We have found that many adults are not in the habit of using cloth washcloths for their daily hygiene. For this reason, we thought we should say something that may seem obvious to the rest of you: terry "mittens" are very comfortable and useful for washing.
• Towel (or two). We will not be mistaken if we say that no one likes to step out of a warm bath or shower into cool air. Babies are no exception. In fact, they often express their displeasure in a loud voice, and you will notice how the baby reacts with great enthusiasm to the situation if you immediately take him out of the bath and wrap him in a warm, dry towel. Feel free to use baby towels with a nice little hood on one corner if you really want to, or just use a regular bath towel. We would like to clarify that many parents find it more difficult to use large "adult" towels for wrapping newborn babies than standard baby towels - too many towels to handle and significantly more towels than you actually need. In order not to complicate your life, we recommend listening to your intuition and using soft, highly absorbent and comfortable towels. Remember that if you're going to put your baby on the towel while you sponge him down, you'll definitely need a second towel to dry your baby.
• Humidifier. Despite the fact that most newborns have dry, flaky skin, most, if not all, don't need moisturizers. In fact, some moisturizers can cause rashes if applied to the delicate skin of a newborn. So, if you would like to use a moisturizer, oil, or lotion on your baby's skin, feel free to discuss with your pediatrician which of the following is best for you.
• Diapers. Remember that it is the prerogative of a newborn to poop anywhere, anytime, and you may well encounter "baby surprise" both before bathing a newborn and already placing the baby in the bath. Being ready for a newborn bath means having baby wipes and a clean diaper (or two in case of a surprise change) on hand, as well as all the necessary diaper changing items you normally use.
• Change of linen. Your newborn will appreciate any extra effort you make by getting him out of the wet towel, putting on a clean diaper and warm, dry clothes. We have not yet met a baby who would like to lie naked, especially wet after a bath.

Washing a newborn around the navel

The need to avoid moistening the umbilical wound eschar will not be a problem for long, as the dried eschar usually falls off within the first 2-4 weeks. Usually the umbilical wound needs to be dried before the scab falls off, and a weeping wound can create some inconvenience, get dirty and look unsightly - that is, the usual troubles. With this in mind, most parents choose at first to wipe the baby with a damp sponge, rather than a bath, until that memorable day comes when the crust from the umbilical wound falls off.

Prelude to bathing a newborn

If your baby's umbilical wound has not yet healed, or he has been circumcised, or for some other reason you do not really want to give him a real bath, "baths with a sponge" will be a great alternative. Lay the child on a towel spread out on a flat surface, or place the child in a tub with no or very little water at the bottom. Then simply take a warm, damp sponge or washcloth, dab any baby bath you prefer, and then gently wipe the baby's body, paying attention to the areas that need special attention. Rinse with a clean, damp sponge or terry cloth, then dry with a dry towel or tissue and voila, baby is clean.

Bathing technique for a newborn baby

Fill the bath 5 cm with warm water. After undressing the child, immediately put him in the water so that he does not freeze. With one hand, support his head, and with the other, first lower the legs into the water. Speak encouragingly to him and gently lower the rest of your body into the tub. For safety reasons, most of the baby's body and face should be well above the water level. Therefore, so that the child does not freeze, you will often have to pour water on his body. Wipe your face and hair with a soft sponge. Shampoo once or twice a week. Gently massage all over the scalp, including the areas above the fontanelles. When rinsing soap or shampoo off your head, cover your baby's forehead with the palm of your hand so that the lather runs down the sides, not into the eyes. If soap gets in your eyes, rinse them out. When the soap residue is washed off, the baby will open the eye again. Then wash the rest of the body from top to bottom.

Whether you choose to bathe your little one in a baby bath, bathtub, shower, or sink, there are a few general rules of thumb for all of these containers.

• Full support. Once you and your baby are in the bath and all the "bath" items are ready, it's easiest to use your non-dominant hand to support the baby's head and back as needed (for example, hold the baby with your left hand if you're right-handed). By taking the baby from below and holding her opposite hand while bathing the newborn, you ensure that he is provided with reliable support, while your other, more functional hand is left free to wash the baby. Using a plastic cup, a washcloth, a shower spray, or your free hand, you can wet your baby's body, starting with the head, with clean, warm water.
• From the head. When you wash your baby from the top of your head, it allows you to keep areas that have already been washed off with soap clean, without re-suds.
• We focus on the face. Wipe the baby's face with a clean, damp washcloth. Use the corner of the tissue to also clean the outside of the ear and behind the ear.
• Hair. If the baby has hair and you think it really needs to be washed, then pour a small amount of liquid baby soap or shampoo into the palm of your hand or a damp washcloth and rub the baby's head. When rinsing your hair, simply tilt your baby's head back slightly to avoid getting soap or shampoo in their eyes and ears.
• Raise and share. Remember to lift, separate and thoroughly wash all the wrinkles in the neck, armpits and groin of the child.
• Let's talk about soap. If you're going to use mild soap or baby liquid soap, apply a little of it to a damp cloth or hand and gently rub the baby's body from the neck down. For safety reasons, we strongly recommend that the hand you hold your baby be free of soap, to avoid a situation where the baby could slip out. If your child's hands are soapy, try to rinse them as quickly as possible before he decides to rub his eyes or put his fingers in his mouth.
• Bend at the knees. When you're done, carefully remove your baby from the tub or tub, being careful not to strain your back too much. By bending your knees or sitting comfortably on a stool or chair (depending on your bathroom configuration), you can avoid unnecessary strain and pain.
• No free-hand options. For safety reasons, always hold the child with at least one hand and do not take your eyes off him for a minute.

Soap and shampoo for washing

• Put the bottle of soap, shampoo and lotion in a bath of warm water to warm them up.
• Add some scented or shaped soap to the water.
• If your child loves animal or cartoon figurines (usually the packaging for expensive baby shampoos), buy a couple of them and then fill them with regular soap or shampoo.
• If the baby wants to soap himself, put the soap in a terry mitten or sock. To make them more fun, sew a face on them.
• Instead of a washcloth, use a terry cloth doll or a cloth ball.
• Whisk unscented soap suds in the bath and teach your child how to make funny hairstyles out of it, like Indian feathers, curls and horns, mustaches and beards. Put a mirror near the bathtub and laugh together. However, do not offer this entertainment every night, as too much lather can dry out the skin.
• Buy soap and shampoo in a small size, like in hotels. This will make it easier for the child to handle them and make their bath adventures more interesting.

Rinse off the soap

• To prevent shampoo from getting into the baby's eyes: tilt his head back slightly to rinse his hair (support the baby's neck with your hand when he leans back); put on your child swimming goggles or a diving mask; pour a little water into the bath so that your bather can lie on his back when the water is poured over him; hang pictures on the ceiling to make it interesting for the child to look up while rinsing out the shampoo.
• Use a watering can or squirt bottle to keep your little one entertained.
• When teaching your child how to wash and rinse their hair, show them how to make sure that the hair “squeaks” between their fingers.

Until the umbilical wound has healed in the child, soap and gels should not be used. After the navel has healed, you can apply the most gentle bathing foam or gel a couple of times a week (but not more often!)

An interesting feature of newborns is that they have special hair on their heads - vellus, and the reaction (pH) of the scalp is not as acidic (6.7) as in adults (4.5-5.5). Therefore, it is enough for them to wash their heads no more than once or twice a week, and instead of shampoo, you can use gentle body gels. After six months, vellus hair will fall out, be replaced by new ones, and the pH of the head will also gradually change to the acid side. From now on, you can buy high-quality baby shampoos. Ordinary soap has a pronounced alkaline reaction, and they should not wash the child's hair. When used as a shampoo, insufficiently soft products will dry out the skin on the baby’s head and increase the amount of oily yellow seborrheic crusts. The latter have many bright descriptive names: "milk scab", "honey peel" or "potato chips". In addition, if the baby’s head is washed incorrectly, it is immediately obvious - his hair becomes electrified, fluffy, merrily and fervently stand on end, like a little hedgehog or punk.

If the bathing water is too hard, it can be softened by boiling, but this is a very laborious process. Most parents in this case, after the umbilical wound barely heals, simply add special children's cosmetics to hard water to soften it, since together with an aggressive detergent it can easily dry out fragile children's skin; and cause her redness after bathing.

Important

Do not forget to test the tolerance of any bathing cosmetic, even children's and hypoallergenic. The same principle as for creams.

Advice

If other family members or the baby is prone to allergies, purchase detergents marked "For dry atopic skin."

When bathing a newborn, you can use different methods to support him:

• the simplest - with your palms you support the baby under the head and under the booty;
• the child lies on special plastic anatomical protrusions of the bottom of the baby bath, and you only insure him with your hands;
• you put plastic slides or a slide in the form of a mesh stretched over a stand on a flat bottom of the bath;
• you use a hammock that is attached to the edges of the bath;
• you submerge a floating mattress made of foam or foam rubber into the water, and only then put the child on it.

Choose a convenient way for you and bathe your baby with pleasure!

From practice

Very often, parents ask: “Is it possible to immerse the child’s head in water while bathing and wet his ears?” Of course, you can, but on condition that he does not have a runny nose and inflammation of the ears! Just after bathing, gently dry the baby's ears with a thin diaper, cosmetic napkin or cotton swab with a limiter and put a light cap or hood on the baby's head for 20 minutes.

After bathing, take the little one out of the bath just as quickly and not abruptly as they lowered it into it. After all, again there is a change in temperature and body position, and the baby may again have a violent startle reflex. Rinse your child with clean, warm water from a ladle or pitcher after using detergents. It is more convenient to wipe and dress a naked child in a warm bathroom, where many people use a washing machine as a changing table. Some parents take the baby to the room and carry out all the necessary procedures there. Please note that after bathing the baby should not be rubbed with a towel, but the skin should be gently blotted with delicate diapers: soft terry or thin cotton.

Toys in the bathroom

• They should not have metal parts that rust.
• Have your child play with toys within the tub itself to avoid mud on the floor around it.
• While you are washing the baby, he can wash the doll's hair.
• Items that can be alternately used as fun when bathing a newborn: dolls, dinosaurs and boats; tablets that color water; toy cups on suction cups; !> toys that shoot water, water pistols; plastic bottles and empty containers; letters of the alphabet or animal figures made of soap; plastic buckets with holes in the bottom or walls; waterproof books with vinyl pages.
• Help your child make their own bath boats.
• Store toys in a mesh or plastic basket with holes to dry without cluttering the tub. Pour out the water from the water guns.
• Rinse your toys once a month to keep them free of soapy residue. Use non-hot water so the plastic doesn't melt.
• Scrub your tub and toys from time to time. Fill a tub with warm water and add bleach. Scrub the tub well with a brush and rinse clean with a shower.

Games while bathing a newborn

• Buy brushes and shaving foam. Have your child sit in the tub and apply it to your or their face.
• Use soap paints in the form of a pencil. They can be painted on the sides of the bath.
• Blow soap bubbles into the tub so your child can catch them and watch them pop.
• Read a book out loud while your baby is in the bath. While playing, he can listen.
• Light a few candles on the sink and dim the lights to create an unusual setting.
• Fill a gauze bag with rose petals, place them on the edge of the tub, and dip them in warm water for a scent.
• Conduct science experiments by having your child mix colored water using plastic beakers and droppers.

If the child likes to splash and squirt

• Give a stern warning to the child: if he splashes, then the bathing of the newborn will immediately stop - and keep the promise.
• If you can't get your child to stop splashing in the tub, pour very little water and tell him to add more if he behaves.
• Put on a plastic apron so you don't get wet.
• If children splash each other, bathe them separately until they start to behave in a more civilized manner.

Wrap

Especially in cases where you are bathing your baby alone, we highly recommend having a set of towels on hand before you begin bathing your newborn.

• Wrap on knees. When you're ready to take your baby out of the bath, place a towel on your lap or other flat, stable surface (a plastic baby bath is fine if you haven't used it to bathe your newborn). Then gently grab the baby under the arms, supporting his head, and lay on the back on one side in the center of the towel. Quickly wrap the longer side of the towel over the baby, wrapping the short end of the towel around the back of the head, and then pat the skin dry.
• Vertical wrap. Try holding the baby towel vertically across your chest, with part of the towel hanging slightly over your shoulder. Gently lift the baby up and hold it against your chest. Wrap the baby by lifting the bottom edge of the towel over the feet and legs. Once you get used to this technique, you can hold your baby against your chest, facing away from you, lifting the towel up to his chin, and then use the part of the towel hanging over your shoulder like the hood of a bathrobe. This technique is easier to learn when you are seated, although you can do it standing up too. Once you've wrapped and dried your baby quickly, you can move the bag to a more comfortable place to finish putting on the diaper and necessary clothes.

Drying effect of water

The fact that water alone can dry out our skin - yours and your baby's - may seem surprising, but it's true. The drying effect occurs when damp skin is exposed to air and the moisture quickly evaporates, or when the body is dried with a towel. You can counteract this drying effect by simply bathing your baby less frequently, patting him dry with a towel instead of drying him thoroughly after a bath, and using moisturizing lotions or creams while the skin is still damp. This technique is believed to help retain moisture in the skin. Most pediatricians will tell you to avoid lotions, creams, or lubricants for dry newborn skin for the first month or so, because baby's skin is usually very sensitive. If your child's skin is dry, flaky, try to ignore this fact and let it normalize on its own (which normally happens within a month).

Portable baths

Baby bathtubs are very popular these days, and you will no doubt have a wide choice - from firmly fixed to inflatable, folding and from sponge-like to made of soft or dense plastic. While it's generally possible to live quite happily without a baby bath at all, most parents find them quite practical, not to mention relatively inexpensive and versatile.

• They allow you to bathe your newborn on any surface: on a cupboard, on the floor, in a sink, or in a large tub (bath-in-tub technique) wherever you feel most comfortable.
• Even after your little one outgrows the baby tub and you bathe them in an adult bath, the baby tub will still be useful as a “towel wrap station” or as a safe place to put your wet or towel-wrapped baby after the bath.
• When you learn to overcome the complexities of bathing a baby, you can decide whether to bathe or shower with him, which, in general, is a risky business, but this is the case when baby baths prove to be highly logistical as safe and moisture-resistant places. where to place the baby before, during and after bathing.

Warning: slippery when wet

We certainly do not aim to scare new parents. Instead, we want to share and reinforce a few simple but extremely important bathing safety measures that will keep you and your baby safe from nasty accidents. It is hard to overlook the fact that babies are very slippery when wet, and even less to ignore the occasional evening news report that an infant or child has been unintentionally burned or accidentally drowned in a tub filled with literally ten centimeters of water. Speaking about the safety of bathing a newborn in the bath, it is worth mentioning a few strict rules that need to be kept in mind and applied from the very first day.

hot baths

• A question of degrees. The ideal water temperature is considered to be somewhere between 35 and 37.5°C, while temperatures above 40.5° are considered too hot and colder than 32° are considered too cold. In contrast, many water heaters are set to around 60-66°C. Before you put your baby in the tub, we recommend walking up to the water heater and making sure the upper temperature limit is no higher than 49°C, which is the temperature at which you can keep your hand under the hot faucet. water without burning. While most parents have heard this advice at least once, very few follow it directly. We invite you to become the one who will follow the advice.
• First fill the tub. First, fill the tub with water. Turn off the water and then put the baby in the bath. Leaving water running into a tub where your child is already is an unnecessary risk as the temperature of the flowing water may not be constant and hot water control may be difficult.
• Know where you are putting your child. Get into the habit of always checking the temperature of the baby's bath water on your skin (preferably on the most sensitive area like your wrist or elbow) before you put your baby in the tub. This way you will know exactly where you are both going to dive.

No distractions

Regardless of how much water (a lot or a little) is poured into the bath for your newborn, you should support him at all times with at least one hand and ideally do not take your eyes off him for one second.

Choose organic products

Avoid products that contain parabens (today they are banned) and glycol ethers: these are potentially carcinogenic substances; choose organic products. Sometimes these products are really more expensive than usual. Wash the baby with your hand or a small natural sponge.

Other ways to bathe a newborn baby

A newborn can be easily bathed in a sink, a slightly grown up baby - in a simple bath. You can also take a bath together from birth, in which case, however, you should wash the bath first, and you should take a quick shower in advance - especially during the period when the umbilical cord has not yet fallen off.

In addition, there are ergonomic baths that are ideally suited to the physiology of the baby. They are made of transparent plastic and have a round shape, reminiscent of the shape of the uterus: this allows you to support the baby in the fetal position inside a warm cocoon.

My baby has eczema. What are the means for bathingShould I choose a newborn?

First of all, do not bathe your baby too often, especially if you have hard water (you can find out the pH of the water by ordering its analysis from a commercial company of the appropriate profile). Such water, if necessary, can be softened by adding two tablespoons of baking soda to the bath. Avoid perfumed cosmetics, use Aleppo soap - it is effective for any skin problems; in addition, apply an olive-lime ointment, which relieves itching.

Olive-lime ointment: a real miracle product Olive-lime ointment is an amazingly effective and truly versatile remedy for bathing and caring for your baby. This tool can be used when changing a diaper, and when washing a child, and for massage, and even for the treatment of eczema or seborrheic dermatitis! Ready-made ointment can be bought at the store.

However, such an ointment is easy to prepare yourself. Mix one part lime water and one part extra virgin olive oil (organic is best). Add 1 tablespoon of beeswax or glycerin for every 500 ml of ointment. The wax must be dissolved in olive oil, putting the pan on a slow fire. Then you should remove the mixture from the heat and add lime water. You can immediately add three or four types (no more) of essential oils in a very small amount. Mix thoroughly!

• For children 1 to 3 months old: use 3% by volume, or 15 drops.
• From 3 to 24 months: 5% by volume, or 25 drops.
• From 24 months (or from 12 kg): 8% by volume, or 40 drops.

Essential oils can also be added to the finished ointment.

One of the most exciting processes of caring for a newborn is bathing a child. For a child, being in warm water is reminiscent of the times when he swam in his mother's belly and also delivers positive emotions, but there are situations when babies show fear of swimming and water in the future.

The reason for this behavior can be careless actions of parents when introducing a baby to water procedures, too cold or vice versa, hot water, rapid immersion and a lot of factors that can spoil the baby's first impressions and form a negative attitude towards water. To prevent this from happening, you need to carefully prepare for the first bath of the baby.

Newborn's first bath

The first bathing of the child takes place on the 4th - 5th day of his life, before that the baby is only washed away and wiped with cotton swabs. Until recently, children were washed at birth, but now it has become known that the original mucus that covers the body of a baby perfectly protects its skin from a million bacteria living in the walls of maternity hospitals and having a strong immunity to any antibacterial agents.

So, the baby is already at home and the whole seed is preparing for the first bath in his life. What do you need to know to turn this ceremony into a pleasant process for everyone, and not a daily torture with screaming and crying?

1. Bathing a newborn baby should take place in a separate bath, at least until the umbilical wound heals.
2. For the same reasons, so that an infection does not get through the umbilical wound, bathing water is boiled in the first 2-3 weeks.
3. The temperature of the water for bathing a child is measured with a special water thermometer and should be 36 - 38 degrees. It should also be borne in mind that if the bathtub for bathing a child is made of thin plastic, then the water in it cools down much faster than in a cast-iron bathtub, and the bathing time is reduced.
4. The time of bathing must be chosen taking into account the fact that the child, most likely, will want to sleep after water procedures. Therefore, many experienced parents recommend bathing babies at the same time before bed at night. This procedure helps to relax the tone, eliminate colic, which is important if the baby is less than 3 months old, and also sets you up for a long sleep.
5. Children up to six months are bathed daily in approximately the same schedule - one day with soap, two days in plain water or with the addition of herbal decoctions. Bathing a child at 2 months old can be done in a large bath in warm unboiled water. After the baby is six months old, you can bathe him every other day, not counting the daily hygiene procedures with washing and washing after each stool.
6. To disinfect water during the healing period of the umbilical wound, some old-fashioned add potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) to the water, which dries the baby's skin very much, and if used ineptly can cause serious burns to the baby. It is better not to be too lazy and boil water, and also if the child does not have allergies, use decoctions from special herbal preparations once every three days, which help to normalize the nervous system and soften the water when bathing.
7. If the baby has an allergy, accompanied by a skin rash, you can bathe the child in bay leaf baths, as well as wipe the skin with this decoction. How to brew a bay leaf for bathing a child - pour 6 - 7 leaves of a bay leaf with a liter of water and boil for at least 15 minutes. Strain and add to the main water in the bath. In such a simple way, you can dry the rashes on the body and reduce allergic manifestations.

So, everything is ready for the procedure of the first ablution, now it's just a matter of learning how to hold the child when bathing or how to soften the water for bathing the child, the sequence of all actions. For young and inexperienced parents, it will be useful to read the process of bathing children step by step:

1. Bring to a boil two containers of water at least 6 liters each. One container must be boiled long before the time appointed for bathing, since we will dilute hot water with it to the temperature we need at 36 - 37 degrees.
2. We install the bath in the room where it is planned to bathe the baby, it does not have to be a bathroom, it is better to choose a room that is more spacious. The temperature in the room should be 22 - 24 degrees without drafts.
3. First, pour cooled, boiled water into a bath pre-rinsed with boiling water, and then dilute it hot to the desired temperature. The height of the water in the bath should be at least 10 - 15 cm, this is enough so that when the crumbs are immersed, the water covers his torso.
4. At the bottom of the bath, you can put a four-fold diaper or install a special bathing slide, which has anatomical curves that allow you to compactly place the baby, while there is no need to keep him in the crook of the elbow.
5. We measure the temperature again with a water thermometer.
6. We completely expose the baby and, supporting his head on the bend of the elbow of the left hand, and the lower back and buttocks with the palm of the right, we make the first immersion in water.
7. It is necessary to lower the baby into the water gradually, starting from the legs, while calmly, without unnecessary jokes and emotions, talk with the baby.
8. Then lower the ass and lower back into the water, the hand supporting them can be removed.
9. When the baby is in the waist-deep water, we continue to support his head above the water with his left hand, placing it at an angle so that the palm is in the water under the waist, and the baby’s head lies on the elbow.
10. With the second free hand, we pour the baby with some water or my soap. If baby soap is used for bathing, the baby should then be rinsed with clean boiled water of a suitable temperature. Take care of this in advance.
11. After bathing the baby, we do not wipe it, but wrap it in a terry diaper, let the moisture soak in
12. Before putting on a diaper, you can soften his skin with a special lotion or body milk. There is a rule to prevent diaper rash and irritation from diapers, either powder or cosmetics in the form of cream, baby oil or milk are used, they cannot be combined.
13. If the baby has irritation on the buttocks from frequent loose stools, it is necessary to make a cotton compress. To do this, use boiled sunflower oil and a layer of cotton wool, in which a small hole is made. I moisten cotton wool with oil, and put it in the form of a layer between the diaper and the skin of the buttocks. This will create a barrier to prevent liquid stool from coming into contact with the skin.

As a rule, after bathing, the baby gets hungry and is happy to attach to the chest. The parents set the further sequence of the evening ritual in accordance with the habits of the baby.

Useful innovations and devices for bathing babies

Today, there are many different gadgets that make bathing easier for parents, as well as making it safer and more fun for babies. So from the most popular, you can call a slide for bathing a baby, it can be plastic or inflatable. Also no less popular is the visor for bathing a child, using which you can wash your hair without fear that water will flow into the eyes and ears of the baby.

Bathing a baby at 1 month old can be transferred to a large adult bath, securing this process with a special inflatable ring that supports the baby's head above the water surface.

Bathing a child at 4 months is accompanied by active games and splashing, therefore, in order to secure this process, it is necessary to purchase a special non-slip mat for bathing a child.

Reasons why babies cry when bathing

Why does the child cry after bathing or in the process? There are reasons for this, which parents often do not consider:

Fright. Perhaps the child was very frightened when bathing, this could happen when a sharp sound sounded nearby, soap lying on the side of the bathroom fell into the water, or the child took a sip of water while bathing. The negative from this situation was fixed in the subconscious and now, without even remembering why the baby may feel fear at the sight of a bath or water in general.
Pain. Perhaps, when bathing a baby, parents do not take into account the constitution of his body, and rub the skin with a washcloth a little harder than they should. After bathing, the baby lacks a protective layer that covers the skin and the epithelium contracts, causing pain, especially if the baby has diaper rash. For the same reasons, you should not rub the baby's skin with a terry towel, just blot it slightly.

Reluctance to part with water. If the child cries after bathing, but is quite cheerful and cheerful during the procedure, perhaps he is just naughty, not wanting to part with his favorite pastime. Often such problems arise in the process of bathing a child at 3 to 6 months.

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.

Preparation

Should I bathe with an unhealed umbilical wound?

This question comes up quite often. Some pediatricians allow bathing even with a clothespin on the navel, others recommend refraining from taking water procedures until the umbilical cord dries. Yevgeny Komarovsky says that the choice is, of course, for the parents. However, if the child is kept in acceptable living conditions, does not sweat, does not overheat, does not get dirty, then nothing 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 in circular and arcuate movements, and then with light pats.

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

Water temperature

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

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

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

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

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

Time

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

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

Although Komarovsky strongly advises washing the baby every day. When the baby begins to crawl, get dirty, actively explore the world, water procedures before 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.