The first bathing of a baby at home is an important event for both the baby and the parents. Everything related to the baby is very worried about mom and dad, so a number of questions arise: in what water to bathe a newborn baby, is it necessary to boil water for bathing a newborn, should the wound on the navel heal, and the umbilical cord should fall off before water procedures, what are the conditions are necessary for a comfortable pastime of the baby, and what difficulties may be encountered.
Baby bathing
Bathing time
The famous Russian pediatrician, Dr. Evgeny Komarovsky, constantly repeats in his writings, a video that in the bathroom the baby should feel safe, splash with pleasure and mood.
The very first bath should not be too long; the usual duration is 3 minutes. At the end of the month, the duration becomes about 15 minutes.
Important! If a quarter of an hour has passed, and the baby feels comfortable and wants to continue bathing, then the procedure can be extended.
Doctors insist on daily bathing, especially when the baby begins to crawl, actively explore the world. If the parents are comfortable with bathing the baby not in the evening, you can always find a suitable time for water activities, for example, at lunchtime or in the morning. However, before going to bed at night, bathing is more beneficial - it relaxes the body, preparing it for rest.
What water to bathe in
Is it necessary and worth it to bathe a newborn only in boiled water - this question worries many mothers. In the modern world, people quickly adapt to conditions, so tap water is familiar to many. A small miracle wants to choose something that will not be dangerous to his health.
Is it necessary to boil water
Do I need to boil water for bathing a newborn? Most pediatricians agree that boiling water, if appropriate, is only for babies a few days or weeks old. Subsequently, you can and should move on to tap water.
Note! Boil water thoroughly and add a solution of potassium permanganate when bathing - these rules have been known since the times of the Soviet Union for those children whose umbilical cord has not yet fallen off. However, Evgeny Komarovsky opposes potassium permanganate, recommending replacing it with an infusion of a series. You can bathe your baby with an unhealed umbilical wound, but the doctor also recommends boiling water.
Water temperature
In what temperature of water to bathe a baby, the opinions of doctors are different. It is better to stick to 37 degrees during the first two weeks, and after that experiment with indicators in plus or minus.
Additional Information. It is not worth heating the bathroom. The air temperature should be, as in the whole apartment, - 18-20 degrees. Pediatricians recommend bathing in cool water - 28-30 degrees, for which the baby should be prepared for the first 2 months. Then he will sleep better and more calmly at night.
Can i bathe in running water
When can a baby start bathing in running water? As soon as the umbilical cord is dry. So the baby quickly adapts to the environment, the bacteria that live in it.
Important! It is recommended to check the hardness of the liquid, it is better to install cleaning filters that will soften it and remove harmful impurities.
What to add to water
All bath additives should be discussed with your pediatrician. If grandmothers recommend adding nine forces, then you should not immediately apply it in practice. If the crumbs have atopic dermatitis, diaper rash, allergic reactions, then consultation with a doctor cannot be avoided.
Herbs or bath products
For a healthy child, adding medicinal herbs to the bath is beneficial. Do not forget to take the dosage into account and do not use them daily.
Herbs for bathing a newborn
Important! Medicinal herbs will not cure any disease. Rather, this will add useful properties to the procedure.
If the choice fell on bathing products, then the best solution would be a small amount of sea salt or its solution. Cosmetic preparations can often cause allergies in babies.
Bath for babies Bubchen
Baby bathing rules
To bathe your baby, you need to buy certain accessories in advance. Excess inventory in the form of rubber toys will not come in handy.
The most important accessories:
- Bath. Komarovsky insists that you first need a small plastic bath - for the first months. The baby will be comfortable in it, and the parents will be calmer. If the hot water supply is turned off, it is easier to fill such a bath and then wash it.
- Water thermometer.
- Soap (does not need to be used daily).
- Towel.
- Slide or hammock. Useful if mom bathes her baby alone.
Bathing time
Start with three minutes, the next day you can make the event twice as long. The most comfortable time is 15-20 minutes. It is important to monitor the baby's condition and, in case of his discomfort, stop water procedures.
Air temperature
You should not bring heaters into the bathroom, believing that this will make the baby comfortable. The air temperature should be between 18-20 degrees - this is the best indicator for the comfort of the child.
Evgeny Olegovich recommends opening the bathroom door when bathing so that the air does not stagnate, steam leaves, and the water cools slowly.
Algorithm of actions
After all the necessary equipment is prepared, you can proceed to the water procedures:
- Pediatricians recommend massage so that the muscles are supplied with blood, and the skin is prepared for bathing. The massage should be light and relaxing.
- The bath must be clean.
- Before immersing the child in the bath, the parent lowers his own elbow into the water.
- The baby is put into the water slowly, smoothly, letting him get used to it. If the baby is worried, do not immediately get it out of the water. First, you should try to calm him down, gently splash some water.
- Lather the baby. Sponges and washcloths are not needed, they can scratch the skin.
- Pour the body of the crumbs with liquid, which is one degree less than that in the bathroom.
- Blot the body with a dry diaper or towel, do not rub.
Correct position of the child in the arms
How long can the baby swim
It is better not to keep the baby in the bathroom for more than half an hour. In some cases, he can start playing in the bathroom, frolic, so that later he cannot fall asleep.
What to put on the bottom of the tub
If it is too slippery, then a special rug will not hurt. You can buy this in specialized stores.
Mini Bath Mats
If the child does not like to swim
In such cases, the bathing conditions are adjusted:
- the water temperature changes;
- it is worth experimenting with the time of water procedures, perhaps transferring them to lunch or morning;
- pay attention to the well-being of the baby, if he is too tired, or he has something in pain, then bathing will not bring him pleasure.
If the child is sick
If the phase of the disease is acute, then you should wait with bathing. When the child is recovering, then you can bathe him in the usual rhythm, only the temperature of the liquid is made a little warmer.
Bathing is a new activity for a baby. In order for it to subsequently bring him joy, all recommendations should be correctly followed.
