Hi all)

When my daughter and I returned home after the accident, the first thing that arose was the question of how to wash the child. My daughter’s skin was so delicate that at first I didn’t use any washcloths or sponges.

A little later, having decided that I still needed a sponge, I set about searching for a natural sponge!

And she became natural baby sponge for washing and massage Babyline

Price: about 150 rubles

Country of manufacture: China


Compound: The sponge is 100% made from natural fibers of the KONJAC plant. I didn't expect it to be so soft and tender!

Description:


How to use:

Don’t forget to thoroughly wash away any remaining product you used to wash your baby!

I think that just squeezing it out won't be enough.

After use, I squeeze it out for quite a long time so that not a single foam remains.

Advantages:

I absolutely agree with all the advantages, because... in my opinion, it is an ideal option for washing babies.

sponge excellent whips up foam And Gently cleanses the skin of impurities without erasing the protective layer. It cannot harm the baby, even if you rub it vigorously. Also, while bathing, I really like to tickle my daughter’s heels with this sponge. She likes it))

.....................................................................................................................................................................

Right - a new sponge that I just took out of the package (it was in some kind of liquid).

Left - a sponge that has been used for 3 months. When dry, it loses its properties, because... turns into stone and becomes dark (don't think it's dirty)


But if you wet it,


then it will become light and look like new! For some reason, the old sponge even looks whiter than the new one.


But, if you look closely, its pores seem to be not fully open, and accordingly, it will do its job much worse. I decided not to throw it away, but to use it a little to remove masks, so now it has a second life with me)

I read somewhere that some people complain about this sponge because of the rapid appearance of mold or other living creatures, but if you use it correctly, then no one will live in it.

Under no circumstances should she be left lying there to sour!

After thoroughly rinsing off the product, hang the sponge on the hook! Then it will last you much longer and will smell very nice.


Thank you all for your attention!

There is no child who does not like to take a bath. Children get a lot of pleasure from splashing, and if you add special foam to the water, it is impossible to get them out at all. Probably every mother knows how to choose bathing products. But few people pay attention to the choice of washcloth. But in vain, because this item plays an important role in the bathing process. Children have very delicate and sensitive skin.

Its cells are renewed monthly. That is why dead cells need to be removed during bathing. A washcloth will help with this; it must comply with certain rules. It is better to choose a natural sea sponge. Many mothers worry that it dries out quickly and becomes hard. However, this is rather an advantage, because a dry environment is an unfavorable place for the growth of various bacteria. Before bathing, you need to place the sponge in water and wait a little. It will quickly get wet and become soft again. A natural sponge will not cause allergies to the delicate skin of a child.

It also massages the skin, thereby relaxing and calming an active baby. Of course, such a thing has one drawback - its cost is beyond the means of many mothers. You can replace such a sponge with a foam viscose washcloth. In its production, we used cellulose, which is considered a natural and safe raw material. The washcloth quickly absorbs moisture. It is soft and pleasant to the touch.

The disadvantage of this type of washcloth is that it is tougher than a sea sponge. However, you can use this product for bathing older children. Foam sponges are very bright and beautiful. They are made in the shape of different animals and cartoon characters. Children really like these products because they attract attention. But such a sponge will last very little. Foam rubber does not dry well, so harmful microbes may appear on the surface of the washcloth. Besides, chemicals, which are part of such a product, can cause allergic reactions.

A bathing mitten is the most a real find for kids who, for whatever reason, are afraid of water. A hero from a favorite fairy tale will talk to the child, dance, rub his back and sing songs. It all depends on your imagination. Mittens can be purchased for older children. You can make such a washcloth yourself. To do this, you will need flannel fabric, pleasant to the touch, and several decorative elements. Nylon washcloths are not best choice for bathing babies. If you press inappropriately, you can seriously scratch your child's skin.

In 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 may throw a serious tantrum during water procedures. Therefore, it is better to bathe him 40 minutes after eating, so that the child is full, happy and can withstand his and your stress.

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

If you didn’t have time to buy a thermometer, then don’t be upset and estimate the temperature of the water with your elbow dipped into the water of the bath. Our brushes are completely accustomed to 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, which is protected most of the time by clothing. He will quickly “understand” whether the water temperature is suitable for bathing the baby.

So, you poured the water and 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 a very small amount, just one or two tablespoons, into the bath. The water will practically not change color, it should not turn pink, except that it will be a little opalescent. Stir the water in the bath with your hands. Now everything is ready for swimming.

The baby lived in an aquatic environment for all nine months and, it would seem, should be very happy about it. But newborns are so delicate and timid creatures that immersing them in a bath with warm and seemingly familiar water can still cause them to panic and cry loudly.

You remember that many irritants lead to the appearance of a Moro reflex or fear in an infant with the arms spreading to the sides and followed by general restlessness and crying. It is this reflex that occurs in a child when immersed in a bath, which can also cause a fear 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 evening.

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

From practice

In some families, dads bathe babies at first, because mom is having a hard time after giving birth or is afraid. So, men say that they tense all the muscles of the body and especially their arms until their muscles tremble, fearing that the child might slip out of them. By the way, it’s not so rare that parents told me that in the first days their babies tried to “drown” a couple of times, but they “rescued” them in time, and everything ended well. Most often, when immersed in water, the baby’s protective reflex of holding his breath turns on, and nothing bad happens. But it doesn’t happen every 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 your arms almost to the very water. First, gradually immerse the baby'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 old grandmother’s advice - in the first days, bathe the baby in a thin diaper. Lightly wrap the baby in it, grabbing his arms tightly, and then when lowering him 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 go 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 baby further.

Sometimes I hear recommendations: until complete healing umbilical wound do not bathe babies and do not add any disinfectant solutions to the water. But judge for yourself: as we said earlier, the newborn’s skin came into contact with secretions and blood birth canal, there are residues of cheese-like lubricant on it and therefore bacteria can multiply well in such a nutrient medium. And a wide variety of them, including the evil ones - in different ways Staphylococcus aureus etched in medical institutions. These bacteria with such beautiful name This is what most often leads to the appearance of purulent pimples and other dangerous inflammatory processes on the skin.

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

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

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

How long does it take to bathe newborns?

Usually, in the first days, three to five minutes will be enough for both 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 children start crawling in the mud, in the sandbox, or even just on the kitchen floor and exploring the contents of their children's plates, which usually ends with more food on their faces than in their stomachs, then they are guaranteed a thorough wash every day. However, until this time you have a real opportunity to concentrate your attention only on separate parts bodies. It is quite predictable that the area of ​​diapers 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 defecate. Other areas that require special attention are the area around the mouth and any folds of skin. While some of you look at your newborn and wonder where those folds could even be, the rest of you are confident that the folds will appear soon. The armpits and creases in the groin that have existed since birth and are too often ignored will most likely be joined in a few weeks by double chin and folds on the hips. If you get into the habit of regularly checking these hot spots 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 sufficient.

Bathing area for a 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. From a practical standpoint, we suggest scheduling your baby's bath time based on your work schedule, your baby's sleep schedule, your own newborn bath routine, or before or after feedings. However, if you decide to bathe your baby after eating, you will have to wait a little while to allow the contents of your baby's stomach to settle a bit and for him to burp, pee or, if possible, poop before starting the process of bathing your newborn. We have some time-tested advice to give you: babies do respond well to certain routines, and while you certainly don't have to stick rigidly to a routine and there's nothing wrong with a nice trip or visit, over time you and your baby will only benefit from a comfortable routine. Our favorite, and one we highly recommend starting sooner rather than later: Offer baby the breast or bottle first, followed by a warm, relaxing bath, and then some quality time with a good book in your hands and baby on your lap before you lie down. sleep.

Conditioning

We won't talk about caring for your baby's hair (if he even has hair, which we'll discuss later), but we will talk about conditioning your newborn's water - the sight, sound and feel of water splashing around. While there are definitely some safety precautions to take when bathing a newborn, we'll look at the ones you should learn so you don't have to worry about water sometimes getting in your baby's eyes or ears. Newborns are fully capable of blinking to get rid of splashed or even slightly flooded water. And frankly, few of them even pay attention to it. And that's why we believe there is such a thing as being overly cautious about splashes when bathing children. From what we've seen, babies who have never had water in their mouths, hearing the sound of water from the shower or feeling drops of water on their face, are likely to develop into children who are afraid of water, turning bath time into a battle, and resist washing their hair in every possible way.

Water in ears

When it comes to ears, your baby's ear canals (like yours) end in a dead-end eardrum. 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 will not cause middle ear infections (otitis media) and may even help clear out wax from the canal.

"Deck"

If you've fallen for our pre-parenting philosophy, it's a good idea to think ahead about how you'll bathe your baby. It's important to have everything you think you need on hand before you get started. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a minute, to get something needed, answer the phone, answer the doorbell, or for any other reason. Whether the “deck” is the edge of your bathroom, the vanity next to the kitchen sink, or the bathroom vanity, 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 you get into the habit of filling the bathtub you plan to use before you put your baby in it. In general, we find that a bathtub water level of around 7.5cm - 10cm will be easiest to clean up. It's enough to wash baby and not so much that you'll create a wave. You will also find that pouring such a small amount of water into the bath will make it much easier to keep your baby's head above the surface of the water.
  • Soap and shampoo. Washing your baby with plain water works very well, 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 soap suds. There are many types for this purpose baby soap, baby liquid soap and shampoos, from which you can easily choose what is right for you.
  • A terry cloth washcloth (or two). We have found that many adults do not have 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 convenient and useful for washing.
  • A towel (or two). We will not be wrong if we say that no one likes to leave 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 your baby will react more enthusiastically to the situation if you wrap him in a warm, dry towel immediately after taking him out of the bath. You can absolutely use baby towels with a nice little hood on one corner if you really want to, or just use a regular bath towel. We'd like to clarify that many parents find it more difficult to use large "adult" towels for wrapping newborn babies than standard baby towels - too much towel to handle, and significantly more towel than you actually need. In order not to complicate your life, we recommend listening to your intuition and using soft, absorbent and comfortable towels. Remember that if you are going to place your baby on a towel while sponging them down, you will definitely need a second towel to dry your baby.
  • Humidifier. Despite the fact that most newborns have dry, flaky skin, most, if not all, do not need moisturizers. In fact, some moisturizers can cause rashes if applied to a newborn's delicate skin. So, if you would like to use a moisturizer, oil or lotion on your baby's skin, do not hesitate to discuss with your pediatrician which one would be best for you.
  • Diapers. Remember that it is the prerogative of a newborn to poop anywhere and anytime, and you may well encounter a “baby surprise” both before bathing your newborn and after placing the baby in the bath. Being prepared for your newborn's bath means having baby wipes and a clean diaper (or two in case of unexpected diaper changes) on hand, as well as all the diaper changing supplies you usually use.
  • Change of linen. Your newborn will appreciate any extra effort you make in getting him out of the wet towel, into a clean diaper, and into warm, dry clothes. We have yet to meet a baby who would enjoy lying naked, especially wet after a bath.

Washing a newborn around the navel

Having to avoid getting the umbilical cord scab wet will not be an inconvenience for long, as the dry eschar will usually fall off within the first 2-4 weeks. Usually, the umbilical wound needs to be dried before the scab falls off, and a wet wound can create some inconvenience, get dirty and have an unsightly appearance - that is, the usual troubles. With this in mind, most parents initially choose 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 cord hasn't healed yet, or he's been circumcised, or for some other reason you don't really feel like giving him a real bath, sponge baths are a great alternative. Place the baby on a towel on a flat surface or place the baby in a bathtub with no water or very little water in the bottom. Then simply take a warm, damp sponge or washcloth, drop in whatever baby bath product you prefer, and then gently wipe your baby's body, paying attention to any areas that need special attention. Rinse with a clean damp sponge or terry cloth, then wipe with a dry towel or napkin and voila, the baby is clean.

Technique for bathing 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, lower his legs into the water first. Talk to him encouragingly and gently lower the rest of his body into the bath. For safety reasons, most of the baby's body and face should be well above the water level. Therefore, to prevent your child from freezing, you will have to frequently pour water over his body. Wipe your face and hair with a soft sponge. Use shampoo once or twice a week. Gently massage the entire scalp, including the areas above the fontanelles. When rinsing soap or shampoo from the head, cover the child's forehead with your palm so that the foam flows down the sides and not into the eyes. If soap gets into your eyes, rinse them. When the remaining soap is washed away, the baby will open his eye again. Then wash the rest of your body from top to bottom.

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

  • Full support. Once you and your baby are in the bathtub and all your bath supplies are ready, it's easiest to use your non-dominant hand to support your baby's head and back as needed (for example, hold your baby with your left hand if you're right-handed). By holding your baby from below and holding him by his opposite arm throughout your newborn's bathing process, you ensure that he is properly supported while your other, more functional hand remains free to wash your baby. Using a plastic cup, a terry cloth, 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 his head, it helps keep the areas where the soap has already been rinsed clean, without getting any more suds.
  • Focus on the face. Wipe your child's face with a clean, damp terry cloth. Use a corner of the tissue to also clean the outside of your ear and behind your ear.
  • Hair. If your baby has hair and you think it really needs to be washed, then pour a small amount of liquid baby soap or shampoo into your palm or a damp washcloth and rub your baby's head. When rinsing hair, simply tilt your baby's head back slightly to avoid soap or shampoo getting into his eyes and ears.
  • Lift and separate. Remember to lift, separate and thoroughly wash all folds in your baby's neck, armpits and groin.
  • Let's talk about soap. If you are going to use mild soap or baby soap liquid soap, apply a little onto a damp cloth or hand and gently wipe the baby's body, starting from the neck down. For safety reasons, we strongly recommend that you do not have soap on the hand you are holding your baby 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 with them or put his fingers in his mouth.
  • Bend at the knees. When you're done, carefully remove your baby from the bath or tub, being careful not to put too much strain on your back. 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 hands free 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

  • Place a bottle of soap, shampoo, and lotion in a bath of warm water to warm them up.
  • Add a little scented or shaped soap to the water.
  • If your child loves animal or cartoon figurines (these usually come in packaging for expensive baby shampoos), buy a couple of them and then fill them with regular soap or shampoo.
  • If your baby wants to soap himself, put the soap in a terry mitten or sock. To make them funnier, sew a face on them.
  • Instead of a washcloth, use a terry cloth doll or a cloth ball.
  • Whip up 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. Place a mirror near the bathtub and laugh together. However, don't offer this activity every night, as sudsing too often can dry out your skin.
  • Buy soap and shampoo small size like in hotels. This will make them easier for your child to handle and make his bath adventures more interesting.

Rinse off the soap

  • To prevent shampoo from getting into your baby's eyes: tilt his head back slightly to rinse his hair (support your baby's neck with your hand as he leans back); put on your child swimming goggles or a diving mask; pour a small amount of water into the bath so that your bather can lie on his back while the water is poured over him; Hang pictures on the ceiling to encourage your child to look up while rinsing out the shampoo.
  • Use a watering can or squirt bottle to amuse your baby.
  • When teaching your child to wash and rinse hair, show him how to check that the hair “squeaks” between his fingers.

Until the child's umbilical wound has healed, soap and gels should not be used. After the navel has healed, you can use the most gentle foam or bathing 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 can be used instead of shampoo gentle gels for the body. After six months, the vellus hair will fall out and be replaced by new ones, and the pH of the head will also gradually change in the acidic direction. From now on you can buy high-quality baby shampoos. Regular soap has a pronounced alkaline reaction and should not be used to wash a child’s hair. When used as shampoo, insufficiently mild products will dry out the skin on the baby’s head and increase the number of oily seborrheic crusts yellow. The latter have many colorful, descriptive names: “milk scab,” “honey peels,” or “potato chips.” In addition, if a baby’s hair is washed incorrectly, it is immediately obvious - his hair becomes electrified, frizzy, stands on end cheerfully and cheerfully, like a little hedgehog or a punk.

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

Important

Don't forget to test the tolerance of any bathing cosmetic, even children's and hypoallergenic. By the same principle as for creams.

Advice

If other family members or your baby are prone to allergies, purchase detergents labeled “For dry atopic skin.”

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

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

Choose a method that is convenient 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 and wet his ears while bathing?” Of course, it’s possible, but provided that he doesn’t have a runny nose or ear inflammation! Just after bathing, gently dry your baby’s ears with a thin diaper, cosmetic wipe or cotton swab with a limiter and put a light cap or hood on the baby’s head for 20 minutes.

After bathing, take your little one out of the bath just as quickly or abruptly as you put him in it. After all, a change in temperature and body position occurs again, and the baby may again exhibit a violent fear reflex. After use detergents Rinse the child with clean, warm water from a ladle or jug. It is more convenient to dry and dress a naked baby in a warm bathroom, where many people use it as a changing table washing machine. Some parents take the baby into the room and spend everything there necessary procedures. Please note that after bathing the baby, you should not rub the baby with a towel, but should carefully dry the skin 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 confines of the bathtub itself to avoid any slush on the floor around it.
  • While you wash your baby, he can wash the doll's hair.
  • Items that can be used alternately as fun when bathing a newborn: dolls, dinosaurs and boats; tablets that color water; toy cups with 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 his own bath boats.
  • Store toys in a net or plastic basket with holes so they can dry without cluttering the bathtub. Empty water guns.
  • Wash your toys once a month to remove soap build-up. Use lukewarm water to prevent the plastic from melting.
  • Give your bathtub and toys a thorough cleaning from time to time. Fill the toy tub with warm water and add bleach. Scrub the tub thoroughly with a brush and rinse everything clean with a shower.

Games while bathing a newborn

  • Buy brushes and shaving foam. Let your child apply it to your face or his or her face while sitting in the bath.
  • Use soap paints in pencil form. They can be used to paint on the sides of the bathtub.
  • Blow out soap bubbles into the bath so that the child can catch them and watch them burst.
  • 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 a unique ambiance.
  • Fill a gauze bag with rose petals, place them on the edge of the bathtub and place them in warm water to scent them.
  • Conduct science experiments by having your child mix colored water using plastic beakers and droppers.

If your child likes to splash and splash

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

Wrap

Especially when you're bathing your baby alone, we highly recommend having a set of towels on hand before you begin your newborn bathing routine.

  • Knee wrap. When you're ready to remove your baby from the bath, place a towel on your lap or other flat, firm surface (a plastic baby bathtub works fine if you haven't used one for bathing your newborn). Then carefully grab the baby under your arms, supporting his head, and place him on his back on one side in the center of the towel. Quickly wrap the longer side of the towel over your baby, wrapping the short end of the towel around the back of the baby's 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 your baby and hold him to 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, lift the towel up to his chin, and then use part of the towel hanging over his shoulder like a bathrobe hood. This technique is easier to learn when you are sitting, although you can do it standing up too. When you have quickly wrapped and dried the baby, you can move this little bag to a more convenient place so that you can calmly finish putting on the diaper and necessary clothes.

Drying effect of water

The fact that water itself can dry out our skin - yours and your baby's - may seem surprising, but it is true. The drying effect occurs when wet skin is exposed to air and the moisture quickly evaporates, or when drying the body with a towel. You can counteract this drying effect by simply bathing your baby less frequently, toweling him off 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 on your newborn's dry skin for the first month or so because baby's skin tends to be very sensitive. If your baby's skin is dry and flaky, try to ignore it and let it normalize on its own (which normally happens within a month).

Portable baths

Baby baths are quite popular these days and you'll no doubt have a wide range of choices - from firmly attached to inflatable, collapsible and from sponge-like to soft or hard plastic. While you can generally live quite happily without a baby bath at all, most parents find them quite practical, not to mention relatively inexpensive and feature-rich.

  • They allow you to bathe your newborn on any surface: a cabinet, the floor, a sink, or large bath("bath in a bath" technique), that is, where it is most convenient for you to do it.
  • Even after your baby outgrows the baby bath and you give him an adult bath, a baby bath will still be useful as a “towel wrap station” or as a safe place to put your wet or towel-wrapped baby after a bath.
  • Once you've mastered the intricacies of bathing your baby, you can decide whether to bathe or shower with him, which is generally a risky proposition, but this is where baby baths prove their logistical worth as safe, water-resistant spaces. where you can place your baby before, during and after bathing.

Warning: Slippery when wet

We're definitely not trying to scare new parents. Instead, we want to share and reinforce a few simple but extremely important bathing safety measures that will protect you and your baby from any unpleasant accidents. It's hard to ignore the fact that babies are very slippery when wet, much less to ignore the occasional report on the evening news that some baby or child was unintentionally burned or accidentally drowned in a bathtub containing literally ten centimeters of water. When talking about the safety of bathing a newborn in a bathtub, 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 somewhere between 35 and 37.5°C, with temperatures above 40.5° considered too hot and colder than 32° too cold. In contrast, many water heaters are set at around 60-66° C. Before you put your baby in the bath, we recommend going to the water heater and making sure the upper temperature limit is no higher than 49 - the temperature at which you can hold your hand under the hot stream water without getting burned. Although most parents have heard this advice at least once, very few follow it directly. We invite you to be the one who will follow the advice.
  • First fill the bathtub. First, fill the bath with water. Turn off the water and then place your baby in the bath. Leaving water running into a bathtub where your baby is already in is an unnecessary risk, as the temperature of the flowing water may not be consistent and it may be difficult to control the hot water.
  • Know where you place your child. Make it a habit to always test the temperature of your baby's bath water on your skin (preferably on a sensitive area like your wrist or elbow) before you put your baby in the bath. This way you will know exactly where you both are going to dive.

Don't get distracted

No matter how much or little water is poured into your newborn's bathtub, you should support him with at least one hand at all times and ideally keep your eyes on him for even a single second.

Choose organic products

Avoid products that contain parabens (today they are banned) and glycol ethers: these are potentially carcinogens; choose organic products. Sometimes such products are really more expensive than ordinary ones. The baby should be washed by hand or a small natural sponge.

Other ways to bathe a newborn baby

A newborn can be easily bathed in a sink, and a slightly older baby can be bathed in a simple bath. You can also share a bath from the moment your baby is born, but in this case you should clean the bath first and you should take a quick shower beforehand - especially while the umbilical cord has not yet fallen off.

In addition, there are ergonomic baths that are ideally suited to the baby’s physiology. 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 suffers from eczema. What bathing productsShould I choose a newborn?

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

Olive-lime ointment: a real miracle product Olive-lime ointment - surprisingly effective and truly universal remedy for bathing and caring for the baby. This product can be used when changing a diaper, when washing a baby, for massage, and even to treat eczema or seborrheic dermatitis! Ready-made ointment can be bought in 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, placing the pan on low heat. Then remove the mixture from the heat and add lime water. You can immediately add three or four types (no more) essential oils in a very small amount. Mix thoroughly!

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

Essential oils can also be added to the finished ointment.

Most pediatricians do not recommend using body sponges in the first month of a baby's life. The best device for soaping will be a soft mother's hand..

When to start using when washing in a bath?

The optimal time is after 6 months. Before this period, the child’s skin is relatively clean and does not need copious soaping and rubbing. At six months the baby is already more active, tries complementary foods and often gets dirty with juice or puree. Such children are already sitting in the bathtub while bathing and are delighted with the new interesting object. Kids love to touch the sponge, soap suds and play with them.

Benefits of using sponges for bathing:

  • Thorough cleansing.
  • Convenience.
  • Saving cosmetics.

Cons:

  • Risk of injury or skin irritation.
  • The product may be a source of bacteria if not stored properly.

Are there natural types?

Modern mothers are increasingly choosing natural sponges. They are made from seaweed or plant fibers. Safe and hygienic. They perfectly remove impurities and cleanse pores.

The porous structure of the sponge provides a light massage effect. They are ideal for bathing babies.

A dry natural sponge is hard and very small. When soaked in water, the product increases in size by 2-3 times, becomes soft and velvety. Creates a thick, pleasant foam. After use, the sponge must be dried thoroughly..

Do not dry natural sponges in a horizontal position. Be sure to hang the product on a hook.

Sponges must be changed every 3 months. Otherwise, it will no longer be clean even with proper care. The cost of such products is quite reasonable. It ranges from 150 to 1000 rubles. It all depends on the material and manufacturer brand.

Photo

You will see a photo of washcloths for babies:









How to choose wisely?

  • It is better to buy such an important device for a baby at a pharmacy or a large children's store.
  • Pay attention to the packaging and country of origin. It is better to refrain from purchasing Chinese items of dubious quality.

    Give preference famous brands and Russian manufacturing factories.

  • A sponge for a baby should be soft and pleasant to the touch.
  • Check the quality on the back of your hand. Even when dry, it should not scratch the skin.
  • Smell the product; it should not emit a strong chemical odor.
  • Choose comfortable sponges made from natural material, high-quality foam rubber and soft cotton fabric.
  • The ideal size is no larger than a mother’s palm. It’s good if the product is equipped with an elastic band or braid to secure it on the mother’s hand. This will prevent it from slipping off while swimming.

Rules of application

Recommendations for using a sponge for a baby:

  1. Wash your hands with soap.
  2. Pre-soak a natural sponge in water for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Apply to a damp, clean sponge special remedy for bathing a child, beat into foam.
  4. Gently cleanse your baby's damp skin using circular, smooth movements. Move from the neck to the heels.
  5. Rinse the child's skin with running water. Separately, with clean hands, you need to wash the perineal area.
  6. Thoroughly rinse off the foam from the product and dry.

Do not use sponge bathing daily! Use a washcloth with cosmetic product maximum once a week. The rest of the time, plain water is enough for your baby’s skin!

As you know, children's skin needs daily care. Mom's Club will tell you how to choose scissors, a washcloth and a hair brush for a newborn.

Scissors, tweezers

NUK children's scissors

Since a newborn's nails are very thin and fragile, it is necessary to special attention to care for them so as not to injure the baby or cause discomfort. For us to succeed, we need to choose scissors or tweezers designed specifically for children.

How are they different from others? It's simple - the tips of special children's scissors are rounded, it may seem that they are not sharp enough, however, they successfully perform their function - they trim the baby's nails. There are scissors on store shelves different colors, which allows us to combine them with other hygiene products.

Often, scissors come with tweezers, which are the best in terms of safety, because with their help it is impossible to cut off too much.

When cutting nails, either with scissors or tweezers, you need to pay attention to the fact that there are no sharp corners that could injure the child.

Comb and hair brush

NUK comb and brush

Since the baby’s scalp is very sensitive, it is important to pay attention to the choice of comb and hair brush so that when combing the hair, you do not irritate the skin. Usually the brush and combs are sold as a set, however more attention you have to choose the brush.

The brush is more delicate and soft, so it will be used more often in the first months of life. Since combing hair stimulates hair growth healthy hair, you need to choose brushes with bristles made of the appropriate material - usually they are made of nylon or some natural material. A brush made from natural material will be a little more expensive, but also of better quality.

When you have decided which material you will prefer, pay attention to how wide the brush is. For the baby's comfort, it is better for it to be as wide as possible.

You also need to pay attention to the plastic part of the comb to see if there are any sharp edges.

When choosing a comb for your baby, the main thing is to pay attention to the fact that the teeth are not too frequent or too sparse, as well as the presence of sharp corners.

Washcloths and mittens for washing

In every family, a bath is one component of the ritual before bed. In a way, this is a small holiday for the baby. When bathing a child, a washcloth or washing mitten will be an invaluable assistant. What should you pay attention to when choosing bathroom accessories?

To begin with, it is important to understand which of the following parents want to use. If it is a washcloth, then it is important that it is made from a natural material, such as cellulose, which is ideal for sensitive skin baby and does not cause allergies.

If parents prefer games during bath time, mittens are perfect for this, which are now available in different colors and sizes. different applications. When choosing a mitten, you need to make sure that it is soft enough and will not scratch your baby’s delicate skin.