How to organize your baby's first bath: step-by-step tips. How to bathe a newborn correctly: advice for young mothers

Instructions

Children under one year old are bathed daily. You need to start bathing as soon as the umbilical wound dries. Pediatricians advise children under age to be bathed in boiled water, especially if the 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 disinfect the umbilical wound and its rapid healing. Manganese crystals must first be dissolved in a bowl of water, and then the solution must be added to the bath until it turns 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 wash the bath with baby soap and rinse it with boiling water every time. Clean underwear for the baby should be prepared in advance, as well as all hygiene items: cotton swabs, baby oil, diapers.

If you are unsure of holding your baby, have someone help you bathe him at first. Your newborn can be supported by dad or grandma while you wash him. There is no need to pour a lot of water into the bath while the baby is small. Soon you will learn how to bathe your baby yourself.

When everything is ready for bathing, undress the child, wash him, if he has soiled his diaper, carefully immerse his body in the water. Hold him in the water with one hand, placing it under the top of your child's shoulder. Its head should rest on your arm bent at the elbow. The rest of the body should be in 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. You should wash your hair with soap 1-2 times a week - gently lathering it in the direction from the forehead to the back of the head, and then carefully rinsing off the foam.

After washing your hair, use a soapy sponge or hand to wipe the skin behind the ears, neck, armpits, arms, legs, sides, back, tummy, groin area. After this, the baby needs to 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 him in a terry towel and hold him there for 5-7 minutes so that the child dries and does not freeze when you undress him. After that, put him on a clean, dry diaper and proceed to the toilet: wipe the ears with cotton wool, lubricate the folds with baby oil, treat the navel with hydrogen peroxide to remove crusts, and then with brilliant green. After this, you can dress the child.

Video on the topic

The birth of a child brings joy, happiness, as well as a sea of worries and a thousand new responsibilities. With daily hassles, 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 lump needs constant care 24 hours a day. A young mother has to adapt to a new regime, change habits established over the years and forget about proper sleep, thinking only about the well-being of the baby. The baby experiences his first bath in the maternity hospital. Experienced midwives wash the newborn, treat the navel, ears and nose with a disinfecting solution. The child is wiped with antimicrobial wipes over the following days, so the question of a full bath arises at home.

Rules for bathing a newborn baby

Water is the most comfortable environment for a newly born baby, because the baby spent 9 months in the amniotic sac. If you are worried about stomach colic and your child starts crying, put him in the bath and he will immediately calm down and tense muscles will relax. If the dried umbilical cord does not fall off, try not to touch the appendage and do not soap it with soap. External microbes can get into an open wound, causing infection and causing suppuration. It is best to wait until the umbilical cord is completely removed and clean the skin with wipes. The shoot dries out completely after 14 days.

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

Don't forget the important details:

Do not put your baby on the slide in a big way. The first bath should resemble an acquaintance: first immerse your feet in the water and watch the reaction;
At the first sign of fear, take 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 for measuring water temperature, a towel. If the mother is not collected, there will be a rush, 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 and let him splash in the water;
Do not always use soap accessories: wash your head with shampoo once every seven days, and wash your body with soap twice;
The optimal time for swimming is in the evening, right before bed.

Add 1-2 drops of manganese to pre-boiled water for decontamination. Be sure 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 and can cause burns or dryness. It is very useful to add infusions of medicinal herbs - chamomile, plantain, coltsfoot, string, lemon balm. Even the most capricious baby will calm down from such a herbal set. But when bathing your baby for the first time, it is better to do without any additives and wait until he gets used to it. Many herbs can cause allergies, so do not mix many herbs at once.

Check the water with a thermometer - the temperature should be 37 degrees. If you don’t have a thermometer, dip your elbow in the water - if it burns, you need to wait. Some mothers harden the child by gradually cooling the water to 30 degrees. Don't be alarmed if your child poops in the water - this means that all the muscles have relaxed.

Where to start swimming

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

When the skin is dry, treat all folds with baby cream, remove the softened crusts from the head, and clean the ears with cotton wool. 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 your baby, turn bathing into a fun game, and your baby will be happy to take water treatments.

A young mother (especially if the child is the first-born in the family) often does not know how to properly approach such a process as bathing a newborn baby.

In this article we will try to figure out how bathe a baby correctly, what requirements to comply with and what means to use.

Typically, during the first and subsequent examinations, pediatricians give recommendations on bathing. But let us repeat once again at what time you should start water procedures.

If the baby is healthy, the birth occurred on time, and the baby is full-term, then bathing can begin immediately after arrival from the hospital. But with caution, because the umbilical wound has not yet healed. If the wound is very wide, then you should refrain from swimming for the first month. It is enough to wipe the baby's skin with a damp soft cloth.

Use baby soap with caution. Be sure to look at the label to see what age the detergent is intended for. If you are not sure, it is better to use plain water. After all, an allergic reaction at this age is very dangerous.

Bathing facilities and facilities

Conduct baby water treatments can be done in any room. The main thing is that it is warm and no drafts. And then choose according to convenience: in the bathroom, in the kitchen or right in the children's room. Moreover, the ambient temperature should not be less than 21 degrees.

The water for swimming should be 37-38 degrees, no more and no less. A child may freeze in cold water, but he will feel uncomfortable in hot water.

Very often, new mothers are taught to check the water temperature with their elbow. It is not right. The elbow is not such a sensitive part of the body to accurately determine 37 or 38 degrees. Don’t be lazy to use a thermometer to avoid unnecessary problems and hassle. Let’s say from experience that if the baby doesn’t like bathing for the first time, then with each hygiene procedure the whole process will turn into torture for both you and the baby.

It is better to bathe your baby in a specially purchased bathtub. But you can't use it for anything else. Don't think of washing clothes in it.

Some bathe the newborn immediately in a large bathtub. But there are several significant disadvantages:

A large bathtub will have to be very thoroughly washed and disinfected every time, even if the adults who use the shared bathtub are absolutely healthy (which is not often the case). The slightest infection can cause very big health problems. After all, a small organism is not yet equipped to deal with serious threats.
You will have to bathe your child in a very uncomfortable position, bending low over the bathtub. It’s good if dad or grandma helps with bathing. But it will be problematic for one mother to do this: she needs to keep the baby suspended, and at the same time manage to lather and wash off the soap from the skin.
Large amounts of water can frighten a newborn.

After bathing, use moisturizers that are designed specifically for newborns (creams, moisturizing gels or milk). They are usually hypoallergenic and do not contain any harmful impurities.

How often should you bathe your newborn?

Traditionally, it is believed that bathing should be done daily. For example, before going to bed at night. But there are caveats to this issue: a baby’s skin is very sensitive, and daily water procedures can cause severe dryness and irritation. Does an infant get that dirty? Moreover, with the condition that after defecation you will wash it.

Many doctors advise bathing a newborn 2-3 times a week, and the rest of the time wiping the folds with a damp cloth soaked in warm water.

In summer, when it is hot, the number of baths can be increased. After all, at higher air temperatures, the baby may sweat a lot. Don’t forget to wipe the areas behind the ears, in the groin, under the arms – where sweat and sebum accumulate.

Sometimes various herbal supplements can be used for bathing. But you should use folk remedies (such as chamomile, lemon balm) only after talking with a pediatrician.

When and how long should you bathe your baby?

Immediately after returning from the maternity hospital, bathing the child should not be delayed for more than 5 minutes. By three months, the duration of stay in water can be increased to 15 minutes.

Bathing time is usually scheduled for the evening. But sometimes it happens that water procedures only invigorate the baby, and he does not want to fall asleep. Then move this process to the day, for example, after lunch.

How to wash a newborn?

Today, cosmetic companies offer a wide range of products designed for babies. These are products for bathing and skin products after water procedures. You can also use herbal decoctions, so to speak folk remedies. Once again, herbs should be used with great caution after consultation with a specialist.

To reduce inflammation or irritation, you can use chamomile or calendula infusions.
If your baby is too restless, you can prepare a bath with lemon balm, mint or lavender. Sometimes valerian is used, but this herb has a rather unpleasant odor that the baby may not like.

Even if your child has long hair, you should not get carried away with shampoos. Special detergents that are intended for the entire body are sufficient. In any case, you need to monitor the condition of your skin and hair in order to choose a specific product.

Bathe your child in a special bath that you do not use for anything else. Disinfect the bath container periodically.
Before the bathing process, prepare everything you need so that everything is at hand and you are not distracted by extraneous things, but only watch the child.
After bathing, do not move a wet baby to another room. Wrap him in a towel and then take him to the changing table.
Before swimming, cut your nails short and wash your hands with soap, remove rings, bracelets, and watches.
Do not rub the baby with a towel, but simply pat it dry.
After drying, lubricate the baby's skin with cream. Using moisturizing oil, you can give a relaxing massage. Just learn how to do it first so as not to cause harm.
After this, dress the child in the clothes prepared in advance. While your hair is still wet, put on a thin cotton cap.
The whole process is accompanied by conversation; talk kindly to your baby. Mom's voice will calm the child.

I’ll try to break down all the main points regarding bathing babies.

Benefits of water procedures:
- thanks to bathing, the skin is cleansed and the pores of the skin are opened.
- swimming is a simple and effective way to develop a child.
- warm water calms the baby and reduces increased muscle tone.
- bathing in warm water helps with colic.
- is an effective hardening method.

Important points:

The main thing is to ensure safety and comfort for the child during water procedures. Keep in mind that you can accidentally injure delicate skin with your nails (therefore it is better to trim them constantly), rings or bracelets (you must remove all jewelry from your hands). To prevent you from accidentally slipping on the floor, it will be very useful to place a rubber mat, and when the baby grows up, it will not hurt to place a special rubber mat on the bottom of the bathtub.

Never leave a child unattended, even for a very short period of time.

Make sure that there are no drafts and that the wind does not blow on the baby from the window.

We must not forget that if your baby was vaccinated on the arm in the maternity hospital, it should not be rubbed while washing, and it should not be smeared with creams or oils.

Before bathing, it is useful to lay the naked baby on his stomach for a few minutes.

If you notice any unusual skin changes in your baby, contact your pediatrician.

If after each bath your child’s skin becomes red, inflamed, peeling and itchy, then perhaps a water filter will help you (if necessary, you can do an analysis of the composition of the water).

Try to show positive emotions when bathing.

Bathing items for babies:

Bath(maybe a simple, anatomical bath with a hammock) - it is advisable that at least for the first time you bathe your treasure in a plastic baby bath (especially if the belly button has not yet healed). Do not use it for other purposes. If the bath is with a hammock or anatomical, it makes it easier to support the baby. This is especially necessary if this is your first child and you have no experience yet, and you also have to bathe alone. When choosing a baby bathtub, consider which size will suit you. If you want to put the bathtub in the bathtub, then make sure that it fits, and if you plan to wash the baby in another room on the floor or on a table, or in the same bathtub, but placing it on special wooden stands, then the size, in principle, is not important. It is quite convenient when the bath has a drain. If the color of the bath is white, then you will see how clean the water is.

Slide(supports the child) - can be placed in a regular baby bathtub or in an adult bathtub. If you pour a little water into the bath, especially if you also ensure that the bath is tilted, then a slide is not needed. And if you have to wash your baby alone, then, of course, a slide won’t hurt. There are plastic anatomical slides or rag slides (fabric stretched over a frame). It is better to take a plastic one, because... With a rag, a child, as a rule, constantly rolls off. You can put a diaper on the slide.

seat Velcro (bathing chair) - this is for those who can sit. Attaches to the bottom of the bathtub.

Circle- Doctors are not against it, neurologists are even for it. So, decide for yourself. I advise you to ask your pediatrician when exactly in your case you can start swimming with a circle.

Regular wooden stands for basins for the bath - you can buy 2 pieces and put them next to each other. The baby bath will stand steadily on them.

It is not necessary that you buy everything from the baby bathing range. Choose for yourself and your child what you consider really necessary. As a last resort, you can generally get by with an ordinary bathroom, which is already available in most apartments.

When to bathe (what time of day):

Many people are confused about when to find the right time. It doesn’t come out of your head just like that, and in books or articles they may write recommendations on time, which in your situation may not be suitable; here you need to determine it empirically. The washing time should be convenient for you and the baby. It is important here that the baby does not want to sleep or eat (in such a situation it is unlikely to be possible without crying).

If the child is fast asleep at night, it is better not to wake him up for a bath (in such a situation, most likely, the baby will be loudly indignant). So, next time try to bathe earlier. Learn to see signs of baby fatigue, watch your child.

And as for food: we fed him, carried him in a column, a little time passed and he could be bathed.

If you notice that after washing your baby perks up, does not want to fall asleep and sleeps poorly, do water procedures in the morning or afternoon.

For example, we bathed in the evening. Always different (perhaps there was a mistake). It often happened that our baby was already fast asleep and we had to postpone washing until the next day. Once or twice we tried to wake him up and still carry out an important procedure, but the screams were such horror, and it would be better if we didn’t do this.

It was also difficult to decide about food, because... I breastfed “on demand,” and the demands were frequent. We also tried it in different ways: immediately before bathing, half an hour before, and 15 minutes before. For us, it was optimal to feed him a little 5-10 minutes before the bath, wash him and then go to bed to feed him as soon as possible. In most cases, this was already feeding while simultaneously falling asleep at night.

How to clean a bathtub or tub:

It is necessary to clean before each bath. Especially carefully if you wash your baby in an adult bath.

Why is this necessary?

Some, for example, wash dogs or other animals in the bath. Possibly animal trays. It is especially necessary to monitor cleanliness if the toilet and bath are combined into one room. It is clear that under all these aggravating circumstances, it is simply impossible to bathe a small child without washing the bathtub.

Plus, to these reasons we need to add a common one for everyone: every time anyone washes, the accumulated dirt and part of the skin is washed away. This whole thing settles on the walls of the bathtub or tub.

Which bath cleaner to use:

To prepare a baby bath, it will be enough to clean it with regular baking soda every time before bathing. Or at least laundry soap. Then rinse with water.

To prepare an adult bath, it is better to treat it first with any bath cleaner you are used to (about an hour or two in advance, so that the smell from the product does not remain), and then go through it again with soda or the same soap. For greater reliability and peace of mind, you can also pour boiling water over the bath.

What to prepare:

To avoid problems, prepare everything in advance.

Sample list:
- a clean bath or tub;
- collected water at the required temperature (baby thermometer in water);
- a container for clean water, for example, a saucepan with a handle;
- the product you will use to wash your baby / or add to the water what you want to bathe in;
- a towel or diaper, in order to wrap the little one in it later, it is better to straighten it straight away;
- skin care products (powder, cream or oil);
- means for caring for the navel (if it has not yet healed);
- clean diapers, a diaper or just baby clothes.

Air and water temperature:

The water should be 36-38 degrees, the air should not be lower than 24 degrees. It is advisable to have a children's water thermometer. At a minimum, you need to check with your elbow that the water is slightly warmer than your body temperature or the same, i.e. You will be neither cold nor hot (but this method is quite controversial).

Keep in mind that the water cools down over time, so I advise you not to remove the baby thermometer from the water to control this.

Watch your baby:

1. Children may be comfortable at different water temperatures, and here you need to watch their reaction and try different options. But you need to start from 37-38 degrees and build from there.
2. There are signs by which you can understand whether a child is hot or cold.
When it's hot: the skin begins to turn red, the baby becomes lethargic, most likely the child will cry.
When it's cold: The baby's nasolabial triangle turns blue, the baby shrinks into a ball, begins to tremble, you can see goosebumps, and most likely will cry.

If you need to add hot or cold water to a bath or tub, you need to take the baby out, adjust the temperature to the desired temperature, and return the baby to the water.

Bathing products:

Nowadays there is a huge selection of all kinds of children's products, including for bathing babies. Always pay attention to the age at which they can be used. It would be good if it was a hypoallergenic product. In any case, always carefully read the available information about the product on the packaging.

1) Soap. Use baby soap no more than 2 times a week (liquid soap is better, as it does not dry out the skin as much).

2) Shampoo. It is advisable to wash your baby's head with baby shampoo no more than once a week. It is better to take shampoo with a “no tears” formula. If your little one has only delicate fluff on his head, then there is no need to buy shampoo yet.

3) Bathing products for babies from head to toe. Also, no more than 2 times a week.

What to add to water:

1) Potassium permangantsovka(potassium permanganate). It is only needed if the belly button has not yet completely healed. Dries the skin. Dilute a few crumbs of potassium permanganate in advance in a regular glass jar or other convenient container, close the solution well. If the color of the solution changes over time, you need to pour it out and prepare a new one. Immediately before washing, add a little potassium permanganate to the water through gauze or a bandage folded several times (so that the crystals do not get into and burn the baby’s skin), there should be a slightly pinkish tint (the lighter, the safer for the child). It is better to alternate with herbs.

2) Baby bubble bath. No more than 2 times a week. You can add it to water or just drop a little on your hand and wash it just like with liquid soap. As a rule, baby foams are suitable for washing hair.

3) Decoctions or infusions of herbs(chamomile, sage, celandine, lavender, etc.). Allergies to herbs may occur. Before experimenting, consult your pediatrician. Herbal baths dry out the skin, so do not do them more than 2 times a week. Always use only freshly prepared decoction or herbal infusion.
- decoction: approximately 1 - 4 tbsp. spoons of dry herb per 1 liter of water. Place on the stove and wait for it to boil. Cover and wait at least 20 minutes. Then strain through cheesecloth or a fine strainer. Add the resulting liquid to a bath of water.
- infusion: approximately 1 - 4 tbsp. spoons of herbs per 1 liter of boiling water. If the weed is in bags, then 2 pieces. per 1 liter. Pour boiling water over the herb and cover with a lid. Wait at least an hour. Next, strain through cheesecloth or a fine strainer. Add the resulting liquid to a bath of water.
If you are still not clear how and in what proportions you need to brew the herb, try brewing it like regular tea (pour the herb, pour boiling water, wait an hour, separate the herb from the resulting liquid, add part of the herbal infusion to the baby’s bathtub). If the herb is not in bags, I advise you to place it in a piece of gauze so that it is easy to separate later.

4) If you are too lazy to brew every time, they sell different ready-made herbal teas for bathing babies.

Important:

Bathing in herbs should be according to indications and no more than 15 days in a row.

Until the navel has healed, it is advisable to boil water and add potassium permanganate (so that infection does not get through the navel).

Do not use adult products to wash your baby (soap, gel, shampoo, etc.).

Do not wash your baby with antibacterial agents so as not to disturb the skin microflora.

Use any cleanser 1-2 times a week. And don't forget to rinse your baby with clean water at the end.

If the baby does not have skin problems, you can bathe in plain water without any additives. Clean water is the best bathing environment for healthy babies.

Nowadays there are a lot of products containing plant extracts. Please note that if a child has a tendency to allergies, there may be a reaction to some medications. Naturally, if an allergy develops, you will have to abandon them and try others.

Whatever product you choose, always monitor how your child’s skin reacts.

Newborn's first bath:

The first washing of the baby in the bath should be authorized by the pediatrician or nurse, who comes to the house for the first month to examine the child.

An unhealed wound can easily become infected. Therefore, many doctors recommend starting bathing after the navel has completely healed. In this case, you need to wipe the baby with a cotton swab soaked in warm boiled water, avoiding the navel area.

The first time is the most difficult, because you don’t yet know your little one’s preferences.

You can bathe in a diaper for some time (so-called adaptation bathing). You need to swaddle him loosely, put him in the water, you can first just water him with water, then one by one free some part of the body from the swaddle and wash him. Many children fall asleep with this method while they are being bathed.

Or swaddle, immerse in water, and remove the diaper.

During your first baths, you can place a folded diaper on the bottom of the bath, where you plan to place the head. This is advisable if you place something under a regular bath so that it is tilted and the water comes into minimal contact with the head. It is also better, during the first baths, to place a diaper on a plastic slide or on an anatomical bath, if you use them.

Try to take your first bath no longer than 15 minutes.

How to bathe a child alone (step-by-step instructions):

If you have an assistant: one can hold and the other wash. An assistant can provide a towel or diaper, or bring a forgotten item.

Let's consider the option if you are forced to bathe the baby yourself, without outside help, and if you do not have devices that provide support and allow you to wash with both hands:

Preparation for water procedures:

1. First, prepare everything you need. Clean the bathtub(s).

2. Fill the bath with water to about ½ or 1/3 of the total volume. Place a baby thermometer in the water and make sure the temperature is right. If necessary, add something to the water (potassium permanganate, foam, grass).

3. Prepare clean water of the same temperature in a separate container to rinse your baby at the end of washing.

4. Undress the child. Before you begin the actual bathing process, wash your baby (or wipe with baby wipes).

5. Don't forget to wash your hands with soap before you start washing your baby.

Immersion in water:

6. One hand supports the head (the back of the head should be above the wrist of your hand), the hand should be held by the far shoulder, the other hand clasps the baby on the other side of you, or passes between the legs and holds the butt and sacrum(Fig. 2) . With such support, the risk of not being able to hold your baby is reduced. In this position, slowly lower it into the water (legs first).
You can also hold it so that the palm is on the back, the head is on the forearm of the hand, and the other hand supports the legs (Fig. 1).

7. You can remove the hand that was supporting your butt.

Bathing, swimming:

8. Remember to support the head at all times.

9. Lead the baby from one end to the other. Children usually like to push their feet against the walls of the bathtub.

10. Water should not get into your mouth or nose (especially if it contains any product).

11. Don't worry about water getting into your ears. Pediatricians say that consequences (otitis) can only occur if the ears, mouth and nose are deeply immersed at the same time.

12. It’s okay if a newborn accidentally takes a dip, because... A reflex should work that prevents water from entering the respiratory tract (the baby holds his breath). Parents often use this newborn reflex to teach their baby to dive. But over time, the reflex fades and this must be taken into account.

13. When the child grows up, you can let him play with toys in the water. It is better to give educational toys that can change color or shape in water, stick to the bathtub or on the wall, etc. You can also use classic toys: rubber duck, boat, fish. Often the most interesting things for a child are empty shampoo bottles and ordinary soap dishes. If the baby is already crawling, you can put a special rubber mat in the bathtub and pour a little water, then the baby will be able to sit or crawl while playing with toys in the water. Then do not forget to rinse and dry the toys (if this is not done, fungus may appear on them). You should be doubly careful when your child is playing in the water.

The washing up:

14. Wash with your free hand.

15. Until you get the hang of keeping your baby in water, it’s better not to use detergents; it’s okay if it takes a few days.

16. Very small children can be wiped with a cotton swab in water (just a new one each time) or simply with your hands. Delicate, fragile skin should not be rubbed with a washcloth. When the little one grows at least a little, several months have passed, you can try washing it with a baby washcloth.

17. In what order to wash the baby’s body parts does not play a big role. It is recommended to wash from top to bottom, i.e. from neck to heels. Don't forget to wash your palms and between your fingers. I advise you to wash your body first, and then your head, so that it doesn’t freeze when wet. Particular attention should be paid to folds. At the end, you can wash the crumbs.

18. Do not apply the detergent to large areas at once, so as not to end up with a slippery child.

19. Be careful not to get any cleanser in your eyes.

20. Please note that the face should be washed separately with clean water.

Rinse:

21. You need to finish the bath by rinsing the child with clean, warm water. To do this, slightly lift the baby above the water and water from a pre-prepared container (Fig. 3).
You can put the baby with his belly on your hand, also holding him by the far shoulder, and pour clean water with your other hand (Fig. 4).

You need to take it out of the bath with the same support as when you lowered it.

How long to bathe:

Typically 5-10 minutes. You can gradually increase the time to 30-40 minutes.

Look at the child's condition. If the baby behaves calmly, you can move around in the water for a while and play. If the baby is nervous or crying, wash it and that’s it.

What to do after swimming:

Wrap in a dry towel and/or diaper and wait a little until the water is absorbed into the fabric. Place the baby, unfold it, if there are any wet places, remove the water with light touching movements (do not rub).

If the child is worried or crying, it is better to breastfeed him(of course, not naked, but wrapped in a diaper and/or towel), you can process it a little later.

If necessary, wipe your eyes with cotton pads or cotton wool soaked in boiled water (from the temple to the bridge of the nose).

If necessary, clean the nose and ears by making flagella from cotton wool. Only the visible part of the ears needs to be cleaned.

Put on a diaper, swaddle or dress. Don't forget to put on a cap after swimming, at least for a while.

How often to bathe:

It is advisable to wash small children daily, and wash them as needed. When a child is sick, water procedures are canceled. Don't forget about daily washing, which is mandatory in any case.

Bathing a baby with mom:

Provided that the mother is healthy, there are no contraindications for bathing together. If you are not sure about this, undergo the same examination as when visiting the pool.

First you need to wash yourself thoroughly, clean the bathtub, and then take the child to the bath.

You can breastfeed while in the bathroom. Babies are usually calmer in the water next to their mother.

If your baby always cries when bathing:

Perhaps the temperature of the water or air is not comfortable for the baby; children have different preferences (the comfort of the water temperature may depend on the ambient temperature). Try varying bath time, duration, or your baby's satiety state. Alternatively, swaddle your baby loosely and wash with water. You can distract with different conversations and toys (when the child grows up a little). If you wash with the light on, then perhaps the baby does not like that the light is too strong.

You can try washing in silence, in dim light, slowly, lightly moving it in the water.

It happens that children begin to cry after water procedures. This may be due to the temperature difference between the water and the air (i.e. when taken out of the water). You may not immediately unwrap the baby wrapped in a diaper and/or towel, but just wait for a while, walk around, pick him up in your arms, and you can breastfeed. If you give your baby a bath, try not to close the door completely.

The child may have developed bad associations with bathing if something was done wrong. This tactic can help: do not wash for several days, but only wipe (so that the child forgets what happened), then wash in some other place in the apartment, then you can try to wash where before.

If the child is older and for some reason he is afraid of water: in order not to aggravate the fear, for several days it is better to replace water procedures with wiping with a wet diaper. Pour warm water into a cup or pan, put the toys in there, you can give him another plastic cup, let him play, splash his hands and pour some water. Invite your child to wash a toy, wash a handkerchief, and wash children’s dishes. You and your toddler can wash the doll, emphasizing that she is not afraid of water and does not cry. Try bathing your child in a different place in the apartment. You can blow soap bubbles in the water.

In any case, you need to replace fear or bad associations with washing with a positive attitude towards water and water procedures.

Often there is a problem with washing your hair:

Many children begin to “show character” and do not allow them to wash their hair, start crying, or simply turn away.

1. You should always make sure that water with soap suds does not get into your eyes, including “tearless” shampoos. Even if ordinary water gets in, it can cause discomfort in the eyes.

2. Water should flow from the forehead to the back of the head, and not onto the face. Place your hand on the baby's forehead, preventing water from dripping onto his face. A child will not be able to breathe calmly if water is pouring down his face; again, it can get into his eyes.

3. Special children's visors for washing hair are sold. Perhaps they can help you.

4. Alternatively, try buying a different shampoo (or pouring the one you used into another bottle), tell your child that this is a special shampoo, magical. Come up with some fairy tale related to hair and the need to wash it. The main thing is that the fairy tale is positive.

Briefly:

Clean the tub or tub, prepare everything, pour water, measure the water temperature, bathe, treat the navel (if necessary) and skin, swaddle or dress.

Water temperature: 36-38. air: 24 and above.

Bathing products: potassium permanganate (until the navel has healed), herbs (2 rubles/week), herbal teas, soap (2 rubles/week), shampoo (1 rubles/week), foam (2 rubles/week). Use only when necessary and alternate. The rest of the time, bathe in regular clean water.

A baby in its first days is fragile and helpless. How to pick up such a baby? How to change clothes? How do you know how to calm him down if he cries? How to bathe a newborn? Young parents have to master all the intricacies of life with a small child. This will require a lot of love, patience and a little practical knowledge.

From the first days at home, bathing your baby will become a nightly ritual. A baby's first bath is an exciting experience for parents. How to wash a newborn baby for the first time? How to prepare for this event so that it becomes comfortable for the child and easy for mom and dad.

When to start bathing?

The very first bath is a crucial moment for the whole family. The further attitude toward bathing the little person and his parents, who have to bathe the baby every day, depends on how taking a bath for a newborn for the first time goes.

Benefits of swimming

Water procedures are important not only for hygiene, but also for the baby’s immunity and emotional pleasure. Water at a suitable temperature is:

cleansing and caring for newborn skin;
calming, calming effect;
hardening and training of the body's thermoregulatory functions;
one of the ways for a child to learn about the world around him;
pleasant emotions for the baby and for the parents.

Important! The first months of life, when the baby's skin is especially sensitive, bathing is carried out once a day. After six months, you can bathe your baby once every two days.

Time for a swim

Bathing will help your newborn relax and will be an excellent preparatory procedure for a sweet night's sleep.

It happens that bathing does not calm the child, but rather invigorates it. In such a special case, it is recommended to bathe the newborn in the first half of the day. The most important thing is to choose the optimal moment so that the bathing procedure brings maximum benefit and pleasure to the baby, and is also easy and enjoyable for parents.

Follow an individual daily routine that is convenient for you and your baby. A daily routine will help you get used to the new living conditions with a small child in the house and establish the healthy development of a child's growing body.

Attention! If you bathe your child in the evening, try to create conditions so that the bathing procedure takes place in as calm an environment as possible. Maintaining emotional balance will help you calmly put your baby to sleep at night.

Preparing for a bath

In order to make bathing an enjoyable procedure for the baby and parents, you need to take into account the following nuances:

The most convenient way to bathe a newborn baby is in a baby bath. The bath must be thoroughly washed and doused with boiling water to disinfect;
For the first bathing, until the umbilical wound has completely healed, it is recommended to use boiled water cooled to the required temperature. Read more about preparing water for bathing a newborn baby >>>
Measure the temperature of the water in the bath with a water thermometer. You can also use the “elbow method” to measure whether the water is safe for your baby to bathe. The optimal temperature for bathing is closest to the temperature of the mother’s amniotic fluid – 37-38 degrees;
If necessary, prepare herbal decoctions, they will help in caring for the delicate skin of a newborn. Choose herbs with a calming effect, or antiseptic decoctions, to combat allergies or general strengthening;
Baby hygiene products. It is not recommended to wash a newborn with soap more than once a week. You don’t need to use shampoo to wash your hair; just wash your hair with clean water;
Baby washcloths. In order to wash a newborn baby, you can use special baby washcloths. They are usually made from natural soft fabrics that will not harm the baby’s skin;

In addition, these products are designed in the style of children's toys. They attract the attention of the baby, are pleasant to the touch, and evoke positive emotions. Later, bright washcloths and other bathing toys will become a bright positive moment in the process of bathing and playing with water. In the meantime, the baby is only a few days old, you can wash it with any soft cloth, a small cotton swab or just your hand.

To rinse the bathed baby, you need to prepare a ladle with clean water;
Prepare a clean, dry diaper and a soft baby towel to dry and wrap your baby after the bath. Regular adult towels, without corners with a hood, are very convenient for this purpose. They are warm, absorb moisture well, and comfortably protect the baby’s wet head;
Prepare in advance all the accessories for caring for your baby’s skin after bathing. Cotton swabs and swabs, a clean diaper, skin care products for the diaper and treatment of the umbilical wound;
You need to have a set of clean clothes ready to dress your washed baby.

Bathing and feeding

For the bathing procedure to take place in a comfortable, positive environment, the baby must be well-fed.

Know! If the baby is breastfed, there is no need to observe breaks between feedings and bathing. A newborn can be fed before bathing and immediately after. Breast milk, unlike formula, is absorbed very quickly.

A bottle-fed baby can be bathed an hour after feeding.

Bathing in the herbs

Herbs are often used to bathe a small child with delicate, vulnerable skin:

and calendula will help with redness and rashes on the skin;
Chamomile will help cope with colic;
A decoction of motherwort will relax and calm the baby.

To prepare a herbal decoction for bathing:

Pour 3-4 tablespoons of dried herbs with cold water;
Bring to a boil and leave to brew for 20 minutes, covered;
Before adding the broth to the bathing water, strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve.

Bathing. Sequence of procedure

So, everything you need has been prepared, it’s time to bathe the newborn baby:

Your baby's bathtub should be high enough to keep your back straight. This will help you stay alert and not get tired of the responsible and exciting procedure of bathing your baby;
Raise one end of the bath by placing a thick book under its edge. A slight tilt of the bath is necessary to ensure that the newborn’s head does not submerge in the water;

On a note! You can also purchase a so-called anatomical bathtub for bathing a newborn. It already has an inclined plane for comfortable placement of a small child.

Fill the bath with boiling water and dilute the water to 37 degrees. To ensure even temperature, stir the water, then measure the temperature with a baby water thermometer and/or your elbow;
If necessary, prepare a decoction of herbs, strain it and add to the water in which you will bathe the newborn;
Place a container of hot water at a convenient location away from you. As the water cools, you will add a little hot water from the far end of the bath so as not to harm the baby;
Roll a thick diaper into a pad and place it in the bath in the place where the baby's head will be placed;
After short air baths, wrap the naked newborn in a thin diaper;
Carefully immerse the baby in the water so that the body and shoulders are in the water, and the head is on the pillow. Keep your warm hand on your newborn's tummy;
Using a small ladle, start pouring water over the baby. Let the water flow down your hand onto your baby, this way you will control its temperature;
If the water gets cold, run a small stream of hot water over the edge of the bath and stir the water. In this case, the bath should be long enough so that the hot water does not create discomfort for the baby.

Attention! The length of the bathtub for bathing a newborn must be at least 65 centimeters.

Wash your baby's arms and legs, one at a time, freeing them from the thin diaper in which the newborn is wrapped. Then cover the baby again with a diaper so that he does not get cold;
Whether to use baby soap for the first bath or not is up to mommy to decide. Some mothers do not use soap during their first baths. If the baby was washed with baby soap, then he must be rinsed with clean water, which must be prepared in advance;
Wrap the washed baby in a warm diaper that absorbs moisture well. Wrap your baby in a warm bath towel over the diaper.

How to wash a newborn. Rules

You immersed the baby in the water and poured warm water over him. He is warm, comfortable and you are also calm that your baby enjoys water procedures. How to properly wash the head and other parts of the body of a newborn:

The baby's head is on a pad made of a towel or diaper. I wash my head with movements from the forehead to the back of the head. While rinsing the head, you can protect the child’s face by placing your palm with the edge on the baby’s forehead;
Wash the newborn's body with your hand, a baby washcloth or a cotton swab, with or without soap. We wash the neck folds, armpits, spaces between the fingers and toes;

By the way! Through experience, you will eventually find out whether your baby prefers warmer or cooler water.

We wash the folds on the arms, legs, and inguinal folds with a cotton swab; if soap was used, rinse thoroughly. If there is redness, it is useful to rinse the folds with a decoction of herbs and treat them with appropriate remedies (for diaper rash, prickly heat or irritation);
Gently wash the outside of the genitals. During the bathing process, while the baby is in the water, the genitals are cleansed from contact with water. After bathing, rinse with clean water;
We wipe the eyes with a clean cotton swab using movements from the outer edge of the eye to the nose;
Gently wipe the ears with a cotton swab soaked in clean water. We pay special attention to cleansing the folds behind the ears.

Attention! If your baby is cold in the bath, you will notice that his nose and lips turn blue. If the baby is too hot, then the face turns red. In addition, the baby will announce any discomfort with a loud cry.

Watch a useful video tutorial on bathing a newborn:

Age-related features of bathing

If frequent bathing of a baby brings a lot of trouble and worry, then over time this procedure becomes easier. How the process of taking a bath changes as the baby grows and develops:

From birth to 1.5 months. Bathing is carried out daily. To protect the baby’s fragile body from the temperature difference between water and air, we bathe him wrapped in a thin diaper. Interesting information about what temperature should be in a newborn’s room >>>
From 1.5 to 3 months. The baby bathes in a supine position in a baby bath in a small amount of water;
From 3 months to six months. The baby becomes active and shows interest in the world around him. He can still be bathed in a baby bath, or he can bathe in a large bath with his mother;
From six months. At this age, the baby is already sitting. Now he will be interested in splashing around and playing with some water. You can bathe in a basin, or in the same baby bath using a special bathing chair. The chair is attached with Velcro to the bottom of the bathtub. The child sits on a high chair, plays with water and washes himself at the same time.

How long does swimming last?

If you bathe your baby every day at a certain time, then how long should you bathe your newborn? As a rule, the baby is not kept in water for long during the first baths. The procedure usually takes 5-7 minutes;
If your growing baby enjoys the bath, then bathing can be extended as long as it is possible to maintain the optimal water temperature. After 1.5 - 2 months of life, bathing can last up to a quarter of an hour;
After six months, when the baby bathes in a sitting position and plays with water, the bathing procedure can last 30-40 minutes.

After swimming

The bathed baby is comfortably wrapped in a warm bath towel. In order for him to remain satisfied and soon fall asleep sweetly:

Rock the baby and feed him;
Lay the baby on his back, dry the skin folds with a diaper;
Treat folds with appropriate hygiene products;
Put on a diaper;
Put on a cap to keep your newborn's head and ears well protected after the bath;
Dress your baby in clean clothes;
Now you can go to bed.

For a detailed video about bathing a baby and caring for a newborn, watch

When discharged from the maternity hospital, you will most likely be advised to start bathing your newborn immediately after the umbilical wound has healed; such permission is given either by the pediatrician at the maternity hospital upon discharge, or by the local pediatrician after an examination. It is not advisable to previously bathe a newborn in a bath, since an unhealed wound is an entry point for infection. During this period, the newborn is rubbed with a cotton swab moistened with warm water.

Children are bathed every day during the first half of the year. It is best at the same time, no earlier than an hour after feeding (bathing a newborn immediately after feeding can lead to regurgitation of everything eaten, but the baby should not be hungry). It is best before bedtime and one of the evening feedings, since bathing somewhat calms the child, then after eating, he will quickly fall asleep.

It is best to bathe a newborn in the bathroom, placing the baby bath on a stand. Although many people prefer to bathe their child in the kitchen, where there is more space and it is possible to place the bath on the table. However, wherever you decide to bathe your newborn baby, you must remember that the room should be warm (the optimal air temperature for bathing is 24-26 degrees), free from drafts and comfortable so that you can approach the bath from all sides.

What to prepare for bathing a newborn

When planning to bathe a newborn, you need to prepare the following supplies:

Children's plastic bath, washed with baby soap. This bath should only be used for bathing a newborn; it is unacceptable to wash or soak clothes in it.
Hammock or slide for the bath- These are special devices for supporting a newborn, in which the baby reclines with his head raised. If you do not have much experience, then these devices will help you master the bathing technique at first. They are especially convenient while the mother does not yet have the necessary skills.
A small jug of water. When filling the bath with water, fill the jug and place it somewhere nearby so that at the end of bathing the newborn, you can rinse the newborn with this water, which has cooled down by about a degree. This procedure is an element of hardening.
Water thermometer. For temperature control.
Newborn bath or baby soap. It is recommended to consume in small quantities and no more than 1-2 times a week. Frequent use of soap can damage the skin's natural protective layer and cause it to become dry. It is unacceptable to use soap with antiseptic additives.
A sponge (washcloth) or just a piece of soft cloth. A newborn can be washed simply with heavily soaped hands or a soft cloth.
Terry towel or a terry sheet with a hood.
Clothing for a newborn. Baby vests, onesies or diapers, if you are swaddling a baby, a disposable diaper. It must be prepared and laid out in advance on the changing table.
Cotton balls, diaper cream, baby oil. For treating the skin of a newborn after bathing.
Hair brush or a blunt-edged baby comb.
Infusion of herbs or solution of potassium permanganate. You should consult your pediatrician about the possibility of using herbal baths. This can be a series of various inflammatory skin lesions. And also chamomile, motherwort, valerian. To prepare an infusion of herbs, you need 1-2 tbsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over a spoonful of the mixture, close the lid, let it brew for at least 1 hour and strain through a fine strainer.

Step-by-step procedure for bathing a newborn

Fill the bath with water (temperature 36-37 degrees). The comfort of water temperature is closely related to the time of year and the ambient temperature. It is not necessary to boil the water; it is enough to fill the bathtub with ordinary tap water. To prevent a lot of steam from being released, pour first cold water and then hot. While filling the bath with water, stir it so that the water is the same temperature everywhere. A special water thermometer is used to measure water temperature. You need to determine the temperature using a water thermometer without removing it from the water. It is unacceptable to rely only on your own feelings according to the “hot-cold” principle. So much water is poured so that it barely covers the body, but the face remains open.
If you use herbal infusions or a solution of potassium permanganate, then add the prepared herbal infusion or a few drops of potassium permanganate solution so that the water acquires a faint pink tint.
Undress your child and gently lower him into the water. To prevent a newborn from being afraid of water, he can be immersed in water wrapped in a thin diaper. The diaper will gradually become wet and envelop the baby's body. This method is called adaptive bathing of a newborn.
It is advisable to bathe the baby together - with your husband or grandmother to be on the safe side. A soapy baby becomes very slippery, and besides, it also moves. If you bathe the child together, then there will be almost no problems: one supports, the other washes. If there are no assistants, a hammock can help at first.

Supporting the newborn when immersed in water.

Wash your hands with soap and water before bathing your newborn. Remove rings, bracelets, etc., anything that could scratch your baby. Set a watch to help guide your bathing time.
When bathing a newborn in the bathroom, the door should be slightly open. This will make it possible to equalize the humidity and air temperature in the bathroom and other rooms, and then the child will have a smoother transition from room to room after bathing.
It is necessary to hold the baby correctly. To prevent the baby from slipping out, you need to grab the newborn by the shoulder farthest from you with one hand and hold his hand in the armpit, while the back of his head should be above your wrist. With your other hand, grab your butt. This way you protect your child from accidentally slipping out. In this position, the newborn must be lowered and removed from the bath. After immersing the child in the water, the legs can be left free.
With your free hand, you soap and wash the baby’s body, pouring water on it. It is necessary to wash it in the following sequence: neck, chest, stomach, arms, armpits, legs, inguinal folds, back and only then the head. Thoroughly rinse all the folds on the body, remembering to open and wash your clenched fists between your fingers.

Washing a newborn's head.

The baby's perineum must be washed especially thoroughly. For girls, carefully wash all the folds between the labia, and for a boy, just gently wash the penis (without moving the foreskin), the scrotum, and then the area around the anus.
You need to carefully lather your head, tilting it back slightly and holding it with your palm. With the other hand, run water over your hair from the face to the back of your head, then apply and lather a few drops of body wash or shampoo. And in the same position, from the face to the back of the head, rinse with water. Also don't forget to wash the folds behind your ears. In order to subsequently teach a newborn to swim and hold his breath, you can now, when rinsing, pour water from the back of the head onto the forehead after the words “Attention, (or one, two, three) we dive!”
Now you can rinse your baby with water from a jug, which by the time the bath is finished becomes cooler by about 1°C than the water in the bath.
After bathing your newborn, wrap his head in a towel. Under no circumstances should you rub the baby; just apply a diaper or towel and make a few stroking (blotting) movements. All folds of the skin must be thoroughly dried.
Take the baby to the room, change the wet towel to a dry diaper. Treat the umbilical wound and lubricate the baby's skin with oil or cream.
Put on the diaper and dress the baby. Don't forget - a newborn keeps his temperature for no more than 15 minutes, after which he loses heat and may freeze. After washing your hair, you can put on a hat or cap. Do not remove it until your hair is dry.
Next, the newborn can be fed and put to bed.

Duration of bathing a newborn

The duration of bathing changes with age: from a few minutes in the first days, to 15 minutes, when the child gets used to it a little and enjoys this procedure. After a month, the duration of bathing can be increased to 20-30 minutes.

If water gets into your newborn's ears while bathing

If water gets into your newborn's ears while bathing, then there is nothing to worry about. After bathing, you just need to blot the auricle with cotton wool and insert loose cotton wool flagella into the ears - they will absorb the water that gets into the ear canal. It is strictly forbidden to insert pieces of cotton wool into your ears before bathing, as when removing them, a large difference in pressure may appear, which can damage the membrane.

If your newborn cries when you bathe him

If your newborn baby cries every time you try to put him in the water, he may be hungry or the water is too hot or cold. Try changing the temperature, removing or using a diaper, and reducing bath time. Bathing a newborn should occur without any haste. The movements of the person who bathes the child must be skillful and dexterous so as not to frighten the little one, not to cause unpleasant emotions in him and not to harm his health.

Try to create a favorable atmosphere: smile and talk with the baby, bathe the newborn only in a good mood, otherwise your tension and nervousness may be passed on to the child.

If the reason for crying during bathing is unknown, you should not tolerate the child’s crying and forcefully continue the procedure; pick up the newborn in your arms, soothe and feed him, temporarily taking a break for a few days and limiting himself to daily toileting.

When can you bathe in a large bathtub?

A newborn can be bathed in a large communal bath almost immediately after birth, if the parents have the skill, but only after careful treatment with detergents (soda, baby soap). Carefully observe the child’s behavior - if he is not active and lies quietly, it means that this water is too warm for him and does not stimulate him to take active action.

Never Do not leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a second.

Never Do not fill the bathtub with water when your newborn is there - a sudden change in temperature can harm him.

Never Do not dissolve potassium permanganate crystals in a baby bath so that the baby does not get burned. Prepare the solution in a separate container.

Remember, bathing a newborn is a pleasant procedure! Subsequently, you yourself will receive great pleasure from bathing your newborn baby.