Gradual hardening of the child. When to start and how to temper a child with weak immunity: air and sun baths, water procedures and physical activity

The best way protect the baby from colds and strengthen the immune system - this is hardening. IN modern world have not yet come up with a more effective means. A hardened child is not afraid of cold, wind, or a sharp temperature drop.

  • does not require material costs,
  • carried out at any time
  • does not require special conditions
  • does not require prior preparation,
  • does not take much time
  • available to everyone
  • has no age limit.

Why hardening is needed

Hardening trains the immune system. In other words, it is a set of procedures aimed at preparing the body for drastically changing conditions. external environment. What exactly: strong wind, draft, frost, rain. When hardening increases the resistance of immunity to microorganisms: bacteria and viruses.

Hardened children are less likely to get sick and tolerate diseases much more easily.

At what age should you start tempering a child?

To temper the baby begins from the first days of birth. Washing, bathing, dressing the baby, parents do not even suspect that they are training his thermoregulation.

It must be said that the child is born already prepared for external natural conditions. But too caring mothers and grandmothers violate this natural ability by overdressing and patronizing.

The sooner you start, the better. But this does not mean that if the child is three or five years old, then it is too late to temper. You can start at any age. By following the principles and rules of hardening, you will achieve the same result as if you were engaged from birth.

Hardening principles

Often, the determining factor to temper or not a child is the psychological unpreparedness of the parents. Remove all fears and doubts. And forward to a healthy lifestyle!

  1. Good mood. It is important! Hardening will benefit if the baby is positive. The best way to achieve this is to play with it.
  2. Regularity. Procedures must be carried out constantly. Breaks lead to a weakening of adaptive mechanisms. In babies up to a year, a pass of 5-7 days leads to the disappearance of the effect.
  3. Graduality. The dosage should be increased little by little. A sharp change leads the body into a shock, stressful state.
  4. Individual approach. If the child is sick or after a sick leave, you need to wait with hardening. Children with weak immunity are tempered according to an individual schedule, sparing.
  5. Accounting for age characteristics. Each age corresponds to a limitation on the duration of hardening procedures and a range of permissible temperatures. Do not overdo it!

air hardening

Most affordable way. Apply from birth. And the first thing to start with is to stop wrapping the baby.

We remove the excess vest. Additional clothing leads to the fact that the child's adaptive mechanisms are weakened. His body gets used to "greenhouse conditions", and the slightest drop in temperature leads to hypothermia.

Regular ventilation. Conducted from the moment of birth. In summer, the windows should be open all the time. Drafts are not allowed. for a baby + 20- + 22 ° С.

In the cold season, the rooms are aired for 15 minutes 5-6 times a day. Do it in the absence of the child. best effect provides through ventilation.

Air baths. Spend from the first days of birth. When changing clothes, a newborn baby is left naked for 2-3 minutes. Once every two weeks, increase the time by 1-2 minutes. By six months, 10 minutes is acceptable. After six months, the time is increased to 15 minutes. Air baths are done 2-3 times a day at room temperature.

There are warm baths (+20°C), cool baths (+17-+19°C) and cold baths (+15°C).

  • 0-3 years use warm,
  • 3-4 years make cool,
  • 5-6 years are allowed to use cold baths.

This procedure is carried out in combination with physical activity. Mom does exercises or massage to newborn babies. It is advisable to play with older children (for example, with a ball), do simple exercises or give them the opportunity to move around (jump, run).

Walks. In good weather, they walk after discharge from the hospital. In summer, 20 minutes or more. Places for walking are better to choose away from the roadway. If possible, take a walk in nature: in the forest, in a clearing, in the shade of an alley.


In autumn, winter, cold spring in calm weather, they start walking from 15 minutes, gradually increasing the time to 1-1.5 hours. Infants are allowed to walk no lower than -10°C.

To kid preschool age In the summer, you need to be outside as often as possible. In winter, it is permissible to walk up to -15 ° C, the duration is 1-2 hours.

Both infants and preschool children should be outside twice a day: in the morning and after lunch.

Walking under adverse conditions. Walking in any weather gives a good tempering effect. They start after 1.5-2 years. The child is taken out in cloudy, windy weather for 3-5 minutes. In this case, the baby must actively move so as not to freeze. Do not wear extra sweatshirts.

With a preschooler (3-6 years old) it is allowed to walk in light rain, snowfall, and wind. The main rule is to gradually increase the stay time to 15-20 minutes, and monitor the child's condition (so as not to overheat and not overcool).

water hardening


Water procedures bring special joy to children. In addition to being beneficial for the immune system, water also has a calming effect.

Washing. Made from birth. Initially, the water temperature is taken + 28 ° C. Gradually (every 2-3 weeks) it is lowered by 1-2°C, by half a year it is brought to + 25°C, by a year to + 20°C.

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Washing is carried out daily in the morning, before bedtime and as needed. The baby is wiped first on the face, then on the hands.

For preschool children, the water temperature is reduced:

  • 3-4 years - up to +18°С
  • 5-6 years - up to +16°С

Rubbing. Starting at 6 months. To do this, take a soft mitten (or towel) and moisten in water + 35 ° C. Wipe the child in the sequence: arms, legs, back, chest and tummy. After, wipe dry. Every 2 weeks the temperature is lowered by 1-2 degrees and brought to +28°C.

Pouring:

  1. General douche. Made from birth. Each time after bathing, the baby is raised above the bath with the back up and poured with water for several seconds. The main rule is that the water temperature should be a couple of degrees lower than in the bath.
  2. Local dousing. Recommended from 2 summer age. The baby's feet are watered for 20-30 seconds. Initially, the water temperature is taken + 30 ° C. Once every 2 weeks, it is reduced by a couple of degrees. At 4 years, a temperature of + 18 ° C is allowed, by 5-6 years it is brought to + 16 ° C.

Cool shower. After 3 years, the general douche is replaced with a shower. Starting from a temperature of + 35- + 36 ° C, the water is gradually reduced to + 26 ° C. The duration is a few seconds. After the procedure, the child is wiped dry and dressed.

Swimming in open water. Acceptable from an early age. Bathing babies in summer in rivers, lakes, the sea is possible at a temperature not lower than + 22 ° C of water. Start with 1-2 minutes, gradually increasing to 5-8.

Children 3-5 years old are allowed to bathe at a water temperature of + 19- + 20 ° C, and increase the time to 10 minutes.

hardening by the sun


Magic sun:

  • Warns.
  • It has an antimicrobial effect.
  • Increases the resistance of immunity to colds.

And gives a good mood!

Walks in the sun. Children infancy in summer weather, they start walking from 2 minutes under the scattered rays of the sun. Gradually (every 3-4 days), parents increase the time by 1-2 minutes and bring it up to 10-15.

Sunbathing. Up to a year is not recommended. The baby is stripped to panties and allowed to play in the sun.

Age/time:

  • 1-3 years - 5-10 min.
  • 3-7 years - 10-15 min.

It is advisable to carry out such procedures near a water source. A good hardening effect is given by sunbathing in combination with dousing. First, the baby is heated under the rays of the sun, then it is sprayed with water.

Hardening is carried out in the first half of the day until 11.00, and in the second - after 16.00. When the sun is not at the peak of activity, in order to avoid burns. The child must wear a hat.

In the heat above + 30 ° C, hardening procedures are not carried out.

Video: 8 points about hardening a child

Other hardening methods

They temper both the whole body and its individual parts: feet, throat. You can use household items, such as a fan.

  • Hardening by draft (or fan). Start after 3 years. The procedure is carried out at an air temperature of +20-+22°C. The child is placed at a distance of 6 meters from the fan in light clothing. The speed of the blades is minimal. They start from 20 seconds, while the baby must toss and turn so that the blowing occurs from all sides. Gradually (1 time in 2 weeks) increase the time and speed of the fan;
  • Gargling with cold water. From 3 years old. Initially, the water temperature is made at + 25 ° C. Every four days it is reduced by 1°C, and brought to 8°C. The child should take water in his mouth and pronounce for a long time A-A-A sound. Then spit it out. The procedure is repeated several times;
  • Barefoot. Have been practicing since the child started walking. At a floor surface temperature of +18°C, the baby walks in socks. After a week, the socks are removed and he runs barefoot for 3-7 minutes. In summer it is useful to walk on sand, grass, pebbles.

Ice hardening

  • Resorption. A small cube of frozen decoction of calendula or chamomile is placed in the child's mouth and offered to dissolve like a lollipop. Remove after 30 seconds. The time every 4 days is increased by 10 seconds and adjusted to 2 minutes. It can be frozen berries, syrup;
  • Rubbing heels. Allowed from three years. For a few seconds before going to bed, the child's feet are rubbed with pieces of ice. After that, wipe dry and put on socks. The procedure is carried out 2 times a day.

Intensive and contrast hardening

All of the above methods are moderate hardening. It is based on the principle of gradualism. But there are more extreme ways. For example, intensive and contrast hardening. These methods are based on a sharp change in temperature with a large range, for a short period of time.

Intensive hardening. essence this method- short-term contact of the body with frost, snow, ice water.

It includes:

  • Pouring water at extremely low temperatures;
  • Wiping with snow;
  • Dipping in the hole in winter.

These are quite extreme ways of hardening. They are not recommended for preschool children. Although some active parents practice even with babies quite successfully.

Contrasting hardening. A more gentle procedure. It is based on an alternating, sharp change in temperature with a large difference.

For example:

  • Dipping feet in warm or cold water;
  • Cold and hot shower.

Contraindications

Signs and diseases in which hardening measures are not carried out:

  • Negative attitude of the child to the procedures;
  • Malaise, temperature above normal;
  • cold symptoms;
  • intestinal diseases;
  • Increased excitability (hyperactivity);
  • Acquired (decompensated) heart disease;
  • Exhaustion of the body;
  • Decreased hemoglobin;
  • Diseases of the epidermis (skin);
  • Respiratory system disorders.

Every parent worries about their own child, but sometimes these fears do more harm than good. To prevent a cold, do not wear extra blouses and pants, but train the immune system. In other words - temper your health!

Dr. Komarovsky: hardening of children

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Well, they got sick again!

How often do parents have to say this phrase. Runny nose, cough, fever, taking medications.

Maybe it's time to stop this bleak chain? And instead of stuffing the child with another "effective" medicine, start strengthening his immunity?

If you are tired of seeing your little one often sick, if you want to always see him healthy, hardy and not afraid of drafts, then you are here!

Today we will discuss the issue of hardening a child. We will pay attention to both the rules of hardening and its methods. Consider the features of hardening newborn babies, and also talk about what you should not do if you want the child not to get sick.

What is hardening and why is it needed?

And let's start, perhaps, with the very definition of the concept of "hardening". After all, parents often resort to this method only after they begin to understand that hardening is the only way to deal with endless childhood colds. He drank cold water - hello sore throat, wet his feet - hello runny nose, was exposed to a draft - and here is a chill.

The ability to adapt to changing conditions is what develops hardening, which is a set of health measures aimed at increasing the body's resistance to the effects of adverse environmental factors.

In fact, a child is already born with an extraordinary ability to adapt to the conditions of the world around him. Parents can only develop this ability, and not protect it from various adverse factors in the form of an open window or draft.

It has been proven that hardened children are less prone to colds, they easily tolerate cold or heat. And in case of illness, a hardened baby will recover much faster than a toddler with weak immunity.

Before moving on to the rules and methods of hardening a child, let's pay attention to one important factor. The best hardening for any kid will be his lifestyle.

Correct daily routine, fresh air, physical exercise and a healthy diet are the main partners of hardening. Needless to say, the lifestyle of the whole family should be appropriate.

How to harden a child: 10 principles of competent hardening

Like any event, hardening must be correct. A one-time walk barefoot in the rain or in the cold without a hat will not lead to anything good. So, let's get down to the principles of competent hardening.

  1. The child must be absolutely healthy. If the child is sick, it is better to wait a while.
  2. Get the support of a doctor. Not all procedures are suitable for a particular child.
  3. Start tempering the baby from birth. Small children get used to the cold better.
  4. Consider individual characteristics peanut.
  5. Increase the intensity and duration of exposure to the hardening factor gradually.
  6. It is necessary to temper the child systematically. Consider this important factor!
  7. Combine hardening with other wellness activities. Great helpers will be physical exercises, games on fresh air or massage.
  8. Watch the reaction of the little one. All activities should evoke a positive response from the child.
  9. Do not overdo it. Avoid prolonged exposure to high or low temperatures.
  10. Your own example is the key to successful hardening!

We start hardening from birth: important tricks

If you are still wondering: at what age can a child be tempered, then we repeat - from birth! At home, it is quite possible to create the necessary atmosphere for hardening baby. So, let's begin!

  1. Observe the temperature regime in the room and do not forget to ventilate the room.
  2. Try to provide the little one with daily sleep in the fresh air.
  3. Dress your baby according to the weather, do not overheat the baby.
  4. From the age of one month, begin to massage the child, often lay it on the tummy.
  5. Arrange the baby air baths. Leave the baby naked for a few seconds, bringing this time to 30 minutes. The air temperature is gradually brought to 17-18 degrees. But this is already acceptable for a child from 1 year old.
  6. Wipe the crumbs with water, gradually replacing this procedure with pouring. A comfortable water temperature for a child up to a year old is considered to be 35-30 degrees.

Hardening Methods: Health Formula "3 + 1"

How to harden a child in terms of hardening methods? Catch the health formula! Three whales: air, sun and water, plus a non-standard hardening technique!

Air

This is the softest hardening method, which consists of the following factors:

  • air baths: newborns take them naked, older children - in a T-shirt and shorts, in the future you can do without a T-shirt;
  • clothes: watch your baby's clothes - do not allow either hypothermia or overheating;
  • room temperature: the optimum temperature is 22 degrees, frequent airing of the room;
  • sleeping outdoors: it is useful not only infants, it is possible to create conditions for daytime sleep outdoors for children 1-3 years old;
  • Walking Barefoot: It is beneficial to walk barefoot both indoors and outdoors.

Sun

  • sunbathing: the child should be tempered by the sun gradually - first we sit in the shade, then we expose our legs and arms, then we expose the whole body to the sun; and do not forget that the optimal time for sunbathing is before 11 am and after 6 pm;
  • sun-air baths: complex impact air, which provides a light wind, and the sun;
  • clothes: before you harden by the sun, do not forget about a headdress;
  • additional activities: massage, gymnastics and physical exercises will enhance the effect of hardening by the sun.

Water

This is one of the most effective hardening methods, which includes many nuances and procedures.

How to temper a baby at home with water during the day? Very simple! Wash your face, hands, neck and chest with cold water daily in the morning, afternoon and evening. Wipe down with a damp towel. What else?

  • washing feet with cool water before going to bed;
  • taking a contrast shower;
  • pouring cold water on the feet;
  • dousing the whole body with cold water.

Of course, do not forget about the temperature of the water: reduce it gradually. If for the first time the water should be at least 33 degrees, then in the future it can be gradually reduced to 20 degrees. It already depends on how the child tolerates hardening.

One of best practices hardening is swimming in a pool or open water. It is recommended to start swimming in the pool from a very early age, when the baby has not yet forgotten how to swim.

And open water contributes not only water hardening, but also air-solar. Do not forget to warm up the child with an outdoor game before bathing. Children 4-7 years old can already actively swim, and younger toddlers should move. Monitor the condition of the baby, do not allow hypothermia. The first session should not exceed five minutes, and the water temperature should not be lower than 23 degrees.

Non-standard hardening methods

Do you want a peanut of 8-10 years to never know what a runny nose and sore throat are? Harden his throat with early years! So, we treat the throat with cold:

  • let the baby suck on a teaspoon of ice cream or a cube of juice from the freezer;
  • we give the baby drinks from the refrigerator: of course, no one talks about a cup of cold juice - a couple of sips are enough, which in the future will lead to the fact that the little one can safely drink a glass of cold milk and not get sick;
  • gargling with cold water: try it, and you will not need to think about gargling when you are sick.

3 things not to do if your child has a weak immune system

Let's move on to another interesting thought on how to harden a little one - to anti-hardening. Many parents take a number of actions that, in their opinion, will help protect the child from colds. In fact, they only aggravate the situation and do not allow the baby to strengthen the immune system. This is especially true for weak and sick children. Parents do not understand that by their actions they are bringing their child to another cold.

So what not to do about children?

We dress wisely

Do not wrap the baby in "a hundred clothes." First of all, an actively moving toddler should be comfortable. Sweating causes more colds than hypothermia. Clothing should not only keep the child warm, but also give freedom of action.

We monitor nutrition

Before tempering the baby, think about his diet. Little moving and constantly chewing junk food, the little one cannot boast of excellent immunity. Here, no hardening will help! Nutrition should be balanced and healthy. The diet must be dominated by fruits and vegetables. Replace candy with an apple or pear. And never overfeed your baby!

If the malsi refuses to continue eating, do not force food into him. Your personal prejudices are already in effect here, that the baby should eat everything that was given to him. This is the wrong position: the little one should eat exactly as much as he himself needs at the moment.

Don't neglect outdoor activities

Some parents punish the child with weaning from the street or do not consider it necessary to keep the little one company during walks, referring to urgent matters.

In no case do not take away the street from children! Only the street, fresh air and physical activity strengthen the immunity of children, but not sitting at a desk, computer or TV.

Try to arrange joint forays into the fresh air. Moreover, it is desirable that they be associated with physical activity. Bicycle, skis, skates, outdoor games - everything will be used!

Summing up

So, for proper hardening, we need the sun, air and water, coupled with active physical exercises and healthy eating. It also doesn't hurt positive attitude and personal example of parents. And remember that it is necessary to temper the child systematically. Therefore, review your daily routine in order to devote as much time as possible to this important activity.

It is in this situation that parents remember about hardening and begin to pour cold water on the baby. But the method does not bring the expected effect and disappoints desperate moms and dads. Doctors say that hardening child's body- an integral part of the health of the child, but it must be done correctly.

There are many myths about the methods and methods of hardening children. Parents should understand the characteristics of the child's body and choose suitable for baby procedures. Do not forget about the rules of hardening, without which all efforts will be in vain, and the health of the crumbs may even worsen.

What is hardening

Hardening is an increase in the body's resistance to adverse environmental conditions through targeted dosed exposure to these conditions.

At the mention of the word "hardening", dousing with cold water immediately pops up in memory, but water procedures are not the only method of strengthening the child's immunity.

How to start hardening a child

You need to start hardening with a change in the lifestyle of the whole family. After all, the strengthening of the protective functions of the immune system will not occur when dousing with cold water. To effectively improve the health of the child, tempering procedures should include other simple activities.

To do this, it is enough to bring the baby's lifestyle closer to the natural, natural.

  • Regular walks

The child should be outside every day, actively play in the fresh air. This greatly strengthens the immunity of the baby. When choosing between walking and watching TV, parents should give preference to spending time together on the street.

  • Don't wrap!

Pay attention to how many layers of clothing your child has. Dr. Komarovsky claims that at temperatures over 23 degrees, one thin layer of clothing, dress or sleeveless T-shirt is enough.

The child is constantly on the move and freezes much less often than the parents. dressed warmly, in several layers, babies sweat quickly, which causes the development of diseases.

  • Weather in the house

One of the reasons frequent colds ny diseases is considered to be too dry air in the room. Overdried mucous membranes lose their protective properties and cease to resist viruses and bacteria. This is especially true for rooms with additional heaters and underfloor heating.

In houses where underfloor heating is constantly working, air humidity drops to 20%, with normal in 40-60%.

If the air in the apartment is too dry, you should think about methods of additional humidification.

The temperature in the room should be 20-22 degrees. Compliance with sufficient humidity and temperature conditions in the house will protect the baby from many problems.

  • Daily regime

The right balance of loads, outdoor walks and rest forms the basis of the health of the crumbs. It is important to prevent overloading the baby with an excess of sections and increased psycho-emotional stress.

  • Proper nutrition

Healthy eating is about getting enough food. nutrients, which are involved in the formation of the body's defense against infections. It is undesirable to eat heavy food, overeating and feeding the child through force. It is necessary to observe the feeding regimen, eat simple and healthy food.

  • hardening procedures

The rational use of hardening procedures has a positive effect on the baby's body, improves blood circulation, metabolism, work nervous system. The child gradually adapts to the influence of hardening factors, the ability to resist infections increases.

Hardening procedures are divided depending on the environmental factor that affects the body. The most common and effective systems for hardening children are water and air procedures, hardening by the sun.

hardening rules

Under no circumstances should hardening bring discomfort to the baby. The child should not cry, scream, perceive hardening as a test. If the baby does not like the method you have chosen, choose another option that will bring benefits and positive emotions to the child.

  • Hardening gradually

No need to rush to harden the baby, let the body of the crumbs adapt gradually. Gradually increase the treatment time, gradually lower the temperature.

  • We carry out procedures systematically

Hardening procedures will have excellent results if carried out regularly. It is best to choose the right moment when the baby is full and in a good mood. Procedures should be carried out at the same time every day.

  • Combining hardening factors

It is necessary to periodically change and combine hardening factors. The most useful and accessible of them are the sun, air and water. A combination of hardening procedures and gymnastics is very effective.

  • Prevent hypothermia and overheating of the child

Monitor the condition and mood of the baby during hardening. Too intense activities can adversely affect the health of the child.

  • Do not harden when sick

Before starting hardening, you should consult with your doctor. If a hardened child feels unwell, has a fever or is vaccinated, hardening should be skipped.

  • harden together

If the whole family adheres to the traditions of a healthy lifestyle and hardening, the child quickly adapts and supports his parents.

  • Start at any age

Although the effectiveness of hardening is higher with the correct organization of the baby's life from the cradle, you can start hardening at any age.

Types of hardening procedures

air hardening

Air hardening is one of the easiest and safe methods improving the health of the crumbs. It is with him that it is worth starting the hardening of newborns and babies up to a year.

Airing

From the first days of a baby's life, you need to create right conditions environment. For newborns comfortable temperature air in the room is considered 22 degrees. Ventilate the room winter time you need at least 4-5 times a day, and the air temperature after ventilation should decrease by 1 degree.

A newborn baby during the procedure should be taken to another room. Older children can be gradually accustomed to open a short time window. In the warm season, oxygen access should be constant, you can leave the window open even in the presence of the baby. But if the ventilation of the apartment is through, the child should be taken to another room.

walks

The first walks with the child can be made within a few days after discharge from the hospital, provided that the baby is in a satisfactory condition. The duration of the walk depends on the time of year and the temperature conditions of the region. On average, the first exit to the street should last about 20 minutes, and the duration of the walk should gradually increase to 1-2 hours.

It is worth refusing to walk with a baby if the temperature outside the window drops below 15 degrees or rises above 30 degrees. This will prevent possible hypothermia and overheating of the child.

To determine the minimum temperature for baby walks, Dr. Komarovsky suggests a rule: for each month of the child we add -5 degrees, but as a result, the temperature outside should not be below 15 degrees.

Air baths

The easiest way to harden babies in the first month of life is air baths during swaddling. It doesn't take long, the baby is left undressed on the changing table for a few minutes.

When the baby is six months old, the duration of the procedure increases to 15 minutes, and by the age of one year - up to 30 minutes. Good results bring air baths in the summer outside. To do this, you need to place the stroller with the baby in the shade of trees.

If the child has not been hardened before, air baths should be started gradually. To begin with, it is enough to expose the arms and legs, then to the waist, and then leave the child completely undressed. The duration of the first air baths should not exceed 5 minutes. So the child learns to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Tempering children with water

The methods of hardening children with water are varied, you can choose the appropriate procedures for any age.

Hardening in the bathroom

Even newborn healthy children, after consulting a pediatrician, can begin to be tempered with some water. To do this, the usual bath at a temperature of 37 degrees should be finished with a cool pouring of pre-prepared water from a jug. It is important that the water from the jug is 1-2 degrees cooler than in the bathroom.

Then the temperature of the water in the jug should be gradually lowered by 1 degree every 3-5 days. But you should not douse the baby with cold water below 20-26 degrees.

Watering the crumbs should be held in the palm of your hand with your back up, starting from the feet and heels and ending with the back along the spine and the back of the head. After the procedure, dry your child with a towel and warm.

You can harden the crumbs without getting out of the bath. To do this, transplant the baby to the side and open the tap with cold water. When the temperature of the water in one part of the bath becomes a degree lower than in the second, move the baby from side to side. Thus, bathing in cool water alternates with dipping in warm water. After the procedure, dry and warm the baby.

Rubdown

After the child reaches two months of age, you can enter following method hardening - wet rubdown. Sponging is carried out after the baby wakes up, given that 60-90 minutes should pass after eating. The temperature in the room should be kept within 20-22 degrees. In the summer, rubbing is good to do outside.

A hardening procedure is carried out with the help of a terry mitten or a towel moistened with cool water of 33-35 degrees. If the child is happy to accept the procedure, you can make the water colder by 1 degree.

The procedure itself consists in wiping the child's skin with massage movements. It is better to follow this sequence: first wipe the arms and legs of the crumbs, then they are taken for the baby’s stomach, chest and back. It is better to finish the procedure by wiping the child's skin with a dry towel.

For one and a half year old children, the ideal temperature for rubbing is 28-30 degrees. At the age of over 2 years, it is permissible to cool the water to 24-26 degrees. For a grown-up baby over the age of 4 years, with regular hardening, water cooled to 22-23 degrees is suitable. Hardening of older children, adolescents is carried out with water below 20 degrees.

Pouring

After the child has adapted to wet wiping, hardening can begin by dousing with cool water. The procedure is carried out as while bathing in the bathroom and taking hygiene procedures, and separately.

Bathing baby's hands and feet

If the child has not previously received hardening procedures, it is necessary to pour over 2-3 weeks after the baby's adaptation to wiping. First, start pouring 30-32 degrees of water on your baby's arms and legs. After the procedure, rub the skin of the crumbs to a slight redness. The water temperature drops by a degree every week until it reaches 20 degrees.

Important. When carrying out dousing with water, the child must be warmed. If the baby's hands and feet are cool, hardening with cool water does not make sense, the body does not perceive a change in the environmental factor.

Contrasting douche

You can apply a contrast douche of the shins and feet of the crumbs. To do this, the legs of the child are alternately poured with warm and cold water. Please note the temperature warm water should be 30-32 degrees, and the temperature of cold water should fluctuate within 24-25 degrees and gradually decrease.

One of the varieties of contrast procedures is the use of foot basins with warm and cold water. Immersion of legs in water is carried out 3-6 times.

Weakened children should finish the procedure by dipping their feet into the basin with warm water, and hardened - in cold water.

Pouring the whole child

After the baby has adapted to partial dousing, you can start dousing the crumbs entirely. To do this, use a container with water or a shower. If the child is well and long hardened, then it is possible to use a contrast shower.

Do not forget that hardening should take place in a playful way and not cause negative emotions in the baby. In hot summer weather, it is good to carry out any pouring methods on the street.

hardening by the sun

The sun's rays greatly affect the activity of the immune system of the crumbs. In small doses, ultraviolet stimulates the protective properties of the child's body. But increased insolation, especially in children under 3 years old, can be dangerous.

It is unacceptable to stay in the open sun and especially sunbathing of children under 1 year old. The skin of the baby is not able to produce enough protective pigment - melanin.

Babies can be hardened by the sun only in the shade of trees. In this case Sun rays scattered and do not provide harmful effects on the child's skin. Make sure that during hardening the child can move, play with toys, and do not forget to put a panama on the baby's head.

At an air temperature of 25-26 degrees and no wind, you can leave the baby in panties and a T-shirt made of fine fabric. After half an hour of being on the street, with good health, the child is exposed for a few minutes. Every day, the time spent by the crumbs without clothes is increased by a minute until reaching 10 minutes.

From the age of 3, you can gradually bring the baby out into the sun. For hardening sunbathing the best time is before noon and after 16 pm. It is important that during this time the child plays quiet games and didn't get overwhelmed. The duration of the first sun hardening procedure should not exceed 5 minutes. Maximum sunbathing duration in childhood should not exceed 50 minutes.

Hardening by the sun is unacceptable if the air temperature has risen above 30 degrees.

Very effective way hardening - swimming in open-air reservoirs. In this case, all the hardening factors are combined - the sun, air and water. This method of hardening is suitable for children over 3 years old.

To start the procedures, preference should be given to the morning and evening period. The air temperature should be at least 25 degrees, and water - at least 23. Be sure to take care of the presence of a beach umbrella, a shade where the baby can rest. You need to start hardening with 15 minutes of being in the water.

Hardening and age of the child

Every mother is interested in the question of what needs to be done so that the baby grows up healthy and active, whether the method of early hardening will harm the baby. In fact, many of the fears of parents are groundless, competent hardening will strengthen the immune system and help avoid frequent diseases.

For children up to a year, air hardening is ideal, which can be carried out when changing the child's clothes. Then include cool water douches or wet rubdowns in your daily bath. Do not forget about walking, you should choose the right clothes for the baby.

For children older than 3 years, in addition to the above, you can use contrast treatments and begin to apply sun hardening. Good results at this age are given by a combination and change of hardening methods. Tempering children and adolescents can include a full range of immune-boosting activities.

Conclusion

  • Hardening of the child's body - simple and effective method train the child's defenses.
  • It is best to start accustoming a child to hardening from the first year of life. But if you missed this period, do not despair - it is never too late to start hardening. Guided simple rules, you can easily and safely increase the body's resistance.
  • For each period of a child's life, the impact of a certain environmental factor is suitable.
  • Strengthening the immunity of the baby should include not only the impact of physical factors, but also the correction of the lifestyle of the whole family. This will bring good and lasting results.

The baby is born with an innate adaptation to environmental conditions. This is a kind of protective mechanism, a reaction to getting from the womb into unusual conditions. Tempering newborns is an effective way to maintain and strengthen the health of the child. It supports the forces of the baby, given to him by nature. They increase the protective functions of the body, establish thermoregulation and metabolic processes, improve blood circulation, promote harmonious physical and mental development increase appetite and sleep quality.

The process is based on a regular and smooth change in the impact of the surrounding space. Use time to change, walk, bathe or sleep. Hardening of children up to a year is especially effective if gymnastics is additionally performed or massage is done.

The results are obvious if the infant is not placed in special conditions sterility, lack of fresh air, excessive wrapping.

It is recommended to start from 6-7 days after the birth of the child, since the body of the newborn is able to easily adapt. If you didn't catch this moment, it's okay. You can start hardening at any age.

It is better to choose a warm season, especially for babies, taking into account the emotional and physical health baby at this moment. Please consult your pediatrician first.

0-3 months

  • Air in the room 22 °C
  • Swaddling and massage - air baths 5 min
  • Washing with water 28°C
  • Taking a bath 36-37°C 5 min

3-6 months

  • Air in the room 20-22°С
  • It is permissible to sleep outside from -15°С to + 30°С
  • Swaddling and massage - air baths 8 min
  • Washing with water 25-26°С
  • Taking a bath 36-37 °C 5 min. After it, dousing with water 34-35 ° C is added
  • It is permissible to be under sunlight 3 times a day for 5 minutes

6-12 months

  • Air in the room 20-22°С
  • It is permissible to sleep outside from -15°С to + 30°С
  • Waking period, swaddling and massage - air baths 10 min
  • Washing with water 20-24°С
  • Taking a bath 36-37 °C 5 min. After it, dousing with cool water 34-35 ° C is added.
  • Dry wiping for 1 week with a flannel mitt until a slight reddening of the skin appears. After - wet rubdown with gradual cooling from 35 ° C to 30 ° C
  • It is permissible to be under sunlight 3 times a day for 10 minutes

hardening rules

Hardening of a newborn or baby should be carried out gradually and carefully. You should start at a time when the baby is healthy. Make sure that he does not have the following contraindications:

  • sleep disorders
  • excitability
  • digestive problems
  • heart problems
  • low hemoglobin level
  • elevated body temperature

To achieve high performance hardening of young children, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

  • observance of the regime and daily routine
  • balanced diet
  • physical exercises (dynamic gymnastics and massage)

The baby should be emotionally ready, and the parents should be calm and good mood. This attitude will definitely be passed on to the child. you can use game forms in the process to distract the baby.

It is better to first learn about the principles of gentle hardening. Remember the sequence desired result can only give a smooth change in ambient temperature, exposure time. Regularity is also important - every day all year without interruptions for more than 5 days.

If the baby reacts negatively, cries, shows discontent, you should check if you are doing everything right. If everything is correct, postpone to a later date.

From the first days, you should start with washing, taking baths, adjusting the climate in the room and walking, regardless of the time of year. In summer, bathing, walking and air baths are effective. In winter, it is allowed to replace them by airing the room, as well as washing and dousing the feet.

Hardening of the baby in the air

Types of recovery are based on the impact of natural factors in combination with physical exercises. Let's consider in more detail.

walks

You can start from birth, even if there is no strong wind. Dress your child according to the weather and season, do not allow overheating due to a large number layers of clothing. The first walk can last up to a quarter of an hour. Gradually, the time spent outdoors is brought to 1-2 hours. In summer it is permissible to walk longer.

Sleep on the street

You can combine a walk with. If he is calm and deep, the baby quickly falls asleep and wakes up in a good mood, then we can talk about a properly built scheme. Anxiety, sweaty skin or, conversely, a cold nose and hands indicate overheating or hypothermia.

Air baths

When changing a diaper, changing clothes or feeding a child, it is necessary to leave undressed for 3-5 minutes. Smoothly bring to half a year up to 8-10 minutes a couple of times a day. By the year, the time can be extended to a quarter of an hour 2-3 times a day. The skin should be pinkish in color and warm to the touch. May be accompanied by exercise. Outdoor baths in the shade are allowed in summer.

Water procedures

Hardening with water can be started from birth. It is divided into traditional and non-traditional (intensive). Traditional Methods prescribe a gradual decrease in temperature when washing, washing and bathing. Later, you can try intensive options - rubdowns and douches.

Washing and rinsing

Bathing

For the first bath, 36-37°C is recommended. The duration of the first bath is from 2 to 5 minutes. Smoothly bring the session to half an hour. From the age of 6 months, the baby can be bathed in a coniferous bath or in a bath with sea salt. The course is 10-20 sessions every other time.

Rubdown

Rubbing the skin with a dry or damp flannel mitt is acceptable from the age of 2-6 months. Massage in combination with rubdowns give an excellent general strengthening effect.

Dry rubbing prepares the baby and makes up a course of 7-10 days. Then proceed to a wet wipe. For therapeutic effect add sea salt in the proportion of 2 tablespoons of salt per 1 liter. First wipe the hands - from the hand to the shoulder, then the legs - from the feet to the knees. Later, you can wipe the chest and back. Duration - 3-4 minutes. For 5 days, bring the temperature to 28 ° C, lowering it by 1 degree per day. Afterwards, dry the entire body.

Pouring

Pouring water is allowed from the birth of a child. It follows immediately after bathing. The baby can lie, sit or stand. The jet is directed from a distance of 30 cm to enhance the irritating effect.

Start with local dousing of the legs and feet for 30 seconds. Volume - 0.5 liters for each part of the body. By 3-4 months, switch to a general douche, gradually including the back, chest, tummy, arms. It is recommended to make the degree lower than when swimming - 35 ° C. The temperature decreases gradually by 0.5-1 degrees daily until it reaches a limit of 26-28°C. After the body is also wiped with a towel, a massage is performed until a slight hyperemia of the skin occurs.

Sun

The sun's rays help absorb vitamin D. But the baby is in direct light is dangerous to health. Give preference to exposure to light in the shade lasting from 5 minutes to half an hour.

Later proceed to light baths from 5 to 10 minutes 2 times a day - from 10 to 12 hours and after 16 hours. Clothing must be appropriate to protect the child from overheating. After that, a warm shower or douche will be favorable.

The role of massage and gymnastics

Air baths are especially effective if additional gymnastics is performed or massage is done. From the age of 1 month, while swaddling a baby, it is necessary to alternately do a light massage or perform dynamic gymnastics. These activities are included in the general course of wellness classes with a newborn.

Expert opinion: pediatrician Komarovsky E.O. about hardening

The pediatrician Komarovsky, known to many mothers, believes that the newborn does not need hardening. With properly organized care, long walks in any weather, the baby's adaptation mechanisms laid down by nature will continue to work. The main thing is not to overdo it.

There are 2 groups of factors affecting the child from the outside: natural and civilizational (place of residence, TV, transport, etc.). To begin with, Komarovsky advises to radically change the way of life, making it natural, as well as limit contacts with the second factor. This will increase the body's resistance, reduce the frequency and severity of diseases.

The pediatrician also advises parents:

  • raise motor activity outdoors;
  • observe moderation in the number of layers of clothing;
  • do not force the baby to eat by force;
  • minimize contact with household chemicals;
  • introduce a clear daily routine, including training, food, sports, etc.

In addition to the correction of the lifestyle of the whole family, Komarovsky E.O. recommends carrying out hardening measures. It is important to observe 3 main principles:

  1. consistency;
  2. smoothness;
  3. individuality.

If all the recommendations given by the expert are followed, then this will help you avoid diseases due to the adverse effects of the environment. As well as reduce the duration and severity of other ailments and possible complications you and your child.

Many parents complain that the child often catches a cold. Weak immune defense is the main cause of diseases, low body resistance. A few simple steps can help boost your immune system. The main thing: the regularity of classes, constant control results, consultations with a pediatrician.

Hardening of a child with weak immunity is carried out different methods. Air and sun baths, water procedures, physical education, healthy lifestyle life - all the ways to strengthen the body can not be counted. Learn how to temper toddlers and older children.

Reasons for weak immunity

Often sick children have a weak immune system. Excessive sensitivity of the body develops under the influence of many factors.

Reasons for the weakening of the protective forces:

  • insufficient, irrational, poor-quality nutrition of the mother during pregnancy;
  • artificial feeding or early cessation of breastfeeding;
  • lack of trace elements, vitamins, minerals, poor diet;
  • insufficient care for the baby;
  • parents' lack of knowledge on hardening the baby;
  • unwillingness of parents to engage in physical education with the baby, to massage;
  • insufficient duration of walks in the fresh air;
  • the duration of day / night sleep is lower than normal;
  • chronic diseases, increased sensitization of the body;
  • hereditary pathologies of the immune system.

Signs of weak immunity:

  • frequent colds (the child gets sick more than 4-6 times a year);
  • constant complaints of headache;
  • weakness, apathy, drowsiness;
  • propensity to allergies;
  • after illness, the child recovers for a long time;
  • the body reacts poorly to the penetration of pathogens, the temperature rarely rises even with diseases that are almost always accompanied by high temperature indicators;
  • pimples, red spots often appear on the skin;
  • any draft causes nasal congestion;
  • at the slightest contact with a cold person, coughing, sneezing begins, health worsens;
  • children refuse outdoor games, quietly sit on the sidelines, complain that "there is no strength."

Many adults ask: “How to increase immunity in frequently ill children?”. Methods depend on the cause of the decrease in immune protection. If the problem is acquired, place maximum emphasis on natural methods: proper nutrition, daily routine, vitamin therapy, physical education, hardening. In congenital immune pathologies, special preparations have the main therapeutic effect. The doctor will prescribe immunostimulants, without which correct image life will not give noticeable results.

General hardening rules

After a visit to an immunologist and a pediatrician, you learned that the child has no serious diseases, no congenital pathologies. This is good news. To strengthen immunity, it is important to establish nutrition, sleep, rest, and health will become stronger.

An obligatory item for increasing the body's defenses is hardening. pay attention to General requirements to be followed at any age.

10 rules for parents who start hardening sick children:

  • think over the methods, stop at one or two, consult a pediatrician;
  • start the procedure when the children are completely healthy;
  • act carefully, gradually reduce the temperature of water / air, increase the duration of air / sunbathing;
  • gradually introduce new types of health procedures;
  • observe the adaptation mode: enter the following technique in a week - another after a calm reaction of the body to previous sessions;
  • start water procedures in the summer, in warm weather;
  • for children suffering from frequent colds, the temperature of water and air should be 2-3 degrees higher;
  • if the baby is sick, cancel rubdowns, baths (in water or air), after recovery, start the process again, from the first stage;
  • every 2 weeks take a break for a couple of days, observe the reaction of the body;
  • combine hardening with proper nutrition, being outdoors, taking vitamin and mineral complexes, good rest. Only in this case the immune system the child will become stronger.

Hardening methods for children of different ages

A pediatrician, methodologist of the health cabinet will suggest the best types of procedures for healing the body. Most methods are suitable for home use. The task of parents is to learn the rules of hardening, to get expert advice. It is important to take into account the health status of a particular child.

Water procedures

simple, available methods: rubdown, douche and shower. Show your baby an example of how to rub the body with a towel. Please note: the skin of children is delicate, it is impossible to rub the body strongly. Buy your baby a soft towel.

  • wipe the body after waking up, the duration of the procedure is 1-2 minutes. Initially, the temperature is + 33 ... + 35 degrees. As with other water procedures, gradually lower the temperature by 1-2 degrees;
  • shower is allowed after a year and a half. Optimal time for water procedures - in the morning and after light gymnastics. The temperature regime is the same as for taking a bath (from +36 degrees, gradually “remove” 1 degree each);
  • douche. Excellent hardening effect, active training of the thermoregulation mechanism. Begin the procedures after the baby is used to wiping and showering. You can’t immediately pour a jug of cold water on a child: a cold is guaranteed. The duration of dousing is from 15 to 30 seconds. Start with a standard temperature (from +35 degrees), for two months reach a temperature of +30 degrees. At first, pour over only the legs (from the feet to the knees) and the arms (from the hands to the shoulders), later go to the whole body (gradually). When the baby gets used, alternate warm and cool water.

Note! Adjust the temperature for dousing children depending on the time of year. For babies from one year to three years in winter, focus on indicators + 34 ... + 28 degrees, in summer: + 33 ... + 24 degrees. From 6 to 8 years, temperature indicators decrease from +32…+24 degrees in winter to +30…+20 degrees in summer.

Swimming

The effect of cool water on a small body, soft “wave” massage, developing physical activity made swimming one of the leaders in hardening procedures for children different ages. It is noteworthy that a baby can swim with support from 6-8 weeks.

The smallest swimmers will be able to stay on the water with an inflatable ring for newborns with a comfortable fixation in the neck area. At first, the child swims in the bathroom, in the open water it is allowed to swim for babies from the age of one year, always with their parents.

Many pools offer a special early swim course for moms and babies. Children develop more actively, get sick less often, become more sociable, confident, the bond between mother and baby is strengthened. Sometimes dads go to such classes: this is also a plus for raising a little man.

The temperature in the pool for babies is at the level of +32 C ... +34 C, the air should warm up to +26 C. For comfortable swimming in the pool, gradually reduce the temperature of the water in the bathroom from 36–37 degrees to +33 C ... +34 C. Perform recommendations from the instructor, obtain permission from the pediatrician for recreational swimming in the baby pool.

For older children, classes are also recommended to develop strength, dexterity, hardening of the body. One of the positive aspects: swimming is an active physical activity with minimal impact on the spine and cardiovascular system.

magic track

A simple, affordable way. During the procedure, the child affects biologically active points stop, massages the sole, feels the effect of water on the legs. Vapors of essential oils penetrate the respiratory tract, have a beneficial effect on the body. Walking on an uneven surface is an easy exercise plus a massage.

You will need:

  • massage Mat;
  • fine sand;
  • small pebbles;
  • sea ​​salt;
  • essential oils.

On the page, learn about how to properly introduce complementary foods while breastfeeding.

How to proceed:

  • pour not very much water into the bath: at first the liquid should be warm: + 36 ... + 37 degrees;
  • pour sea salt with a concentrate of fir, eucalyptus, pine;
  • put a massage mat on top;
  • put the baby in the bath. Suggest walking along the path. Many parents and herbalists advise singing songs. The more often the child opens his mouth, takes in more air, the more active are the beneficial vapors of pine needles or eucalyptus, salt vapors penetrate the respiratory tract;
  • The first procedure lasts 10 minutes. The water gradually cools down, a hardening effect is noticeable;
  • gradually lower the temperature by 1-2 degrees, but you should not keep your feet in cold water either;
  • after a couple of weeks, bring the duration of the procedure to 20 minutes;
  • make sure that the child does not freeze. After the procedure, rinse the legs with clean water, wipe dry.

Advice! A useful session can be held in a large basin. Pour sand and small pebbles, pour a little sea ​​salt, drip a little coniferous elixir. For useful procedures Warm up the water to 36 degrees. Let the baby walk in the basin, as if on the seabed. Start with 5 minutes, increase to 20 minutes in 2 weeks.

Air baths

The easiest, most affordable way to harden. Undress the baby, let him lie down naked in warm weather 2-3 times a day. The duration of the procedures is from 2 to 15 minutes. Be sure to take into account the temperature in the room, so that the little one does not freeze.

In the fresh air, the child should walk without extra clothes (do not wrap even the smallest ones), taking into account climatic conditions. Start hardening in the morning or after a daytime sleep, gradually increase the duration of the sessions.

sunbathing

A useful form of healing the body. Main: do not overdo it, observe the hours favorable for hardening.

  • babies should be in the sun for no more than 1-2 minutes, babies after a year old - no more than 20 minutes;
  • best time to stay summer sun- before 10.00 and after 16.00. From 11 to 15, kids (and older children) should not walk under the scorching sun: dangerous radiation during peak hours provokes various diseases;
  • As with other hardening methods, increase sun exposure gradually. Watch the reaction of the body, do not allow heat stroke. Always wear a cap, panama hat with a visor to protect your face and eyes.

Physical education, gymnastics, massage

  • morning exercises are a game, not a punishment. The kid will be happy to study if the parents lead by example. The child should not guess how serious the event is: the exercises should be easy, fun;
  • let the baby jump, run, squat, bend over to cheerful, incendiary music. Parents will also benefit from a warm-up;
  • Remember: young children copy the behavior of adults. If you force the little one to do exercises, while you yourself bask under the covers, there will be no sense;
  • massage - great way muscle strengthening, normalization of body functions. Conduct useful sessions an hour and a half after eating, during the daytime or in the morning, before exercising;
  • if the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe nursery allows, buy a corner for physical education for a young athlete. The minimum set is a horizontal bar, a Swedish ladder, a rope, a sports bench, a swing. In a well-equipped place, physical education is much more interesting.

Is the child often sick? The doctor said that the child's immune system is weakened, do you need to harden the body? Consider the recommendations of pediatricians, consider methods suitable for your baby. The sooner you start hardening with weak immunity, the more like a child will become stronger, will more actively resist infections.

Dr. Komarovsky about hardening children in the following video: