Speaking of bathing, it is difficult to overestimate its benefits for the newborn. Getting into the water, the baby is immersed in the environment that has become familiar to him for 9 months, so swimming develops the vestibular apparatus, relaxes and soothes the child, improves his emotional state. A special bath for bathing a newborn baby can help the baby love this procedure.
Should I buy a separate bath for the baby?
Today in pediatrics there is an opinion that you can calmly bathe a baby in a shared bath. In this case, we are talking about the fact that the child will be able to actively move without restricting himself in a large bath. In addition, a large bathtub filled with water will cool somewhat more slowly than a small one, and this will increase the length of time the baby stays in the water.
If the house does not have a large bath, but only a shower, or there is no bath or shower at all, then buying a separate bath for your baby becomes a necessity. The small bath has other advantages:
- It is easier to keep a newborn baby physically.
- Often used to combat diaper rash and other skin irritations, infusions of medicinal herbs can stain the enamel of a large bathtub, and it’s much easier to wash a small plastic bath.
- Finally, during an unexpected or preventive shutdown of hot water, it is much easier to fill the baby bath.
It is also necessary to remember that bathing a newborn baby is a fairly responsible process, and you should not rush with him immediately after discharge from the hospital.
On the topic of bathing a newborn:
- What water should a newborn baby bathe in?
- Baby bathing in the grass
- What to do if the child is afraid to swim?
According to pediatricians, it’s better to wait a bit before it heals. umbilical wound (basically she heals in the second week). During this time, it is enough to wipe the child with a damp sponge and wash it with warm water. When the wound heals, you can proceed to bathing in the bath. Use a baby shampoo or foam for the bathroom is not worth more than 2 times a week. However, as a general strengthening procedure, swimming in clean water can be carried out at least every day.
How to choose a bath?
Modern models of bathtubs are so diverse that sometimes it’s not easy to make a choice.New technologies for the production of high-quality and safe plastic enable companies to significantly simplify the life of their mother, integrating thermometers, scales and other devices into the baths. At the same time, the requirements of practicality and hygiene still remain in force.
So, we choose the bath correctly, paying attention to the model that you like:
- It was quite safe, that is, its bottom should not be very slippery, and even better, have an anti-slip coating. Some models come with a rug (sometimes with a temperature sensor), which fits on the bottom;
- Meets hygiene requirements and washes easily;
- had the appropriate size, that is, so that it could serve the child at least six months, but at the same time it would fit well in a large bath;
- had a comfortable and durable bottom or mounts for installation on the sides of a large bathtub.
In addition to the listed main requirements, when choosing a bath, you can also take into account additional features in the form of:
- thermoplastic inserts that change color when the temperature is not suitable for swimming, or a built-in thermometer;
- openings for draining water, which will allow mom not to pump up the muscles of her hands, turning the bath every time in order to pour water out of it. At the same time, the cork should be conveniently made so as not to injure the baby while swimming;
- built-in scales, thanks to which it will be possible to check the weight of the child in a comfortable environment for him (for example, after swimming).
Types of baths for babies
If you welcome minimalism, and the only criteria for you will be the convenience and safety of the bath, then the most optimal option is the traditional plastic model, which can be installed both in a large bathtub and on the floor. If, along with the listed requirements, you would like to receive additional conveniences, then it is worth taking a closer look at more "advanced" models.
The main types of baths for newborns are as follows:
1. Plastic with a smooth bottom and traditional small compartments for bath accessories
In the kit for some models, manufacturers add a special slide for bathing a newborn, and separate bathtubs can be decorated with images of cartoon characters or fairy tale characters, have a built-in drain and a thermometer. Well-known brands also often include a special mattress for newborns, a floating pillow and funny toys in the kit for the bath.
The undoubted advantages of this model include the fact that it is suitable not only for a newborn, but also for a child for about a year. At the same time, even a grown-up baby will not be too crowded in it.
Its disadvantages consist in the fact that such a bath will not be very convenient for a newborn - after all, mother will have to support the little one under the head with one hand while trying to open the bottle with shampoo and wash the baby with the other hand. Swimming will be much easier with a special slide in the kit.
2. Anatomical (also sometimes called ergonomic, that is, convenient to use)
In such baths, a slide with a soft non-slip coating is already integrated in the design, so that even a newborn takes a semi-recumbent position and is fixed. Mom's hands are freed a little in order to wash the baby. In addition, it is in such more expensive models that basically all sorts of additional conveniences are present in the form of a built-in thermometer with a liquid crystal display, scales and drain holes.
Among the shortcomings of the model is not the lowest price and, perhaps, the fact that over time the grown child will no longer be very interested in just sitting in the bath, but will want to swim and roll over. The protrusions of the anatomical models, which ensure the safety of the smallest, will only interfere with the one-year-old child.
3. Inflatable
The advantages of such models are interesting colors, built-in soft slides, comfortable head restraints. They are conveniently stored when there is not enough space in the apartment, but it is not too convenient to inflate each time for bathing the child. In addition, according to user reviews, it is better to keep such a bath in the house as an additional option in case of going out of town or a long trip. It is convenient to use them for older children as a small pool.
Moms note that the remains of decoctions of herbs used for bathing newborns can fall into the folds of inflatable bathtubs. If you do not immediately notice this and do not wash the rubber thoroughly, then over time they can create an unpleasant odor and promote the growth of bacteria.
As you can see, the choice of the bath for the baby needs to be approached responsibly. Moreover, a high price will not always be a guarantee of the same high quality and safety of the child. Having come up correctly to this issue, you can find a decent budget option that will help mom ease bathing of the baby, and the baby will feel comfort and joyful emotions during your favorite procedure!
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