Hardening of newborns (infants): rules and methods of hardening

Content

Hardening of newborns is an effective, effective, time-tested way to strengthen the health and immunity of a small person. High adaptability of infants allows you to start the hardening process from the first days.

Adaptation mechanisms in newborns are very developed, in other words, the baby is born hardened. Creating greenhouse conditions - a constant ambient temperature, sterile food, lack of air movement - disables the inborn adaptation as unnecessary and after a month the baby begins to sneeze from the slightest draft. One has only to support the natural data of the baby, creating a temperature contrast and the presence of positive contact with nature, that is, carry out hardening procedures and walk with the child in any weather.

The essence of hardening and expected results

The hardening process consists in a constant metered change in environmental conditions. Natural factors are the best helpers in hardening. The process can be carried out everywhere during dressing, bathing, sleeping, gymnastics. It is not necessary to set aside special time for hardening. All procedures should naturally fit into the daily routine.

Hardening in conjunction with exercise, which is carried out regularly, leads to amazing results. The work of the body is activated, while improving:

disease resistance;
adaptive mechanisms;
circulation;
metabolism;
psychoemotional state;
sleep;
appetite.

Regular hardening will be an excellent prevention against colds. A seasoned baby develops faster. Before peers, he begins to sit down, crawl, walk and talk.

Important hardening rules

Before hardening, you should consult your attending pediatrician for advice. He must examine the baby to make sure there are no contraindications.

Hardening can not be started if the child:

respiratory disease;
decompensated heart disease;
hemoglobin is lowered (If low hemoglobin);
fever;
increased nervous irritability;
sharp exhaustion;
violation of the gastrointestinal tract;
disturbed sleep.

To achieve the effectiveness of hardening, the following rules must be strictly observed:

Regularity. Procedures are carried out systematically, without interruption for a single day.
Gradual. The temperature of the quenching medium (air or water) should change gradually, in small steps. A sharp drop in heat or cold will lead to psychological stress of the child, and even to illness.
Individuality. The baby's reaction to the procedures must be carefully monitored. With strong signs of dissatisfaction, inadequate reaction, hardening must be stopped. To avoid crying and discontent, you need to distract the child with toys, songs, your smile and affection.
Cohesion. Hardening procedures must be carried out by the whole family. Pouring with your baby you can not only set a good example for him, but also strengthen your body. Joint actions also lead to the strengthening of family ties.

Hardening Methods

Between themselves, hardening methods differ in the type of environment, the temperature of which changes.

Air quenching

Walks. They begin if the temperature on the street is at least 10 C. The first walk on the street should last 15 minutes. Then, the time spent on the street doubles each time. As a result, the child walks for about 2 hours a day.
Air baths. The baby is left naked at room temperature (22 ° C). Start with 30-40 seconds and increase gradually by 30 seconds per week. The child can receive air baths during gymnastics, feeding, massage, changing clothes, before and after bathing.
Sleeping in nature is stronger and healthier. It is necessary to dress the child so that he does not feel discomfort. (Related article:How to dress a newborn for a walk)

Read more about air hardening

Water quenching

Begin the process of water quenching with washing. For babies up to three months, the water temperature is 28 C, from three months to six months - 25-26 C, from six to twelve months - 20-24 C. The water temperature is reduced every two to three days by one degree.
Scrubbing is the next step. They begin after six months with dry wiping with a soft flannel mitten. They are wiped in the following order: arms, legs, back, chest and abdomen until slight redness. After 7-10 days, moist wipes with water with a temperature of 35 ° C begin. The temperature is brought to 30 ° C, reducing it gradually.
First dousing the baby is carried out from birth after bathing, while cool water must be poured onto warm skin. Water is taken at a temperature of 26 C. Having taken out of the bath, hold the baby in his hand with his back up. Pouring starts from the heels, moving along the spine to the back of the head. The temperature of the water is reduced every five days by one degree. The lower limit is 18 C, although for some it may be lower.
Swimming for the newborn “Habitual way of movement” - for nine months he was constantly in the aquatic environment. Up to three months, the baby’s swimming reflexes have not died out yet, and it’s quite simple to teach him how to swim. When swimming, simply supporting the child under the head, allow him to move freely. After six months, you can continue training in swimming in the pool.

Hardening by the sun

Sunbathing is essential for newborns. After all, only in the light in the body is the production of vitamin D necessary for bone growth. The duration of sunbathing and their temperature is similar to that of air. One “BUT” - do not take the baby out into direct sunlight.

Read more about hardening by the sun

Contrast and intense hardening methods

Intensive hardening methods should be used with caution and only if the child’s adaptive reflexes are already fixed. The basis of these methods is a short-term sharp change in temperature: pouring ice water, dipping in an ice hole, walking in the snow. Do not engage in intense hardening if the baby has chronic diseases.

Contrast hardening methods are based on rapid and abrupt changes in temperature. These include contrasting:

rubdown;
shower;
foot baths;
bathhouse and sauna.

The temperature difference during the first contrast procedure should be 4 C (40 and 36 C, respectively). Five days later, the lower limit is lowered by one unit and the amplitude is adjusted to 23-26 C. It is necessary to alternate water 5-6 times per procedure with an interval of 20 seconds. Last should be hot water.

Hardening babies is not just air baths and dousing with water. This is a natural lifestyle that should be the norm.Physical activity, proper and healthy nutrition, daily routine, sports and walks, hardening procedures. All in order for the newborn to grow up healthy and happy.

We also read:Hardening of children: how and from what age to temper a child (hardening methods)