Bathing a child is useful and enjoyable. Doctor Komarovsky about bathing a newborn How long should you bathe a child every day

24.04.2024 -

You have returned from the maternity hospital... You are overwhelmed with feelings of joy and happiness from the birth of the baby that you have been waiting for for many months, and at the same time - excitement and, perhaps, fear of new responsibilities, self-doubt, especially if this the child is the first. This is normal, because every mother feels timid at first, but every day confidence and experience will come to you, along with them joy and happiness from communicating with your baby.

When to bathe?

From the very first days of being at home, you will have to constantly learn how to do something for the first time, including bathing your child. The first question arises - when can you bathe? You can bathe on the first day as soon as you appear at home (if the tuberculosis vaccination was done the day before), or the next day if it was done on the day of discharge.

What time of day is best to bathe? At any time that is convenient for you, but do not forget about two rules: it is advisable to bathe at the same time of day and always before feeding.

Preparing for a swim

In order for the bathing procedure to be successful, prepare everything you need in advance (I will say more about this below). It would be nice to call someone older for help (a grandmother, for example, or even an experienced neighbor). It would be wonderful if the father took part in all matters from the first day, including helping to bathe the baby - after all, from the very first days, the child needs to feel the love and care of both parents, and the father, holding a tiny creature in his arms, gets all this will help you feel more courageous and responsible. In addition, it has been established that the earlier the father begins to take part in all activities related to the care and upbringing of the child, the stronger the relationship between them becomes in the future.

So, before you start swimming, prepare everything you need in advance.

Firstly, water. The fact is that the child is bathed only in boiled water until the umbilical wound heals (this usually happens at the age of 18-22 days), so the water must be boiled in advance so that it gradually cools down to 38°C.

Secondly, room where you will bathe must meet several requirements: be warm (air temperature 22-24°C), free from drafts, and be comfortable so that you can approach the bath from all sides. Many people bathe in the bathroom, placing the baby bath on a stand, but, in my opinion, it’s more convenient to do this in the kitchen, where you can heat the air well, put the bath on the dining table (and then you won’t have to bend over to hold the baby), and , besides, the kitchen is usually much lighter.

Third, You should prepare your clothes in advance, in which you will dress the child after bathing, usually these are: 2 diapers (thin and thick), 2 vests (thin and thick), a cap. All this must be laid out on the changing table in advance in the order in which you will need it.

In addition, you also need a 1.5-2 liter jug for pouring, a soft towel, baby soap, cotton wool, boiled vegetable or petroleum jelly, powder; brilliant green and a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide to treat the umbilical wound, and finally, prepare a highly concentrated solution of potassium permanganate in a small bottle (you will drop a few drops into the bathing water until the umbilical wound heals), 2 pipettes.

Bathing the baby

So, let's begin the bathing procedure. It is best to do this together, then one person can directly wash the baby, and the second can provide the necessary things.

Prepare a room for bathing, install a bath, pour water into it (water temperature 38-39°C), add a few drops of potassium permanganate solution so that the water acquires a faint pink tint. You need to pour water into the bath to a level of approximately 15 cm, so that the baby’s head, shoulders, and chest remain dry while lying in it (it’s not scary if the umbilical wound ends up in the water - after all, we took all the precautions). Have a jug of clean water nearby (water temperature approximately 36°C) for washing.

Now you can undress the child by picking him up (support his head and back with your left hand, and buttocks and legs with your right hand). Carefully lower him into the water, holding him so that his head and shoulders are above the water, and all other parts of his body are in the water. Then, continuing to support your head and back with your left hand (you can use special stands available for sale, but for me personally it was more convenient and pleasant to hold the baby in your hand), with your right hand carefully soap your head, shoulders, then arms, legs, genitals, turn over baby on the stomach, soap the back. Then rinse the baby with water from the jug from the back, and at the end of the bath from the front.

After swimming

Now take the baby out of the bath and quickly put him on a terry towel, wrap him up and take him to where you have already prepared diapers and hygiene items. Dry your baby thoroughly using blotting movements, starting from the head, and don’t forget to blot all the folds dry. Then, after soaking the cotton wool in oil, carefully treat the folds on the neck, armpits, and groin areas. There are children for whom oil is not suitable, in such cases I advise using powder or regular potato starch, but do not forget that the powder is applied only to dry skin.

Then treat the umbilical wound. Using a pipette, drop (2-3 drops) hydrogen peroxide into the umbilical wound. Remove excess liquid with a cotton swab. Using the same pipette, add one drop of brilliant green. And wait until the green stuff dries.

Now you can dress the baby. First, the undershirts: put the thin one on backwards, and the thick one with the clasp in the front. Then place a diaper (or diaper, if you prefer to use them) between your legs and wrap them in swaddles. After swimming, you need to put a cap on your head until your hair is dry.

During the entire bathing procedure, do not forget to talk to your child in a gentle, calm voice.

That's all. Now you can feed the baby.

Some questions regarding bathing.

How long does the procedure take?
The first bath is 2-3 minutes, then you can add up to 10-15 minutes, but not longer, since the amount of water that you pour into the baby bath quickly cools down, and with a long bath the baby may get cold or tired.
Is it necessary to bathe daily?
Yes, and not only for hygienic reasons, but also for; besides, water relaxes, and this is very useful for the child’s nervous system.
How often to wash with soap?
In winter 1 time a week, in summer 2-3 times.
Is it possible to add herbal decoctions or bathing foam to the water?
Yes, of course, but until the umbilical wound heals completely, it is better to stick with a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate, and then you can add decoctions of string, bay leaf, celandine, and chamomile to the bathing water. You can also use ready-made bathing products.
When can you bathe your child in a large bathtub?
Not until he learns to sit well. I advise placing a non-slip mat on the bottom of the bath and pouring water up to the waist of the sitting baby. Never do not leave the child alone: he can drown even at a depth of 15 centimeters or open a hot water tap.
How long should I bathe my child in boiled water?
Until the umbilical wound heals.
At what age can you use baby shampoo?
It is difficult to answer unambiguously here. In our country, it is traditionally believed that up to one year of age, hair should be washed with baby soap. Foreign authors do not see anything wrong with the fact that from 3-4 months of age you can use baby shampoo. In my opinion, it has several advantages: it does not sting the eyes, does not dry out the scalp, has a mild effect and is suitable for frequent use.

Once again I would like to say: do not be afraid to start doing something for the first time, love your child, and then bathing will turn into the most enjoyable procedure for you and your baby.

Based on personal experience and literature:

L. Pernu "I am raising a child", M., "Medicine", 1991
B. Spock "Child and caring for him", Vladikavkaz, "Alania", 1991

Irina Bykova, pediatrician and part-time mother of two children.

Bathing is the key to health. Taking water procedures can become your baby’s favorite pastime. To do this, you should learn some rules for bathing newborns.

For the full development of the baby, a number of conditions and rules must be observed. Sleeping and waking hours, long walks in the fresh air, sufficient care and mother's attention. Bathing is an integral part of proper newborn care. Taking care of hygiene is important, because it is a basic component of health. How often should you bathe a 2-month-old baby to keep him cheerful and healthy? You need to bathe your baby every day. Contraindications to taking water procedures will be: high temperature, vaccination, acute period of illness.
Bathing is a whole ritual that is not complete without accompanying items. To take a bath, a two-month-old toddler needs:

Actually a baby bath, if parents are not mentally prepared for water procedures in a large bath.
Thermometer for measuring water.
Towel and clean things.
A circle around the neck or a bathing stand if the baby swims in a large bathtub.

Bathing, like any procedure, requires a certain schedule. Bathe your child at the same time, this will streamline the routine.

How long does it take to bathe a 2 month old baby?

The optimal time for taking water procedures for this age is half an hour. The water temperature can range from 28 to 30 degrees. Temperatures up to 24 degrees are acceptable if the child tolerates it well. Lowering the temperature and keeping the bath longer will ensure that your baby is tired enough to have a restful night. Another positive aspect of regularly lowering the bathing temperature is the stimulation of the baby’s vitality and the development of the ability to resist infections.

Water procedures are best carried out before evening feeding, in the interval up to 21 hours.

How to properly bathe a 2 month old baby?

The child should be immersed in water gradually. First the legs, buttock, back, then the face and head.
The possibilities of a large bath are inexhaustible for a baby. Here he can swim without fear of hitting the sides. Early swimming strengthens the muscles of the back and neck. In addition, a child can sit in water already at this age. In addition, the baby has the ability to dive. After all, infants have a reflex that prevents water from entering the respiratory tract. If this reflex is not used, it will soon disappear.
How to wash a 2 month old baby? There is no need to use special products every day. It is easy to dry out a child's delicate skin with soap and shampoos. Therefore, you can allow the use of soap once a week.
If a 2 month old baby cries while bathing, you must:

change the time of day when swimming takes place;
change feeding time in relation to water procedures;
reconsider the water temperature, most likely the water is cool for the baby.

After being discharged from the maternity hospital, young parents have many questions and doubts about caring for their baby. One of these problems is bathing a newborn baby.

Bathing is not so much a hygienic event as an important element in the growth and development of a baby. Water procedures have a beneficial effect on the emotional, mental and physical state of the baby, relieve muscle tone, and stabilize blood circulation.

Frequency of baby bathing

Until now, pediatricians have not given a clear answer to the question of how often to bathe a newborn baby up to a month old. Some believe that the baby does not get dirty to such an extent that it needs daily bathing. In addition, the baby’s immunity is just developing, and there is no need to subject it to tests. Others, on the contrary, consider daily bathing necessary.

Which of these opinions is correct, parents decide based on the baby’s well-being and some external conditions.

Daily bathing of a 1 month old baby

A newborn baby is bathed for the first time after a crust has formed on the navel. 2-3 days after discharge from the maternity hospital, when such a crust has already formed, parents begin bathing the baby.

A healthy baby at 1 month of life is bathed daily, but without the use of soap, antibacterial agents and herbal decoctions.

Important! Using detergents more than once a week can disrupt the formation of microflora on the baby’s skin and cause a tendency to irritability and dryness.

Many mothers use chilled boiled water to wash their one-month-old baby until the umbilical wound heals. Not all experts consider this correct and recommend using just clean water without any impurities. Frequent use of decoctions or herbal infusions is also not always justified. Bathing in a weak solution of potassium permanganate dries out the baby's skin, but prevents infection from entering the unhealed umbilical wound.

Neglect of child hygiene does not prevent:

the appearance of diaper rash on the neck, bends of the arms and legs;
the appearance of heat rash, especially in the hot season;
deterioration of the baby's well-being.

At the same time, bathing has a positive effect on the baby:

muscle tone is reduced
blood circulation is activated,
the skeleton is strengthened,
muscles develop.

In the hot season, daily bathing is mandatory; in the cool season, parents and pediatricians consider it normal to skip several sessions, especially if adults do not have the opportunity to warm the room to a favorable temperature.

Optimal Bathing Frequency for Babies

After analyzing the opinions of experts on the optimal frequency of bathing infants, the conclusion arises that the decision on how often to bathe a newborn child is made by parents. The frequency of bathing depends on the health status of the little one and external conditions (for example, the time of year).

If in winter mothers and fathers do not achieve the optimal temperature in the room, and the baby gets cold after bathing, then they limit themselves to 2-3 baths per week.

In the warm spring, the baby is bathed every day. Every week they lower the temperature of the water by 1 degree and begin hardening the baby. It is believed that in the spring the hardening process is more effective.

In hot summer weather, babies are bathed several times a day. This prevents the appearance of heat rash and diaper rash. Frequent water procedures provide the baby with a comfortable state of health in the heat.

In autumn, bathing is carried out no more than once a day. At the same time, they closely monitor the baby’s health. If you feel unwell, bathing is postponed until next time.

Regardless of the number of baths, be sure to wash the little one in the morning and wash them as needed.

Room and water temperature

When bathing the baby, the home and bathroom are maintained at the optimal temperature. Some caring parents heat the room well for bathing the baby, especially in the cold season. Doctors, including Dr. Komarovsky, think this is wrong. According to standards, the degree of air heating in the washing room does not differ from the temperature in the entire apartment. The desired temperature for a baby's life and bathing is 18-22 degrees. Exceeding these indicators will not be beneficial for the baby.

For the first two weeks, the temperature of the baby’s bathing water reaches 370. Then this figure is reduced, but no more than 1 degree weekly. Gradually, the water temperature for daily swimming is adjusted to 27-28 degrees. To prevent the little one from getting too cold in the cooling bath, always carefully add hot water while bathing.

The degree of water heating is monitored using special water thermometers. Sometimes parents use the “grandmother’s” method and control the temperature of the bathing water with their elbow. The method is not the most accurate, but it is accessible to everyone without exception.

When washed in hot water (36-37 degrees), the baby relaxes and calms down well, then quickly falls asleep. But a hardening and healing effect is not observed in this case.

Time and duration of bathing

The duration of water procedures depends on the age and condition of the baby. For the first time, the child is bathed quickly, for 3-4 minutes. Each subsequent bathing is extended by 1-2 minutes. The optimal duration of water procedures is from 15 to 20 minutes. If parents see that the baby enjoys bathing, then the procedure is extended a little, but staying in water for a long time also has negative consequences.

Safety rules while swimming:

prepare in advance clean clothes, a towel and products necessary to care for the baby’s skin;
cover the changing table with a soft towel and diaper;
prepare water in advance for the bath and for rinsing the little one;
Be sure to check the water temperature before immersing your baby in it;
under no circumstances should the baby be left alone in the bathroom; the presence of bathing accessories does not guarantee safety;
add warm water so that the baby’s delicate skin is not damaged;
Water treatments are canceled if the baby has a high fever or other ailments.

Most often, the baby is bathed in the evening before bed. The optimal time for this every day is between 20.00 and 21.00. Sometimes parents organize water treatments for their infants at other times that are convenient for them and the baby. Usually, the baby is bathed 30 minutes before feeding and some time after waking up.

E. Komarovsky believes that evening bathing has its advantages: the procedure relaxes and calms the child, this contributes to a sound and healthy night's sleep.

Difference between bathing and washing

During the day, the baby repeatedly empties the intestines and bladder. To avoid skin inflammation, infection and irritation, the child’s genitals and bottom are washed under running water. Do this before every diaper change. In emergency cases, use baby wipes, but if possible, use plain water.

Important! Wet baby wipes contain chemicals that are harmful to the baby's delicate skin.

Almost all parents understand why bathing is not replaced by washing. Washing is a hygienic procedure that helps keep the baby's body clean. Bathing is considered not so much as a hygienic procedure, but as a means to stimulate and strengthen the immune system, one of the ways of physical development of the baby, a source of positive emotions.

Bathing a child in a large bath

Not many parents decide to bathe their baby in a large bathtub, as they fear for the baby’s safety. A large bathtub provides more opportunities for games and activities with your baby, even for practicing swimming skills.

In order to save water and limit space, manufacturers offer special limiters in a large bathtub for bathing a baby. A bath mat with pockets allows you to comfortably kneel while bathing your baby in a large bathtub. The pockets contain everything you need for swimming. Needlewomen make such a rug themselves.

Rules for bathing in a large bath:

The procedure is organized for babies with a healed umbilical wound.
The water temperature must be monitored throughout the entire procedure.
The child is lowered into the water gradually: first, the arms and legs are wetted, and only then the torso.
Hold the baby correctly. The adult's little finger is located in the area of the baby's neck, the remaining fingers are in the area of the back of the child's head. In this position, the toddler’s body floats well above the water.
Make sure that water does not get into the baby’s mouth and nose.
With his free hand, the adult regulates the degree of immersion of the baby in the water.
When bathing for the first time in a large bath, they leave the baby time to get used to the large spaces, only then they begin to move the child in the water and in this way activate his movements.
To facilitate the exploration of a large expanse of water, the little one wears a special inflatable ring, which has a recess for the chin and a Velcro fastener on the neck.

After adapting to this method of bathing, they begin to master the basic poses:

lying on your back with your head supported,
swimming on your stomach (with your chin supported between your thumb and index finger),
sitting posture.

Important! If bathing in a large bath does not bring pleasure to the baby, then this procedure is postponed or postponed until the age of 2-3 months.

Bathing in a baby bath

Most parents prefer bathing in a special bath. This causes less trouble for adults and makes it easier to control the baby.

What types of bathtubs are there:

Classic bath for babies. It has an anatomical shape and is comfortable for adults and children. Designed for a child up to 3 months.
With an antimicrobial layer, which, if used correctly, disinfects the surface of the bath for a long time. A convenient accessory, but also quite expensive.
The thermal bath is equipped with a built-in thermometer and a reservoir for liquid soap or shampoo.
An inflatable bath is used in country or camping conditions.

Along with the bathtub, other bathing accessories are usually purchased, these are:

a slide or hammock that keeps the child in a reclining position,
a jug or ladle with a lid for rinsing the baby (water is poured into it at the same time as the bath and cools down a little at the time of rinsing, which has a beneficial effect on the baby’s body),
water thermometer,
baby soap (liquid or bar), pH neutral shampoo, skin oil, soft sponge.

The procedure for bathing a baby in a bathtub:

the container is thoroughly treated with soda solution and rinsed several times;
fill 2/3 of the volume with water, check the water temperature;
then the baby’s head is placed on the bend of the elbow, the butt is held with the palm of the hand;
carefully immerse the child in the water: lower the legs first, then the torso to the middle of the chest; if there is a slide or hammock, first install the accessories correctly, make sure they are safe, and only then place the child on them;
Gently wash the folds on the child’s skin without a washcloth or soap;
turn the baby over;
rinse with water from a jug from head to toe;
wrap the baby in a soft diaper.

Important! Bathing definitely evokes positive emotions in the baby. To do this, the adult speaks affectionately to the baby during the procedure.

Procedures necessary after swimming

A small child is not wiped, only his skin is blotted with a soft towel or diaper with a sewn corner for the head. Then they place the baby on the changing table and examine the body to identify rashes and diaper rash.

After bathing, the umbilical wound is treated. Normally, it heals within 2 weeks, but requires daily attention. To reduce the risk of infection, the baby is first bathed in boiled water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

The skin of a healthy child does not require the use of creams, oils and other products. In case of problems, Dr. Komarovsky advises: “Wet - dry, dry - moisturize!”

Pediatricians recommend treating dry areas with baby oil, and combating redness in the folds with powder or talcum powder. Baby cream is used to treat wrinkles on the body and prevent diaper rash. A cream or spray containing panthenol is necessary for healing diaper rash and dry skin. Baby powder and talcum powder reduce moisture in problem areas.

Important! Powder or talc should not be poured onto the baby's skin. They are applied to the hand and treated with folds.

Milk or lotion is good for preventing dry skin and does an excellent job of flaking the skin on the palms and soles.

Note! Any care products are applied to dry skin.

Before dressing, wipe the ears. The cap is put on first, then the diaper. Only after this is the baby dressed or swaddled. Some experts recommend swaddling your baby for good sleep.

After properly performed water procedures, the baby is in a good mood, ready for feeding and early sleep. Bathing is a mandatory procedure for a newborn baby, necessary for its full growth and development. It does not require special medical knowledge and skills from an adult.

Video

Maintaining the health of a newborn depends on proper care, but young parents have many questions about the correct actions and how often to bathe a child under one year old.

Should come first: washing the child’s face, cleansing the eyes, rinsing, bathing - all these procedures are required.

During the day, the baby repeatedly empties the bladder and intestines; timely hygiene helps to avoid inflammation, infections and skin irritation.

It is important to wash your baby's bottom and genitals under running water before each diaper change.

You can sometimes use wet baby wipes - if there is very little discharge, as well as on the road, in the clinic and under other circumstances.

However, simple tap water is still a priority. It cleanses better and will not cause an allergic reaction on the skin.

Such procedures for maintaining cleanliness after using the toilet are called washing.

Unlike washing, bathing is not done as often and does not depend on dirty diapers. Many pediatricians and parents consider this process not only from the point of view of hygiene, but also as:

the way the child develops physically;
a means to strengthen the body's defenses;
physiological and psychological entertainment;
source of pleasant emotions, stress relief.

For this to truly bring maximum benefit to the baby, parents need to know a lot and prepare well.

How long should you bathe a newborn?

The time a baby spends in water depends on several factors: the baby’s age, water temperature, the purpose of bathing, and the child’s mood.

In the very first weeks after discharge from the hospital, the baby should not bathe for too long, 5-10 minutes is enough.

By a month you can already increase the time to 10-15 minutes, and by six months to 25-30 minutes, if this process is enjoyable and the baby does not experience negative emotions.

When the purpose of bathing is only the hygiene of the child, the water temperature should be about 36-37 0 C.

If parents set a goal to strengthen the body, then there are two ways to do this.

Gradually lower the water temperature by one degree, and it is better to get used to the new temperature within several days, from 5 to 10. The lowest temperature at which you need to stop the decrease is 30 0 C.
Use cooler water to rinse your baby than for bathing. This temperature difference should be 1 0 C.

Naturally, in this case you need to carefully monitor the child’s well-being and mood. He should be comfortable; under no circumstances should he be allowed to freeze. The time spent in water also increases as the temperature decreases.

It must be remembered that at a water temperature of 36-37 0 C, the baby will simply enjoy the warmth and will not try to swim; if the purpose of bathing is physical activity, it is better to fill the bath with slightly cooler water.

Just don’t forget about the gradualness of this transition.

The time spent in the water is also affected by the baby’s mood. If he is scared, it is better not to aggravate the stress and accustom the child to the procedure gradually. Joint bathing, songs, bright toys, kind words and a calm attitude of parents can help with this.

Strengthening the immune system by hardening the body is only possible if the child has no contraindications for this. You can begin such procedures no earlier than one month of age.

How often to bathe with detergents

Pediatricians recommend using detergents 1-2 times a week.

More frequent use may lead to dry skin and flaking.

In this case, it is enough to buy regular baby soap and lubricate the baby’s skin with oil or cream after bathing.

However, on store shelves you can find a very wide range of baby care products both during and after bathing:
bath foams and gels;
liquid soap;
emulsions;
ready-made herbal decoctions or dry stems and inflorescences;

creams and oils.

You should not buy the entire line of care products recommended by the manufacturer in advance; an abundance of cosmetics can harm the child.

If he does not have pronounced skin problems and does not need special products to eliminate them, it is better to limit himself to a minimal set.

Do not forget about the use of traditional methods.

Bathing in a decoction of string is also useful; it has good disinfectant properties and helps with various skin problems, for example, infant heat rash.

It is important that all cosmetics used are certified, designed specifically for children and do not contain dyes or perfumes.

Swimming in winter

Many parents have concerns about the safety of water procedures for their babies during the cold season.

In winter, the frequency of bathing depends on the room temperature.

If the apartment is warm enough and the thermometer does not fall below 21 0 C, then there are no contraindications for daily water procedures.

But if the house is cool enough, then you can reduce the number of baths to 2-3 times a week for 5-10 minutes. However, one should not forget about the child’s daily hygiene: washing, washing the face, cleansing the eyes, nose, etc.

To avoid temperature changes when leaving the bath, it is better to keep the door to it open, then the air will be the same temperature both in the bathing area and in the room.

A warm soft towel with a corner for the head, clean clothes, a diaper, skin care product and everything else that may be needed should be prepared in advance. This will allow you to dress your baby very quickly and he will not have time to freeze.

Optimal frequency of bathing children under one year old

It is better to bathe your baby daily, at least for the first 6 months, without exception.

As you get closer to one year, you can switch to the “every other day” mode, however, if this process brings joy to the child, gives him pleasure from contact with water and from playing with his parents, he should not be limited in this desire.

To avoid drying out the skin, it is enough not to use detergents too often.

Daily rinsing with plain water will not cope with heavy soiling, but will wash away sweat and skin flakes. You should also wash your hair with water only, without soap or shampoo, and use these products only once a week.

Nowadays you can find many devices on sale that make the bathing process easier:

support mattress;
slide;
hat with foam inserts;
rubber toys;
special books.

All this really helps parents.

There is no need to be afraid to use these inventions, however, you should not forget to carefully read the instructions before use to see if the item is appropriate for the baby’s age.

Bathing is not only hygiene, but also a ritual that brings many pleasant moments to both parents and baby. Relaxed, tired and clean, the child knows that now he will be fed, lulled in his arms, maybe there will be a bedtime story or a lullaby. Thus, he will be able to fall asleep quickly and with good emotions, and parents will be able to relax without worrying about the health and mood of their baby.

After being discharged from the maternity hospital, young mothers have many questions about child care, most of them are interested in: “How often can you bathe a newborn, and is it worth doing this on the day of discharge?” Here are some of the opinions:

How often do infants need to have water treatments?

Up to six months, the baby is bathed every day, but provided that he is completely healthy. After this, swimming is allowed every other day.

You should not add herbal decoctions and use soap every day, as this can disrupt the microflora of the baby’s skin.

If hygiene is carried out too often, the child will not be able to resist bacteria in the future.. The fact is that during this period microflora is actively formed and if the child is constantly bathed with antibacterial agents, then his skin may subsequently become dry or irritated.

If parents neglect the baby’s hygiene, this can negatively affect not only the condition of the skin, but also physical development. As mentioned above, while bathing, a child’s blood circulation is activated, his muscles are strengthened, and he sleeps better at night.

Debate may appear, especially on the bend of the arms and legs, on the neck. If you rarely wash your child, his butt will be sore..

If it’s summer outside and the child is sweating, then he needs to be bathed every day, and sometimes 2 times a day. To do this, it will be enough to simply rinse the skin to prevent the appearance of heat rashes.

But in the cold season it is better not to overdo it, since the air temperature in the apartment is slightly lower. It is also worth reducing the duration of water procedures to avoid hypothermia.

To make the bathing process enjoyable for the child and parents, you need to adhere to certain rules:

Up to a month, the baby does not need to take in a lot of water, but when he gets a little older, he should completely immerse his body in the water so that only his head or face remains. In this case, you need to be extremely careful not to allow water to get into your nose or mouth. It is worth making sure that the baby is on his back, this significantly reduces the likelihood that he will completely go under water, since his stomach and chest will lift him up.
There are three main positions in which it is recommended to wash a baby: sitting, lying on the stomach and lying on the back. If there is enough water in the bathroom, then even a baby will be able to sit, and there will be no harm to his spine, since there is no load.
Hold the child by the head, place the little finger under the back of the head, and the remaining four fingers under the neck. Some mothers find it more comfortable when the baby lies on the crook of their elbow; this option is also considered correct.

Attention: If the newborn is immersed stomach down, make sure that his chin is between the index finger and thumb, or hold it with the palm of his hand. This is to prevent water from getting into your nose and mouth.