Baby bath accessories - what do you need for your baby's daily bath?

Regular bathing and washing is the basis of hygiene from the first days of life. It is worth browsing the wide selection of sponges, washcloths, towels, thermometers and other accessories that make everyday bathing easier for both a newborn and an older child. Functional and original gadgets will make the bath a pleasure for the child and his parents.

Dr. N. Pharm. Maria Kaspshak

How to prepare for your baby's first bath? 

New parents are often concerned about their ability to properly bathe their newborn after he has brought him home. The midwife, while still in the maternity ward, can give you the first instructions on the activity itself. You can also ask for help from the grandmother of the child - she probably has experience, because she bathed at least one baby in her life! Of course, it is also good to prepare everything you need in advance and think about how best to organize the bathroom space. 

First of all, the room must be heated, because in young children thermoregulation is still ineffective. You have to choose a place to install a bath, basin or bath bucket. If we have a large washbasin, we can bathe a child in it, but before each such bathing, the washbasin must be thoroughly washed and rinsed. Next to it, you should find a piece of space to arrange the necessary things and place the child after you pull him out of the bath. What do we need to bathe a baby?

• Bath thermometer. There are floating thermometers in a variety of shapes and colors that look like toys. They not only show the temperature, but also make bathing more enjoyable;
• A washcloth or sponge – traditional or silicone,
• Diaper cloth or bath mat - for placement on the bottom of the bath,
• mild detergent,
• Headwear, cup/watering can - useful for washing the head,
• Towel-bathing cover - dry and wrap the child after bathing,
• Cream or olives - to moisturize the skin.

Not all of these things are required, a lot depends on individual preferences. It is not always necessary to use a special washcloth - you can wash the baby with your hand or with a piece of clean cotton diaper. Experienced mothers can successfully replace the bath thermometer with their own elbow. However, colorful and aesthetically designed care accessories can not only make the bath easier, but also make the bath more enjoyable, which is why many people decide to buy products from well-known brands. 

How often should a newborn be bathed? 

You must constantly take care of your child's hygiene - regular daily skin cleansing is an essential element of care. Daily bathing, immersion of the whole body in water is not required. However, it is absolutely necessary to remember the daily (and if necessary - several times a day) cleansing of the baby's skin, especially in folds and hard-to-reach places. This can be done, for example, with damp gauze, a cloth, or a baby wipe. Do not allow dirt, food debris or secretions to accumulate in skin folds - for example, under the neck, behind the ears, under the diaper. The skin of a child should always be clean and dry, otherwise it can easily lead to chafing, irritation and even infection.

When we prepare a bath for a baby - what should be the temperature of the water? Water for bathing a newborn should be slightly warm, with a temperature of about 36-38 ° C. It's more or less body temperature. You don't need to use a lot of soap, bath lotion, or shampoo—sometimes even plain water is enough to keep your skin from drying out, especially if you bathe your baby every day. In favor of daily bathing, there is also an argument that is not strictly related to cleanliness - many mothers believe that the daily, repeated ritual of bathing in warm water and lulling them to sleep gives the child a sense of security and predictability, which is very important for a small person, for whom everything is still so big, new and different.

How to wash a child? Body washcloths and sponges 

Baby sponges and washcloths available in stores are usually very nicely made, colorful and soft. They are made from materials that are safe for delicate skin. However, we must not forget that the items used to wash the child must themselves be clean. If you leave a baby sponge carelessly tossed in a damp, warm bath, it becomes a haven for bacteria and mold. Remember that washcloths and sponges must be washed regularly, and after each use, rinse thoroughly and leave to dry (for example, in winter on a radiator, in summer by a window). For lovers of new products, there are special soft silicone washcloths for children. They are durable and easy to clean, and if necessary, they can even be scalded. 

Non-slip pads and mats 

So that the child does not slip along the bottom of the bath and does not feel discomfort when it comes into contact with someone else's, slippery surface, you can put a cotton diaper on the bottom, or a special rug, rug or bath bed. Flower lovers can try the original, soft and beautiful baby washcloth in the shape of a lotus. The Blooming Bath flower can be used as an insert in a bathtub or a large washbasin. The shape and size of this "flower" is chosen so that the baby sits comfortably in it, leaning against the outer petals. This ensures safe and comfortable bathing in an original setting. 

Carousels, canopies, cups and shower heads 

Washing the head of a small child is a big problem. Shampoo water can get into the eyes, and even if it's a shampoo that doesn't sting the eyes, the very act of splashing water on the eyes and face can be stressful for the child. To make this easier, you can try tricks to prevent water from getting into your eyes - special canopies or fields that act like an umbrella when the child is put on his head. Thanks to them, shampooing can be fun when the child watches the water flow around him like from a waterfall. Another solution is special cups with a soft rim. Applied on the forehead, they allow you to rinse the child's head without fear of flooding the face. These shampoo cups are often shaped like a fish or an animal, so they can also be used as a bath toy.

After swimming - bathing bedspreads and warm bathrobes. 

After bathing, it is important to quickly cover the baby with a warm towel so that he does not freeze and does not catch a cold. For this purpose, children's towels made of soft delicate cotton are perfect. Most of these towels have a hood sewn into one corner. Swimwear for children is sewn in a wide variety of models and colors, as well as from various materials. You can choose from traditional terry cloth, soft and fluffy velour, meaty crepe, delicate muslin - you will surely find a towel for every little bather. These products are produced by well-known companies from the children's industry - Baby Ono, Akuku, Sensillo, MimiNu, Lullalove and many others.

Towels, like washcloths, need to be washed regularly to keep bacteria from growing on them. In order for them to absorb water well, do not use fabric softener when washing, as it reduces the absorbency of cotton fabrics. And if it’s still cool after a bath, toweling and wearing pajamas, then a little fashionista or an elegant woman can put on a stylish bathrobe, drink a bottle of milk before going to bed and listen to a bedtime story!

More texts from the "Mom and Baby" category can be found in the tutorials on AvtoTachki Passions!

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