How to bathe a newborn baby in a bathtub with a slide, bathing a baby in a bathtub

First bath

For all new parents, bathing a newborn is a responsible and exciting process. All pediatricians insist that the procedure must be performed in a special children's bath. The water should be warm, but not hot. Otherwise, the baby will not feel comfortable in such conditions.

The first few days after birth, the baby should be washed under running warm water. During this period, the navel will be able to heal and fall off. Immediately after being discharged from the hospital, the baby can already be bathed. However, in the process, you should follow the basic rules of personal hygiene for infants, which are somewhat different from adults.

Alternative to the slide

A slide for bathing a newborn baby is not the only option. There are special stands that perform the same function, but are much cheaper and safer. Thus, the stand is able to support the child and protect him from falling.

There are nuances here. So, if the child grows up, the stand will no longer be able to insure the child.

There are coasters for children combined with slides. The producers showed their imagination. Stands can be of different types:

Children's bathtub on a stand. The advantage of this design is that it can be moved and the child can be bathed anywhere. The stand itself is easy to disassemble and assemble.
Children's bathtub with drain. An ordinary stand on which a children's bathtub sits, but already has a drain. This is convenient in situations where the baby bath is used above a regular bathtub or any other place where water can be drained without obstruction. It is very good to use such baths in the summer in private housing or in the country. Disadvantage: the child may become interested in the drain after a while.

What to choose: a baby bath slide or a stand? You need to look at yourself and your child. The disadvantage is that the stand does not adapt to the baby, so he will not be as comfortable as on the slide.

A slide for newborns is a wonderful thing that makes bathing a child easier and ensures his safety. Many types have been invented, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to choose bathing accessories for yourself and your child.

Positive effects of water treatments

For children, bathing can be fun and exciting. It plays an important role in hygiene, normalizing the immune system and raising the baby’s mood. Thanks to water, he feels the following positive aspects:

Necessary care and cleansing of the skin.
The baby will be able to calm down and have a good rest.
Thanks to water, the baby receives the hardening necessary for his age, which improves the process of thermoregulation.
Swimming allows the baby to understand the world around him in more detail.
The procedure gives the baby positive impressions and emotions.

In the first month of life, you can bathe your baby no more than once a day. During this period, his skin is still too sensitive and may be damaged by water. When the baby turns six months old, the frequency of procedures can be reduced to once every two days.

How to use a baby slide for bathing newborns?

For an actively wallowing toddler or a baby older than 6 months, it is better to buy a bath mat as well. This device is securely installed at the bottom of the bath and prevents slipping. If your baby slips down the slide, the mat will soften the fall.
At first, water procedures should be carried out using a diaper. Just cover the slide. A baby whose thermoregulation is not yet perfect will be warmer and softer. The baby will not slide down the slide.

How to use a baby slide

Caring for your fabric slide after each bath involves washing and drying. These simple steps will help avoid skin rashes and dermatitis in your baby.
A foam or sponge mattress must be washed and dried thoroughly after bathing.
The hammock slide is suitable for babies up to 8 months. A child who is too playful may fall over the side of the bathroom.

Criteria for choosing the time for the procedure

It is correct to bathe your child in the evening. Thanks to water, he will be able to relax and calm down. The procedure completely eliminates colic. Water helps your baby get ready for sleep.

However, in some cases, the bathing process, on the contrary, makes the child too alert and active. In this case, you should adapt to the baby’s temperament and perform the action in the first half of the day. The process should bring benefit and pleasure to children and their parents.

Experts recommend following a regimen that is ideal for the child and his mother. Thanks to this, optimal conditions will be created for the growth and development of the baby.

Device for bathing a newborn

Types of children's slides for bathing babies

Modern manufacturers of goods for children offer a truly huge selection of swimming slides of a wide variety of types. Every mother can choose a product that she considers ideal for her baby. But in order not to make a mistake with the choice, let's take a closer look at the offer

A fabric bathing slide is the simplest in design, but at the same time it is far from the most comfortable swimming slide. If you have to purchase a fabric slide, give preference not to a regular slide, but to an anatomical slide. An anatomical fabric slide differs from a regular slide in that it allows you to secure the baby’s position as comfortably as possible, he will not slip off it and the head will be in the correct position.
A bathtub with a slide is not the most convenient option for a newborn, but it is ideal for a child from 6 months. This slide allows you to comfortably seat the baby and does not interfere with the mother’s manipulations during the process of bathing the child.
Anatomical swimming slide - one might say the most convenient and safest type of swimming slide. The advantage of this product is that its shape is maximally designed for the correct position of the baby’s body; the child on such a slide is comfortable and not afraid, and this in turn is a huge plus.
Hammock slide for swimming - the convenience of this type of slide is primarily justified by its very location; it is fixed to the sides of the bath using special fasteners, the child lies as if on an air mattress. It is the hammock that allows you to turn the baby on his side, raise his arms and legs. It is very convenient for newborn babies and for young mothers without experience of bathing babies.
A mesh slide for swimming is honestly not the most convenient slide option, but it depends on how you look at it. The advantages of the product are that the mesh allows water to freely penetrate the baby’s body, and the baby himself is like in a hammock and can freely move his arms and legs. Disadvantages - the mesh is not the most convenient option, since it requires good bedding, and plus the design of such a slide itself is more likely designed for a large bathroom, but certainly not for a plastic baby bathtub.
A foam slide for swimming is a soft, comfortable and, one might say, universal slide for bathing a newborn baby and an older baby. The peculiarity of this slide is precisely in its material; such a product can be placed both in a children’s bathtub and in an adult bathtub, but in addition, the foam slide is very convenient to place in the shower. This slide can rightfully be considered the safest for a baby: there are no hard elements, no fastening, no hanging position, the baby just lies in warm water on a soft mattress.
The Dolphin bathing slide is a durable plastic slide that is the ideal choice for bathing large children. This product is designed for children aged from birth to 8-9 months. High sides and a four-point suction cup mounting system will allow you to use this slide in a bathroom of any type and shape. It can also be successfully used in a shower stall - the size is compact and the fixation is reliable.

Below are some of the most popular brands of baby slides that are available in abundance today:

Bebe Confort swimming slide is a convenient and extremely practical option in its own way. Well, firstly, this slide has in its design all the elements necessary for the baby’s convenience - latches, an anti-slip system and a comfortable bedding, and secondly, it is foldable, which means it is convenient to store it and, if necessary, take it with you.
Geoby bathing slide - this type of swimming slide is also commonly called a cot. Quite a convenient option, but, however, not for all types of baths. In a bathtub with a rounded bottom, such a slide will lose the lion's share of its stability, and this is extremely unsafe for the baby.
The Angelcare bathing slide is one of the most comfortable bathing accessories for a newborn today. Well, firstly, this slide is made of durable plastic and equipped with an anti-slip system both on the stand itself and on the base for the baby. This slide is convenient for a baby bath, a large bathtub, and a shower stall.

Preparatory procedures

You can proceed to bathing the baby in the bath only after all preparatory activities have been completed. Parents must take into account the following nuances of the process:

For bathing, it is advisable to use a special bath for children. Before starting the process, it is doused with boiling water and washed with soap. This will eliminate all harmful viruses and bacteria.

It is recommended to take the first bath in boiled water, which has been cooled to the desired temperature. If there is a risk that rust has entered the composition, then it is advisable to add a little potassium permanganate to it.

The water temperature is measured using a baby thermometer. If such a device is not at hand, then mommy can dip her elbow into the liquid. The optimal temperature range is from 37 to 38 degrees.

Medicinal herbs help take care of the baby’s delicate skin. Before using them, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician. Plants have a calming and anti-allergenic effect.

It is permissible to use detergents that have been specially designed for children. Even this soap is advisable to use only a couple of times a week. The hair washing procedure is performed once a week.

You should also choose a washcloth from a children's store. For its manufacture, only natural fabrics should be used. Otherwise, the risk of injury to the baby’s skin increases.

If a child is afraid to bathe in the bathtub, then several special toys should be placed in it. They should be bright and attract the baby's attention. In this case, washing will turn into an exciting game.

At the end of the procedure, the baby’s body must be rinsed with clean water from a pre-prepared ladle.

After the bath, the baby should be wrapped in a clean diaper. Adult terry towels can also be used.

Your baby's skin should also be properly cared for after bathing. For this you will need tampons, sticks, and diapers. You should also have hydrogen peroxide and brilliant green on hand. They are used in case of detection of wounds on the skin.

After drying, a clean child is dressed in a fresh set of underwear.

Kids love swimming with a circle

Types and their photos

The selection of slides for bathing babies is simply huge. This device is represented on the market by many manufacturers. The choice of a suitable option is limited only by the financial abilities of the parents and the characteristics of the bath.

Plastic anatomical

This is the simplest and most uncomplicated accessory.

All curves are made in such a way that they repeat the shape of the baby’s spine, fix the body in a certain position, allow free movement of the legs and arms, and are also securely attached to the bathtub.

Plastic slides are produced with special design features:

Suction cups at several points allow you to firmly secure the product in the bath.
Additional straps help to better secure the baby during bathing, so that parents can be distracted for a short time and not worry about the child.
Plastic fasteners that serve to fix the slide to the sides of the bath.
Additional coatings made of various anti-slip materials.

Some products are made for special bathtub models, so this must be taken into account when choosing an accessory. This product is produced in large quantities and is produced by stamping, which reduces its cost. Thus, the end consumer receives a high-quality, reliable product at a relatively low price.

We invite you to watch a video about an anatomical slide for bathing a baby:

With silicone perforated surface (removable)

This type of slide differs from a plastic product by the presence of a special silicone coating on the surface.

The perforated structure of the mat ensures that the baby slips less in the water, distributing the body load more evenly across the entire plane of the product. Suitable for children aged 0 to 5-6 months, as it is uncomfortable for the baby to sit in it.

The mesh structure has antibacterial properties and allows water to pass through perfectly. This allows you to shower your baby even with jets from the shower. The cost of a slide with silicone mesh is slightly higher than its plastic counterpart .

Stepped

The peculiarity of the product is its ability to raise the child’s head above the surface of the water by 8 cm. This allows parents to watch the baby, and the baby to feel comfortable, look at everything around, and take water procedures safely.

The slide consists of a solid frame, which is covered with soft, pleasant-to-touch fabrics. This ensures uniform positioning of the body during bathing and reduces slipping on the surface of the accessory.

Fabric

A fabric bathing slide or hammock is a device made of mesh material with special hooks for fixing on the sides of the bath.

During the hygiene procedure, the device adapts to the characteristics and weight of the child’s body, making bathing more comfortable.

Among the advantages:

Caring for the material after the procedure is very simple - the fabric is washable, dries quickly, and can be used for a long time without loss of quality.
Minimum space is required for storage.
The cost is relatively low.

There are some disadvantages of the product:

The presented fabric slide models are designed for children from six months of age.
Low-quality accessories of this type are easily torn and short-lived.
When bathing, parents should constantly monitor the baby so that he does not become too submerged in the water.

We invite you to watch a video about a fabric bathing slide:

Built-in

The product is a complex of a slide and a bath that cannot be separated. This significantly reduces the period of use, since it is only suitable for children up to 6 months.

Advantages of the accessory:

All curves follow the anatomical features of the baby’s body, which guarantees a comfortable position during bathing.
Hygiene procedures can be carried out by one person without outside help.
Even with a strong floundering baby, the likelihood of choking or taking in water in the mouth is minimal.

Disadvantages of the product:

Use is limited in time, the cost of the slide is justified for only six months.
It is problematic to turn the baby over or change his position in the process.
The child's freedom is limited, there is no opportunity to swim.
The cost is higher than plastic, fabric, foam products.

When choosing such a slide, you should weigh all the disadvantages and advantages, since after 6 months you need to throw it away, give it away, or hide it with unnecessary things.

Foam rubber product

The most budget-friendly option for baby bathing accessories.

In many families, for the first days, parents opt for foam rubber material and design.

Among the advantages:

Low price.
Anatomical shape, the material follows the natural curves of the baby's body.
The baby's movements are not constrained by soft material.
The weight is distributed over the entire surface of the slide.

Among the disadvantages:

The material strongly absorbs water, which makes it vulnerable to mechanical stress when twisted, and often breaks.
Short service life.
Poor circulation in the foam makes it slightly colder than the environment over the course of the procedure.
It is necessary for parents to constantly supervise the child, since the slide is not high.

Due to the low cost of the product, you can replace a damaged or worn slide several times.

With mattress

The device is suitable for children weighing no more than 8 kg. The base uses porous or sponge materials, which ensure the safety of the child when positioned correctly.

The accessory is attached to the surface of an adult or children's bathtub and is equipped with a special loop. After use, it is hung by it, the water drains, and the mattress dries on its own.

Advantages of a slide-mattress:

Easy to install and securely fixed.
Convenient to use.
Safe for baby.
Easy to clean: just rinse the surface with clean water, dirt is easily washed off from the dirt-repellent coating.

The main disadvantages include limited use, since a growing baby does not fit along the entire length of the product.

Firm base with soft lining

This design is the optimal combination of a rigid, strong base and a soft lining for the child’s body.

The slide ideally protects the baby from discomfort when coming into contact with hard plastic, prevents sliding on it and securely fixes it in a comfortable position with the head raised above the surface of the water.

Advantages of a plastic slide with fabric covering:

The cape is easily removed and washed, ensuring the baby is always clean and hygienic.
The slide is securely fixed in a large or children's bathtub.
The chair-shaped lounger can be folded for movement and storage, and can be transformed into a chair, which allows it to be used for up to a year.

Among the disadvantages is a slide in the shape of a lounger , on which the baby can slide.

Algorithm for the bathing process

After preparing everything you need, you can start bathing your newborn in a bathtub with a slide.

To do this, perform the following manipulations:

We advise you to read: First bath of a newborn baby

The bath should be installed in such a way that during the process the woman’s back remains straight and no unnecessary stress is placed on it. Thanks to this, the woman will not get tired during the process, which means she will always feel cheerful.
A slight tilt will help prevent the newborn's head from plunging into the water. It should be organized by placing several books under the edge of the bath.
Next, boiled water is poured into the vessel and diluted with cold water to 37 degrees. The two compositions should be carefully moved between each other; only in this case can uniform heating be achieved.
The herbal decoction is added only after filtering.
You should place a vessel with hot water next to you. It will need to be added if the rest of the liquid cools. This should be done from the edge of the bath so as not to burn the crumbs.
Place a towel roll under the baby's head in the bath.
The baby's body must be immersed slowly. Only the head should remain above the water, which is conveniently located on the pillow. Mommy is advised to keep her hand on the baby’s tummy all the time.
After bath procedures and thorough drying, the baby will benefit from air baths.

The baby should be watered with a small ladle. Periodically, the liquid should flow down the woman’s hand. Thanks to this, it will be possible to further control its temperature.

You should buy a bathtub that is at least 65 centimeters in length. In this case, the baby will feel as comfortable as possible in it.

At the first stage, you should carefully wash the baby's legs and arms. At the same time, he must remain wrapped in his diaper. Mommy must make sure that the baby does not freeze.

Some pediatricians advise avoiding soap during the first bath. However, if the parents decide to take it, then the foam after the procedure should be thoroughly rinsed with water.

After bathing, the baby should be wrapped in a towel or diaper that absorbs moisture well.

After finishing the procedure, the baby should be thoroughly dried with a towel.

What to bathe a newborn in a bathtub with and without a slide

When accustoming your baby to water procedures, you can start washing him with soap or adding herbal infusions to the water the first time. Sometimes other means are used.

In potassium permanganate

Bathing with the addition of potassium permanganate is most often prescribed to children with an unhealed wound in the navel area. But in order not to harm the baby, you need to know how to properly dilute the substance in water.

The solution for bathing a baby is prepared in this way: add 5 or 7 small crystals of potassium permanganate to a glass of warm water. Then stir the liquid with a spoon until the crystals are completely dissolved. The finished solution should have a light purple tint without a strong odor. It is necessary to strain the resulting liquid through several layers of gauze so that there are no undissolved manganese crystals left in it. After this, the resulting solution can be poured into the prepared bathtub.

In herbal decoctions

Most often, potassium permanganate alone is not enough for bathing, so pediatricians recommend using medicinal plants. It is advisable to pre-coordinate the use of herbal decoctions with your doctor. If the newborn is prone to allergic reactions, diaper rash or atopic dermatitis is observed, it is better not to use herbal decoctions.

The following herbs are usually taken for bathing:

Chamomile medicinal.
Motherwort decoction.
Calendula and string.
Nettle.
Oak bark.

Each time the decoction must be freshly prepared; reuse is not advisable.

Important!
It is not recommended to use herbal infusions in special filter bags for bathing. Traditional medicinal plants purchased at the nearest pharmacy are much more effective.

Key rules

Bathing a baby in a large bathtub should comply with all the rules and regulations of the process. Throughout the entire procedure, the baby should be as comfortable, warm and cozy as possible. Only in this case will he be able to enjoy swimming. Parents should know how much and how to properly handle their child in the water:

The head should always be on a surface or pad. It should be washed from the forehead to the back. It will need to be rinsed with clean water. To prevent it from getting into her mouth and ears, a woman can place her hand on them. In this case, children are not afraid to swim.
It is most convenient to bathe your baby using a washcloth or cotton swab. It is convenient to apply the required amount of soap on them. It is important to thoroughly rinse all folds and the space between the fingers. If there are areas with irritation or redness, they can additionally be wiped with a decoction of medicinal herbs. Thanks to it, you will be able to get rid of diaper rash, prickly heat and other unpleasant manifestations on the skin.
While the baby is completely immersed in water, you should wash his genitals. After completing the procedure, they should be rinsed with clean water.
Cotton pads are also used to wipe the eyes. Movements should start from the outside and end at the nose. The ears are washed in the same way.

The mother should observe the change in the baby's reaction during the bathing process. If his nose or lips turn blue, he is cold. If your cheeks or face are red, you can judge that the water temperature is too high. The baby always communicates his discomfort by crying or screaming, so it is not recommended to ignore it.

What is it and why is it needed?

The essence of the process of bathing a newborn is that mom or dad should always hold the baby's head with one hand.

With your free hand you need to perform such manipulations as:

constantly pour warm water over the baby;
wash all the folds on the body, wipe between the fingers and in other places hidden from water;
add hot water for a long bath for up to 10-15 minutes;
use detergents: shampoos, baby soap, etc., while opening the bottles with one hand, carefully pouring the product into your hand and lathering it on the child’s body;
play with the baby and give toys;
upon completion of the procedure, remove from the bath, wrap the baby in a diaper, and dry with a towel;
do everything to make the bathing process safe, enjoyable, and useful.

Even for a virtuoso it is almost impossible to do everything with one hand without turning over bottles, splashing water and other troubles. The swimming slide will free up both hands , which will make the process several times easier.

The other advantages compared to this are just a nice bonus:

Parents' hands will always be clean and free, which will make manipulation easier and protect the newborn from slipping.
There is no need to be in an uncomfortable position for a long time without the ability to somehow change it or alleviate pain in the legs, lower back, back or arm that the baby’s head is holding.
It is more comfortable for a child to lie on a solid surface made of pleasant material than to be suspended on 2 points of support - the back of his head on the parent’s hand and his buttocks at the bottom of the bath.
Thanks to the design features of the device, the baby’s head is always above the water and the level of the body, which allows you to look at everything around, protects against water falling into the respiratory tract, and allows parents to observe the baby.

The need for a device for bathing a newborn is undeniable due to the benefits that the parents and the child himself will receive.

Features of bathing at different ages

As the child grows older, he begins to like water procedures more and more. That is why parents must be patient and make the adjustment process more enjoyable.

Up to 6 weeks, it is advisable to bathe the baby every day. He will feel as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process if you first wrap his body in a towel.

For up to three months, when bathing, it is advisable to use a special bath in which the baby will lie comfortably.

At the age of six months, the baby can already take water procedures with his mother in a large bathtub. Thanks to this, the baby will be able to swim and explore the world around him.

At six months, the baby should already be sitting. As a rule, during this period he begins to show a genuine interest in water and playing in it. Parents can use either a special bath or a plastic chair. It is secured to the sides using special Velcro. At the same time, the most comfortable conditions are created for the baby.

Pine baths

Perhaps the most effective soothing “water procedure” is pine baths. They have a complex effect on the nervous system:

pine needle extract soothes;
the pine smell lifts the mood of capricious children;
By adding pine needle extract to the water, you will eliminate headaches in your baby and relieve spasms;
pine needle extract helps improve the functions of the cardiovascular system;
adding pine needles to water is indicated for rickets and malnutrition;
pine baths improve sleep;
vapors from pine needles promote better sputum removal.

To prepare a pine bath, you need to dilute the extract in the water collected for the baby according to the recommendations of the doctor who prescribed these procedures. The extract comes in liquid form and in the form of briquettes. As a rule, experts prescribe diluting 1 tsp. concentrated solution or 1 strip of solid substance in 10 liters of water.
For the first time, bathing time will last only 5 minutes, no more. At the same time, you should monitor the baby’s body’s reaction to the pine needle extract: during the day, assess the condition of its skin, the baby’s behavior, and the appearance of allergic symptoms. If the baby feels normal, you can continue to use pine baths and increase the time they take. If you notice negative reactions, consult your doctor; he may replace such procedures with baths with motherwort or valerian.
The doctor should prescribe you not only the concentration of the extract, but also the regimen of the sessions. They can be done daily or every other day, alternating pine baths with regular ones or with the addition of soothing decoctions.
Pine baths are usually prescribed in a course of 10-15 sessions.

You can buy pine needle powder at the pharmacy, but when you use it, there is a lot of “garbage” in the water. You can also use natural pine needles. In folk medicine, about 300-500 grams are used to prepare medicinal baths. fresh needles, which are placed in a clean canvas bag and lowered into a warm bath. But still, the easiest way to make baths for a newborn is to use a ready-made extract.

Duration of bathing

The process is recommended to be carried out every day at the same time. In this case, the baby can quickly get used to bathing. The first procedures should not exceed seven minutes.

It is advisable to extend bathing if the baby likes to flounder in the water. If he is already two months old, then the procedure can be continued for about 20 minutes.

After six months, water procedures may well last forty minutes a day. It is important that the child has sufficiently warm water during this time. Otherwise, he may catch a cold and get sick.

How to wash properly for the first time?

The first bath of a child with a new accessory is an important task for parents and the baby himself. How to bathe for the first time? You need to take care of the following points:

The slide and bath must be clean before use.
Before placing your baby in the water, you need to make sure that the accessory is warm and will not cause discomfort to the child.
The water level should be approximately in the center of the slide.
There is a covering or a diaper spread on the plastic surface.
The bathtub and the slide-shaped structure fixed in it do not wobble and are located steadily.

Upon completion of the procedure, everything should be thoroughly rinsed and disinfected. Keep the slide and bath dry .

It is necessary to ensure that the baby does not get scared when bathing in the bath and feels confident. The first positive impression will allow babies and their parents to look forward to bathing with joy.

Preparatory stage

Preparation for bathing includes heating the water (the very first procedures are carried out using boiled water, not running water), preparing accessories and their disinfection, placing all the necessary detergents and, if necessary, medicines within arm’s reach, placing all accessories for the baby after the procedure in a convenient place.

For bath treatment:

Concentrated solution of soda and water.
Detergent for children (you can use liquid soap).
Aqueous solution of potassium permanganate.

The most important thing is to arrange everything so that it is convenient to take the necessary thing when necessary, so as not to be distracted from the baby for a long time and not to leave him unattended.

The child needs to maintain heat balance, especially in the first months of life . Even in summer, you should immediately wrap up well after bathing so that the steamed baby does not cool down suddenly. This reduces the likelihood of a cold, to which the baby’s unformed immunity is so sensitive.

What will you need?

To ensure that the bathing process is continuous and the mother is less distracted from her baby, you should ensure that you have the following supplies:

Baby soap, solid or liquid.
Bath salt, medicinal concentrate, herbal decoction, solution of potassium permanganate in water, etc. using.
Hair shampoo for children.
A washcloth or other device for washing the baby.
A container of hot water and a cup or ladle for pouring into the bath.

The use of herbal decoctions, bath salts, medicinal concentrates and other specific solutions is discussed with the pediatrician.

You cannot, at your own discretion, add any product when bathing without firm confidence that, for example, the baby is not allergic to the composition or it will not harm him.

Temperature and water level

The best water temperature for the procedure is between 34 °C and 37 °C. It is possible that from 1 month of life it will be possible to use water at a temperature of 38 ° C, but this should be a short-term act, preferably at night. When the baby steams, it is easier for him to fall asleep and he behaves more calmly.

Such activities should be carried out after consultation with a pediatrician, since high water temperatures cause rapid breathing and heart palpitations in newborns . Instead of a calming effect, children may behave restlessly and feel an imbalance in their body temperature.

Step-by-step instruction

Swimming with a slide is a labor-intensive process, but it greatly facilitates all necessary operations with the baby.

For a successful bath, you must do the following:

Disinfect and rinse the bath and its accessories.
Install the bath, place the slide in it and ensure that the structure is securely fastened.
Pour water up to the mark on the slide, if there is none, then approximately to its middle.
Prepare a container of hot water and a ladle near the bathing area.
Place a thin diaper or cloth on the slide, if the latter is not equipped with its own cover.
Undress the baby and place him on the slide.
After 2-3 minutes, when the child gets used to the water and has played a little, wash him with soap and a soft washcloth; all folds and hard-to-reach places should be washed, and all grease and secretions should be removed.
The head can be washed without using shampoo or with a small amount of it, and thoroughly washed off with water from the bath.
For the remaining 10-15 minutes, the baby plays and simply splashes in the water.

The head must always be in water . To do this, wrap the top of the head with a diaper and constantly moisten it with warm water from the bath.

Wetting the head must be done so that the unfused part of the skull does not cool down; the place is very sensitive for up to six months.

We invite you to watch a video on how to properly bathe your baby using a slide:

Actions after the procedure

It is necessary to prepare in advance the following accessories for the baby after bathing:

A diaper for wrapping your baby immediately after a bath.
A warm towel and diaper for placing the baby on it during hygiene procedures.
Ear sticks for cleaning ears and nose (if necessary).
Body oil or cream.
Scissors or nail clippers.
Products for caring for the umbilical cord (if the child still has traces of dried blood or mucus) are usually peroxide, brilliant green, cotton swabs or discs.
Clothes for changing clothes or diapers (if the baby is swaddled).
Warm towel or light blanket.

After water procedures, hygiene care comes down to the following actions::

The baby should be taken out carefully and quickly so that he does not cool down. A newborn is never wiped. Very delicate skin requires gentle treatment: wrapping it in a light diaper made of natural materials that absorb moisture well.
The baby is placed on a warm towel or blanket covered with a regular diaper, a waterproof napkin measuring 60x60 cm and a regular diaper for hygiene procedures.
First of all, clean the ears with cotton swabs. It is better to use special children's ones, which are sold at the pharmacy. Their design for newborns is the safest, as it does not allow deep penetration into the ear canal.
A cap is put on to protect the baby's head from cooling.
All nails are trimmed as needed.
The body is treated with baby cream or special oil; you can do simple exercises for the child, since it is after bathing that his body is most relaxed and pliable. Even inexperienced mothers will not harm their baby with stretching exercises.
A diaper is put on, and if necessary, the skin of the buttocks is treated with powder or a special anti-diaper rash cream.
The prepared clothes are put on or the baby is swaddled.
Wrap yourself in a light blanket or warm towel. Now the baby is ready for feeding and sound sleep.

We invite you to watch a video about what procedures should be carried out with your baby after bathing:

Post-bath procedures

When the baby has already had a good bath, he should be wrapped in a soft towel. Most likely, he will want to sleep, so a woman can perform the following manipulations:

Lightly rock or feed the baby.
The baby should also be placed in a supine position and all folds should be thoroughly wiped with a clean towel.
If necessary, they must also be treated with hygiene products.
Put on a diaper.
To protect your baby's ears from colds, you should immediately put on a cap.

After all the manipulations performed, the baby will fall asleep sweetly. When bathing, you should follow the basic recommendations of your pediatrician. In this case, they will become a pleasant pastime for the child and his parents.

A variety of bathtub models for bathing newborns

There are a large number of different models available on the modern market. There are baths with a built-in thermometer, slide and even scales. Everyone chooses for themselves a model that will be convenient to use.

There are several options that can be found in the store.

Baths for babies

Regular plastic

This classic bath option is the most popular among mothers. Like all devices, this bath has its pros and cons. It is made of safe plastic that is easy to clean and handle. There is a lot of space in it, and it can suit a child up to 3 years old.

But, as for newborns, one person cannot handle the baby in such a bath. Definitely need help. Or you can buy a special slide that is attached to the bottom of the bath. You can put a child on such a device, and he will be in a semi-horizontal position. The anatomical slide can be removed when the baby grows up and can sit in the bath independently.

Which slide to choose

The children's goods store offers models for newborns - plastic, mesh and fabric, on stands and on foam rubber, plain and with patterns. Each manufacturer tries to come up with its own special design that can compete with many similar ones, so parents have plenty to choose from.

Some tips

We recommend reading: What herbs are suitable for bathing babies?

When purchasing any slide, pay attention to the strength of the attachment to the bathtub or other surface. Manufacturers usually provide fastening with hooks or suction cups. An unsecured slide will move around, creating inconvenience.
The slide is installed firmly only on a flat surface. If the bottom of the bathtub is rounded, the device will be unstable.
The slide should be made of a material that prevents the child from sliding, or be equipped with stops so that the child does not slide down into the water. Otherwise, you will have to constantly monitor the position of the baby.
Water is filled into the bath to about half the height of the slide, so that the little one is in the water no higher than the neck, or better yet, up to the chest.

How to prepare a bath for your baby

As mentioned above, before each bathing the baby, the bath should be washed with soda.

Next, install auxiliary devices, if any, and draw water and measure its temperature. Separately, fill a jug with water to rinse your baby with it at the end of the bath.

Prepare a large soft towel made of natural material, as well as things you will wear after bathing, baby cream or oil, and powder.

You can start swimming.

After swimming

In order for the child to have a pleasant bathing experience, after the procedure you should also adhere to certain rules:

To keep your child’s immunity strong, you need to finish bathing with a douche of cool water.
Next, the child should be placed on a terry towel and carefully blotted with water. Under no circumstances should you rub your baby's delicate skin.
A dry baby can be carried in a towel to the changing table and dressed in dry clothes.

After bathing, he should fall asleep quickly. If he is too active, it is better to stop cool douches.

The room in which the baby will sleep after bathing should be warm. The air temperature should not be less than 18 degrees, but not higher than twenty. It is also advisable to control the air humidity in the room; it should be between 50 and 70%.

Preparing for a swim

Before bathing a newborn in a bath with soap, a number of preparatory steps are carried out so as not to be distracted by anything during the procedure, especially if everything is done by one person.

How to prepare for baby dipping?

Disinfect the bath. Using baking soda, thoroughly clean the entire inner surface, rinse and pour over boiling water.
Pour water or infusion of medicinal herbs and plants.
Prepare baby soap or a special mild shampoo designed for bathing babies.
Measure the temperature of the water or broth - it should be between 34–37 degrees. If you don’t have a thermometer, then by putting your elbow in it, you can easily determine whether the water is hot or cold. Normal for bathing a newborn will feel pleasantly warm for an adult.
Place a clean diaper on the bottom of the container. This way the baby’s body will touch the soft fabric and not the plastic container.

For water procedures you will also need:

soft washcloth or cloth;
a ladle to water the newborn;
powder or cream for treating folds on the body;
soft towel;
diaper, clothing or diaper to wrap the newborn after bathing;
non-sinking toys for distraction and entertainment.

If parents decide to use not plain water for bathing, but a decoction of medicinal herbs, then the following are best suited to strengthen the growing body:

series;
Oak bark;
chamomile;
nettle;
St. John's wort.

It is not recommended to use a solution of potassium permanganate for infants due to its low effectiveness and the risk of burning the delicate mucous membranes of the body. Herbal soothing infusions in filter bags, which are sold at a fairly high price, have not proven their usefulness; it is much more profitable and effective to use traditional dried herbs from the pharmacy.

How to bathe correctly for the first time

The first feeding, the first sleep and a walk, probably even these manipulations raise fewer questions than how to bathe a newborn in a bathtub. For the first time, water procedures, if there are no contraindications from a doctor, can be performed the very next day after returning from the maternity hospital. The first bath should not be long - the baby can stay in the water for longer than 7-8 minutes. Subsequently, the time increases to 10–15 and reaches 35–40 minutes, provided that both the little person and the parents enjoy the process and experience positive emotions.

Before the wound on the navel heals, the baby is bathed in boiled water cooled to body temperature. Herbal decoctions are not used during this period. In this case, the liquid level should not exceed 10 cm. During the first water procedure, the baby is dipped into water in a diaper, then gradually opened.

When bathing a child who was born a few days ago for the first time, you need to treat the umbilical wound with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, dropping 2-3 drops of the product onto this place. When the navel is dry, you can drop green stuff onto it with the same pipette for disinfection and quick healing.

Rules for bathing a baby in a large bath

Firstly, before each bathing the baby, the bath needs to be washed . You should not use various chemical cleaning agents for this; ordinary soda and a brush will work well.

Of course, it won’t be possible to boil water for a large bathroom, but the water should be as clean . Therefore, if you do not have a water filter installed, you will have to get one when your baby arrives.

You should not take a full bath of water; the baby’s shoulders and head should be visible above its surface.

When bathing in a large bathtub, you need to use various devices that simplify the process and increase its safety: a bathing slide, a hammock, a circle, special hats, etc.

It is better for two adults to bathe the baby - one should hold the baby, the other should wash it.

What should be the water temperature for bathing a baby ↑

The same applies to the temperature of the water for bathing an infant. In general, it is believed that water at 37 degrees will be comfortable for a baby. You can find out the temperature by measuring it with a special thermometer for water. In addition, the degree of suitability of water can be further understood by briefly dipping your elbow into it. If you do not feel that the water is hot or too cold, then the temperature is suitable for bathing a child.

E. Komarovsky suggests starting swimming at 37 degrees, reducing the water temperature every day to 25 degrees. By bringing the water temperature to room temperature, says Komarovsky, parents will provide their child with all the conditions for hardening. In principle, the doctor’s advice is not satisfactory, but not all newborns can easily tolerate swimming in lukewarm water, since they are simply cold. In this case, you can advise making the water a little hotter, having learned experimentally what is the most comfortable option for the child. Hardening can be ensured by listening to another piece of advice from E. Komarovsky - do not close the bathroom door when bathing the baby, thereby eliminating a large temperature difference in the rooms.

The last thing you should pay attention to is accessories for bathing a newborn in the bathtub. Or rather, their absence. Because babies, as a rule, are washed without soap and a washcloth, adding bathing products in the form of gel or liquid soap only once a week. The washing process itself looks like a gentle stroking and massage of the baby in water, without effort, pressing or rubbing. A little later, from 3-4 months, you can start using a soft mitten or sponge for washing (preferably natural).

So, the procedure for bathing newborn children in a large bathtub involves the following simple scheme: choose a time for bathing - clean the bathtub by this point - draw water at the desired temperature - undress the baby - lower it into the water - rinse the face and head - wash the groin area, perineum and folds - poured water from the shower/jug over it - took the baby out of the water, wrapped him in a towel. The whole process takes from 10 to 15 minutes of pure time. And for washing to be more than just a hygienic procedure, you should bathe in a good mood, with songs, smiles and warm cooing from mom and dad.

Photo and video: How to properly bathe a baby in a large bathtub

The child lived in an aquatic environment in his mother’s tummy for 9 months, so the baby feels quite confident in the water. Up to 3 months the child retains the ability to swim. If you want to teach your baby to swim from an early age, hurry up