A heating pad for a newborn against colic: how to choose and use. Rating

Do heating pads help with colic?

A heating pad helps with colic due to the fact that its warmth reduces spasms and pain. This method has long been used for tummy problems in newborns. Suffice it to remember how our mothers warmed the diaper well with an iron and then applied it to the child’s stomach to reduce pain.

Dry heat is effective for colic. And this is confirmed by clinical trials. It’s not for nothing that pediatricians recommend wearing a baby in a sling so that his stomach is in contact with the mother’s body. This allows you to alleviate the condition of intestinal colic.

Types of heating pads

When choosing a heating pad for a newborn, parents should take into account that there are 5 types. They come in gel, salt, water, electric and fabric. To make the right choice, it is important to know the features of each.

Gel

These are baby heating pads that are filled with gel. They look like silicone pads and can be covered with fabric. There are also gel belts for colic in newborns. They are more convenient to use in the first month of life, since the baby sleeps mainly on its side. The pillow will have to be placed not on the stomach, but next to it.

Some manufacturers, for example, NIP, make comfortable heating pads of anatomical shape.

Instructions for using the gel heating pad:

1. The product needs to be heated. To do this, place in hot water for a couple of minutes or in the microwave for 15–60 seconds. Boiling water should not be used.
2. Check the heating level on yourself to ensure that the heating pad is not too hot.
3. Apply to baby's tummy after feeding. Do not use during meals.
4. After 30 minutes, check how warm it is. If it is very small, it must be removed, otherwise it will turn out that the stomach will warm the product.

Within a few minutes after exposure to heat, muscle and intestinal tension is relieved, the baby calms down, and gases begin to pass.

Thermal procedures can be repeated if the baby again begins to be capricious and tuck his legs towards his stomach.

Pros of a gel heating pad:

• safe for children;
• stays warm for a long time.

Salt

Warmers are pads containing sodium acetate (sodium salt of acetic acid) inside. They are the size of an adult's palm and can be round or square. Some manufacturers produce them in the shape of bears and other animals.

The salt heating pad should be applied to the newborn’s stomach after its activation. It's easy to do. There is a button on the package that, when pressed, starts a chemical reaction. The salt begins to harden, causing heat to be released.

The maximum temperature is 55 ⁰C, but it lasts only a couple of minutes. Afterwards, you can use an anti-colic heating pad for 45–60 minutes. During this time it remains warm.

The comfortable temperature for using a salt heating pad is 37-37.5 ⁰С. To measure temperature indicators, you can use a non-contact thermometer or place the product on your elbow. There should be no burning sensation.

Pros of a salt heating pad:

• safe for children
• keeps warm for a long time
• comfortable

Electrical

To heat up an electric heating pad, you need to plug it into an outlet. Because of this, parents are afraid to use it for colic in newborns. Often such a heating pad is placed in a baby’s crib to warm up the sleeping area.

Despite the concerns of mothers, the manufacturer assures that electrical products are absolutely safe, even if liquid gets on them.

Pros of an electric heating pad:

• keeps warm as long as needed;
• There is a thermostat with which you can regulate the temperature.

Minuses:

• does not inspire confidence regarding safety, since we are talking about electricity;
• it is inconvenient to use if the network is far from the crib;
• It takes a long time to heat up and cools down quickly when turned off.

Mermen

Many have known him since childhood. They need to be filled with hot water, but not boiling water. These heating pads for colic in children are made from thermoplastic or rubber. They can be in velor, plush or other cases.

How to use water heating pads to warm a newborn:

1. Fill the product 2/3 with water, the temperature of which is no more than 37.5–37.8 ⁰C.
2. Release excess air.
3. Close the lid tightly to prevent water from spilling in a horizontal position.
4. Check the product for leaks.
5. Apply to baby's tummy 5-7 minutes after feeding.

After use, dry the product and store in a dark place.

Water heating pads come in different sizes; for colic in newborns, you should choose the smallest ones. 0.7 l will do.

About Us

When parents are faced with the problem of colic in a baby, some apply a flannel diaper or heating pad heated with an iron to the tummy, some run to the pharmacy for dill water, and some use modern medical products such as warming belt “Happy tummy”. Warming belt “Happy Tummy” – a unique development of Russian specialists, has no analogues on the territory of the country. The belt is made of thin and pleasant to the touch elastic material, which will not cause discomfort to the baby even during sleep. It gently squeezes the baby’s tummy, and the insulated terry cloth gently warms the navel area, thereby helping the passage of gas and relieving pain. The product has a wide, convenient Velcro strap that allows you to quickly adjust its size. The kit includes a gel temperature accumulator, which, after preheating, is inserted into a special front pocket on the belt.

Benefits of using the “Happy Tummy” belt:

• A natural way to get instant relief from cramps and pain;
• A built-in gel heat accumulator placed in the belt guarantees heat retention for a long time, which will calm the baby and reduce pain from colic;
• Even distribution of heat throughout the tummy;
• Light squeezing will facilitate the passage of gases in the tummy;
• The product is designed specifically for young children;
• Ready for use in 15-60 seconds;
• Easy to clean and wash;
• Easy to use, allows you to quickly adjust the size;
• Only safe and environmentally friendly materials were used in the production of the belt.

Instructions for use:

1. Before use, be sure to check that the battery is heated to the required temperature (45-50 * C) and does not cause a burning sensation when in contact with the inner surface of the hand. You can warm up the battery in 2 ways: in a microwave oven (the battery, completely covered with water, is placed in a plastic container and heated for 30-90 seconds, depending on the set power) and in boiling water (the battery is poured with boiling water and left for 3-4 minutes, after why you need to wipe it dry).
2. Carefully insert the gel temperature battery into the front pocket of the belt.
3. Lay the belt out on a flat surface.
4. Place the dressed baby with his tummy on the belt so that the battery is located in the navel area.
5. Pull the belt tightly around your tummy, check the position of the battery and adjust it if necessary.

Precautionary measures:

• It is prohibited to use a heat accumulator heated above 50 * C - this can lead to burns;
• If the heat accumulator is heated in a microwave oven, it must be completely immersed in water;
• You cannot use the belt for more than 25-30 minutes;
• The belt should not be overtightened;
• Do not use if skin irritation occurs;
• Do not use the belt as a children's toy;
• The belt is indicated for use in children whose umbilical wound has completely healed.

How to use a heating pad

How to use a heating pad for a newborn's tummy depends on its type. Dry ones need to be preheated, water ones need to be filled with hot water.

Use after feeding to improve the passage of gases, or during attacks of colic.

The duration of use is limited, it is worth considering the following recommendations for use:

• prolonged heating can cause a rash on the stomach;
• in summer it is better to limit the procedure to 5 minutes, in winter – to 10–15 minutes;
• Do not use the heating pad directly on the skin, apply it through a thin diaper or clothing.

TOP heating pads for newborns

The variety of heating pads for newborns is amazing, so we have selected the TOP 8 products for you.

Warmies heating toy

One of the best heating pads for newborns. Soft, made in the form of a toy, for example, an elephant, dog, monkey, bear. Infused with grain and lavender, it has a pleasant soothing aroma. Before use, you need to heat it in the microwave, two minutes is enough.

Cost from 1,500 rub.

Anti-colic heating pad NIP

Filled with gel, has an anatomical shape, small. It heats up evenly and retains heat for a long time.

Cost from 750 rub.

Happy Baby "HOT COLD PACK"

This is a small belly warmer with gel filling. Size only 18 x 15 cm. Heats up in the microwave in 30 seconds.

Cost from 180 rub.

Warming toy TM Myakishi

Filled with cherry pits, made of hypoallergenic textiles.

Cost from 470 rub.

Delta-Therm Salt warmer “Bear”

Made of PVC, dimensions 15 x 13 cm. Retains heat for up to 2 hours.

Cost from 160 rub.

Torg Lines Salt warmer

This is a self-heating dry heating pad. It warms up to 54 ⁰C, takes the shape of a heated surface, and is therefore effective.

Cost from 200 rub.

Electric heating pad Inkor

It has dimensions of 3 0 x 40 cm, there is a heating adjustment and an auto-shut-off mode. Safe to use, equipped with a removable cover.

Cost from 570 rub.

Pecorella Anti-colic belt

The heating belt for newborns is made of soft and pleasant to the touch material. Inside there is a linen bag with herbs, which needs to be heated in the microwave. The product is equipped with clamps, so it is convenient to use. Size – 57 x 12.5 cm.

Cost from 930 rub.

What is a colic belt?

This is a device designed to eliminate excess gases in the intestines of infants - a fabric tape with a gel battery to maintain heat. The belt used for colic in newborns is made from cotton: the material does not cause irritation or allergies in infants. Product length – 57 cm, width – 12.5 cm.

The device operates using heat, expanding gases in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting their natural elimination. The belt is placed around the baby's navel and secured with Velcro. The device creates light pressure, which helps get rid of colic even faster.

Belts are produced by different companies. High-quality ones – pecorella, baby nurse, “happy tummy”.

Ways to warm up the belt

Before using the device to warm your newborn's tummy, prepare the battery. Different methods are recommended for products from different companies.

To warm up the battery of the baby nurse device, follow the algorithm:

1. Take out the linen bag.
2. Place it in the microwave and set it to medium power for 20 seconds.
3. Place the heated pouch in your belt pocket and close it with the Velcro fastener.
4. Attach the product to the baby's tummy.

The “Happy Tummy” belt uses a helium bag as a battery, so the heating method is different:

1. Take the gel bag and place it in a plastic container with water.
2. Place in the microwave and heat to 50 degrees.
3. For higher temperatures, keep the container in the oven for up to 90 seconds. If you need more than a minute to warm up, use 15 second intervals.

If you don't have a microwave, use another method:

1. Place the battery in a saucepan and pour boiling water over it.
2. Leave for 4-5 minutes.
3. Remove the battery and wipe it clean. If overheated, cool slightly.

Select the appropriate method depending on the product model.

How to use the Happy Tummy Belt?

When choosing the “Happy Tummy” belt for the treatment of colic, strictly follow the instructions for use:

1. Heat the battery as described above to a temperature of 45-50 degrees.
2. Insert it into the inner pocket of the product.
3. Place the device on a flat surface.
4. Place your baby on his tummy so that he is in the middle of his waist.
5. Check how the battery is positioned.
6. Fasten the device.
7. Make sure that the product does not squeeze the baby’s stomach.

Important! Use the device to warm up for 5-15 minutes. Do not install it for a long time: prolonged exposure to heat negatively affects the child’s internal organs.

Effect

The heat produced by the belt expands the gases in the intestines and increases blood circulation. The colic goes away faster and relief comes. The device relieves spasms and eliminates pain. Since the heat is distributed evenly throughout the abdomen, the baby does not feel discomfort, and his sleep improves.