Bathing a baby with a neck brace – at what age and how often?

In today’s world, the baby bathing circle is gaining in popularity among young parents. It facilitates the process of bathing, makes it more fun for both baby and adults. If you follow the recommendations of experts, you can get unforgettable emotions.

At what age can a baby be bathed with a lap on the neck

There is no consensus on the question of what age a baby can be bathed with a lap on the neck. Pediatricians say that such procedures are prohibited until the umbilical wound has closed, to prevent its infection. In addition, in the first month the baby is adapting to the new conditions for him. It is generally accepted that bathing with a lap is not allowed before 2 months of age, although many young mothers begin to bathe their babies with a lap from as early as 1.5 months.

But, kinesiotherapist Maria Nadtochy, a specialist in neurological massage, and Alina Suvorova, an early swimming instructor, are of the opinion, The best age for swimming with a lap on the neck is from 2.5 to 3 months. The infant is past the adaptation period. In addition, in the first 2 months of life the baby holds its head badly, the neck muscles are still in a relaxed state. At this age, there is a risk of cervical trauma. When a newborn is on its stomach in a circle, it has a long and strong overextension of the neck, which is still very fragile. It turns out that the baby’s body is as if “dangling” on the neck. If he had a neck injury during childbirth, the lap will only aggravate the condition.

Babies under 3 months still have an innate swimming reflex. Afterwards it wanes. After all, it is in the aquatic environment that they originate and develop. They reflexively hold their breath under water and float well. After 3 months, when the swimming reflex wanes, the baby will begin to perceive the water as a hostile environment. Therefore, the age of 2.5 to 3 months in this regard is considered ideal.

As a rule, parents practice bathing with a lap until the child is 2 years old. If the baby likes this process, then it is possible to bathe with a circle until the age of 3 years. In this case you should look for a model that corresponds to this age.

How to choose a circle on the neck

The baby’s bathing lap consists of two separate swimming laps – inflatable chambers. They are connected to each other with Velcro. Babies usually like this accessory. With his help, the baby is safely immersed in an adult bath, swimming in it, moving his arms and legs.

It is best to go shopping for a lap together with your child, make a preliminary selection. Many young parents have an understandable question, what to pay attention to when buying a product. First of all, make sure that the accessory does not emit a specific acrid smell, that its seams are strong and safe. Pay attention to whether there are no visible holes on the circle. Although, there are small holes inconspicuous to the eye, which can be found when taking water procedures. Therefore, before placing the child in the bath with a circle, dip the accessory separately into the water, check its quality.

Inflate the circle, see if it is comfortable for the baby. If he is uncomfortable, he will immediately inform you about it. The distance between the child’s neck and the inside edge of the accessory should be approximately 3mm. Your baby’s chin should be positioned precisely in the notch, which is specifically designed for this purpose.

How to choose a lap

Selecting a circle to the baby, it is necessary to clearly observe the following rules:

1. Match the weight.

2. Age-appropriate.

3. The lap should not allow water to pass in the neck area. Otherwise, a child may swallow water.

The first two points can be taken into account when buying, they are indicated on the marking of the product, but the correspondence of the circle with the baby’s neck can only be checked by experience. It is better to make a purchase in a children’s store. Thus increasing the chances of buying a quality product. And in the case of size mismatch, you can make a replacement product or make the age of money.

What to look for when buying a lap

Early swimming instructors advisewhen choosing a baby’s neck lap, pay attention to the following points:

1. Size. Today there are models for bathing babies in the first 6 months of life, over six months, and for children 3 years old. The only difference in models is the difference in the size of the inner ring, which directly contacts the child’s neck.

2. Baby’s weight.

3. Materials. Usually this swimming accessory is made of latex and PVC. Both types of material are environmentally friendly.

4. Seams. The seams should only be internal, so that they do not chafe the baby’s delicate neck.

5. Clasps. Locks can be made of plastic or velcro. The first type is considered more reliable, but less convenient to put on, especially if the mother alone copes with bathing a child. Velcro is easier to use, but it is important that they do not collapse in the water. Whichever option you choose, the clasps should be completely smooth.

6. Design. The front of the circle should be made in the form of a horseshoe with a notch, for the child’s chin. This allows the head not to slip while bathing. There are also models with a handle, which are considered more convenient for parents.

The benefits of bathing with a lap

Swimming with a lap is less troublesome for parents. The mother now does not need to keep the baby in the water in his arms. The baby has the ability to freely move in the bath from one side to the other. In addition, he is not frightened of water, because there is no unexpected water in the eyes and mouth.The benefits of bathing:

1. muscle strengthening;

2. Development of swimming skills;

3. better oxygenation of the body;

4. better brain development;

5. Strengthening of the immune system;

6. Improvement of sleep;

7. development of the respiratory system.

Many mothers have noticed that children who are able to swim freely, which is ensured by the use of a lap, suffer less from colic than their peers who do not have this opportunity.

Harmful to swimming

Despite the undeniable advantages, there are alsoNegative aspects of early swimming:

1. vegetative reactions in the form of blushing of the skin, covering it with “gooseflesh”;

2. Otitis in case of water in the ear;

3. Overexcitation of the child, sleep problems.

Before you begin early swimming with your child, you should consult a pediatrician, neurologist, trauma therapist. After experts assess the baby’s condition, you can begin swimming with a lap on the neck. If swimming has been discontinued for some time due to illness, it may also be resumed only after consultation with the doctor.

Contraindications to swimming

Despite the obvious benefits of the procedure,Swimming is previously prohibited in the following cases:

1. For viral and cold-related illnesses:

2. In case of redness, irritation, and violation of the integrity of the skin;

3. injuries;

4. Neurological disease, which is accompanied by cramps;

5. Congenital heart defect;

6. Increased intracranial pressure;

7. If you have low or high muscle tone;

8. increased temperature.

Also, do not insist on swimming if the baby is cranky. It is better to postpone the procedure, postpone it to the next day.

Pros of the lap

Using a lap when bathing infants provides the followingUndeniable pluses:

1. Getting the infant freedom in the water, he can safely flounder;

2. complete safety;

3. The child’s head is reliably protected by the product, which eliminates the possibility of water ingestion;

4. The accessory does not cause irritation and allergies;

5. Parents are spared the need to stand in an uncomfortable position while bathing their child;

6. Availability of durable, hard-wearing clasps;

7. A notch in the front of the lap helps to keep the chin comfortable;

8. No need to buy a baby bath.

Many circles of bright colors are available for sale, there are models with toys, rattles that turn swimming into an exciting game.

The disadvantages of the lap

A swimming lap also has disadvantages, Which are much less than the pros, but they must be considered:

1. Increases the load on the spine and cervical spine;

2. Chubby baby will be difficult to fasten the circle on the neck;

3. Have to give up swimming with a circle at high or low muscle tone, which is not uncommon in infants;

4. it is not comfortable to put on a lap by yourself.

After the baby grows up, there will be little room in the bathtub, usually this happens at the age of 4 months. Then you can consider bathing with a circle in the pool, where there are special infant groups.

Tips from a neurologist

Neurologists give young parents simple advice about bathing in the tub with a lap:

1. Do not begin the activity with children younger than 2.5-3 months of age, when the neck muscles have not yet strengthened.

2. Do not bathe with a lap for more than 10 minutes.

3. Bathing should take place in a large volume of water, so that there was no collision circle rims with the walls of the bath.

4. Monitor the baby’s turns, the position of his neck and head. Do not scoot up the legs, the child’s body, do not allow strong kinks in the neck area.

5. Do not allow your child to push off from the bottom of the bath in the presence of a lap on the neck.

6. Do not bathe your baby with a lap more than 2 times a week, the procedure should last no more than 10 minutes, so as not to increase the load on the child’s cervical spine.

7. Watch your baby’s reaction, don’t move away from him.

When fastening the circle, do not allow too close contact so as not to irritate the delicate baby’s skin.

How to understand that there was a micro-trauma when bathing with a lap

There are times when bathing with a lap causes micro-traumas. Their symptoms appear in the first few hours after bathing:

1. The baby cries when touched to the neck.

2. Drowsiness, regurgitation, restlessness. Pay special attention to frequent regurgitation.

3. Swelling of the shoulders, neck.

4. Tinnitus, during which the baby pulls his hands to his head.

Neurologists advise parents to stop bathing with a circle and undergo a medical examination if a child reacts in this way.

How to bathe a baby with a lap

Often parents wonder how to bathe the baby of the first year of life with a circle.We give the following simple recommendations:

1. Before the procedure, introduce your baby to the dry land circle. Let him explore the new thing, play with it. Otherwise, he may get scared of her, start crying when putting it on his neck.

2. Get more water in the bathtub. The optimal water temperature is 36 degrees, the air – 22 degrees.

3. Open Velcro, circle by lifting one part up and the other part down.

4. Place the product around the neck, watching the position of the chin. The clasps should be on the back.

5. Fasten all fasteners.

6. Lower your baby down into the tub.

7. Slowly drag the baby in the water, make a “figure of eight”.

8. After bathing take it out of the bath, take off the lap in the same way as dressed.

Do not remove the lap in the water. Get your baby out of the tub, then remove the accessory.

Baby circle is an indispensable thing, if it is used and selected correctly, and the child has no contraindications for its use. But, no matter how it seems that the accessory makes bathing safe, you can not leave your baby without adult supervision in the water, even for a short time.