With the incoming winter, new mothers or mothers in general might be wondering how to keep their newborn or older baby safe and healthy during the months while the weather outside turns bitterly cold. It is a no-brainer to keep them warm in woolen clothes and carry them in a comfortable stroller when outside, but it is also needed to keep them warm inside the home, especially during bath time. It is critical to keep the baby warm and comfortable throughout the bathing process, especially when the pyjamas are removed. This is important at any time of year, but especially in the winter. Let’s look at some of the ways how a baby can be effectively bathed during the winter season.
Things to remember before giving baby bath during Winter
Warming the room up
It is of paramount importance to make sure the inside temperature of the room is warm and comfortable before one can start undressing the baby and getting him ready for his baby bathtub. Because colds can be particularly uncomfortable for a baby’s skin, raise the temperature in the home by one or two degrees. If the bathroom feels cold in the winter, one can also utilize a portable heater. Installing a bathroom heater light if one owns the property can also be a great idea. These provide immediate heat as soon as they are turned on, helping to keep the child’s upper body warm while they are in the bath.
Using water of right temperature
Bathing in frigid water is a no-no, and it would not be well received. So use the lure of a good warm shower or bath to entice them to clean up. It will be both good for health and simple for one to persuade them. Warmer water may seem more comfortable for the infant now that the weather is cooler, but do not turn the hot water tap on too high.
Warm water at a temperature of roughly 90° to 100° F is preferable to hot water, which can be unhealthy for the child. One can also feel the temperature with the elbow or wrist to make sure it is just right. Also, do not let the baby soak in the tub for too long. After only a few minutes, he may become chilly and his skin may become dry.
how bathe kid winter
Tips to bathe babies during winter
Keeping the clothes ready
Keep the toddler’s pajamas or clothing laid out and ready to wear as soon as they are dry. Avoid getting into a position where one has to search for their garments while they are turning blue and complaining about the cold. Always have the bath time items and a fresh diaper on hand before putting the baby in the tub, as they cannot be left alone. Having the baby’s pajamas nearby in the winter, one will be able to dress her as soon as she gets out of the bath, before she gets chilly.
To begin, wrap the infant in a hooded towel once he or she has gotten out of the tub. This will protect her from sickness by keeping her moist head covered. One can then start dressing the baby in a fresh diaper and clean pair of pajamas while keeping her head covered with the towel.
Drying the hair first
They might start shivering straight immediately if their hair is damp, so focus on drying the child’s hair first, especially if he or she has long hair. Wet hair might make children feel cold for longer periods of time, even after they have been dressed up again. One can even use a hooded towel to aid in the initial drying of the hair.
Sponge baths
Instead of giving a full bath, babies and infants can be given lukewarm sponge baths to avoid all the hassle. In this case, taking a clean sponge or a towel and then dipping it in lukewarm water should do the trick. Make sure to wring out the excess water. The sponge should be pressed all over the baby’s body and then a dry towel should be used immediately to dry out the baby’s skin.
Moisturizing
Everyone knows how crucial it is to moisturize the skin throughout the year, and infant skin is no different. To keep some of the moisture on the baby’s skin after a bath, pat him dry. Then, after each bath, make sure to moisturize the infant. Increase the baby’s moisturizer from a cream to a moisturizing ointment as soon as he or she shows signs of dry skin. The most efficient way to prevent water loss from the skin is to use ointments that contain at least 80% oil. When applying ointments to damp skin, they will feel less oily.
Keeping the windows shut
If at all possible, keep the doors and windows shut. They will feel cold after the bath if cold air seeps in via the doors and windows, so close them before one starts the bath. They will start shivering as soon as they get out of the water, so wrap them in a dry towel as soon as possible. If the towel has been warmed on a hot towel rail, it would be even better.
Irregular baths
Bathing the child every day is not necessary. During the winter, a bath every two or three days is sufficient. For an infant, a light sponge bath every few days will suffice. During the cold, babies do not sweat as much. As a result, if one lives in a very cold area, one can forgo giving the children a regular wash. Every other day, take a warm sponge bath and every third day, take a full bath.
Source: United News of Bangladesh