...on the newly updated Halos N Horns website. I recently carried out a trial of ergonomic baby baths (compatible with the needs of the user) and cuddle towels which lead to a few surprise winners. I will give you some tips on how to choose the best bath and in the next Trotter's newsletter I will give you the low down on how to choose the best cuddle towel.
TIPS on choosing the right baby bath...
Safety first
o Fill your bath with hand hot water (you can test it using your elbow or add a bath thermometer) to achieve the ideal temperature of between 35°- 37C.
o Never leave a baby unattended in their bath, not even for a second.
o Full baths (whatever their design) should never be left unattended while toddlers are around.
o Before and after carrying out any baby-care it is very important to wash your hands thoroughly - this remains the simplest and most effective way to prevent cross-infection.
o Wash your bath before you start testing - this is to make sure it is clean and free from any bacterial residue still present from its last use.
o A mild solution of soapy water can be used to wash your baby bath. Do make sure it is well rinsed so there is no detergent residue. Alternatively you could wipe down your bath, change area and nappy bucket using Milton solution (30mls Milton fluid in 5 litres of water will last for 24 hours) to keep it free from germs.
o Make sure the room is free from draughts and a constant temperature (around 18-20°C).
o Choose a suitable place to stand your bath (you could use the big bath or even the kitchen sink - this is at the perfect height to avoid any strain on your back). Make sure it is on an even surface and preferably close to the water supply (so you don't have to carry it far and so you have the option to top up with extra water if needed).
o Follow any instructions for use provided with the bath or bath support.
o It is worth remembering that water in the deep fill baths (like the Tummy Tub) is likely to remain warmer for longer.
o Due to the increased surface area to body mass ratio, a baby is at risk from loosing heat due to convection, conduction, evaporation and radiation. This is why it is important to deeply submerge your baby while at the same time supporting their head above the water! This is to prevent them from swallowing the bath water.
o Your baby's first bath will be in plain water. This will help to protect the delicate skin while it is vulnerable to germs, chemicals and water loss.
o Continue bathing your baby with plain water for at least the first month before gradually introducing baby products. After this period, if you feel the need to introduce products, these should be free from sulphates (SLS and SLES), colours and strong perfumes (this includes products in the Halos n Horns range).
o Wash cloths should be avoided as they can be harsh. Hand washing your baby, cotton wool (organic is better and chlorine free) or a natural sponge is gentler.
o A baby comb can be used to gently remove any debris from thick hair after delivery.
o It is best to leave the delicate area around the eyes untouched. The ears and nose should also be left alone and cotton buds should be avoided.
o Skin-to-skin contact, even through water, is known to be a wonderful way to provide your baby with extra security and promotes a close attachment that can lead to a happier and more contented baby (Anderson 2004)
o Sensory stimulation involving warmth, touch and smell (this includes baby massage and bathing as well as skin-to-skin contact) is an extremely powerful vagal stimulant. This causes oxytocic release, which in turn raises the skin temperature of the breast, decreases anxiety, increases calmness and enhances parental behaviours (Uvnas-Moberg 1998).
o The benefits of skin-to-skin contact cannot be overstated and should be positively encouraged from birth. It not only promotes successful breastfeeding but stabilises your baby's heart rate and temperature. Baby massage follows on naturally from this and is now widely practiced. It is advisable to avoid nut oils, petroleum based oils, or oils with perfumes, if there is any history of allergies in your family. Choose a properly qualified massage therapist for your baby and ask for their advice on suitable oils (Trotter S. 2008)
o You may find that your baby enjoys their new bath so much that you use them, not just for washing, but for relaxation too. Please include details of this when you come to write your comments on the questionnaire.
My Babycare-back to basics leaflet (sponsored by Halos n Horns) now in its 5th version can be accessed on the TIPS website but if you would like your own copy then email me here or ask the kind people at Halos n Horns to send you a free copy.
Meanwhile if you have any particular questions relating to your baby or toddlers skin (or any other parenting topic for that matter) then please feel free to email me.
See you next time
Sharon
References:
o Anderson G C, Moore E, Hepworth J & Bergman N (2004) Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, issue 1. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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o National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2006). Routine postnatal care of women and their babies. Quick reference guide. London: NICE.
o Trotter S (2007) Baby care - back to basics™ TIPS Limited Scotland
o Uvnas-Moberg K (1998). Oxytocin may mediate the benefits of positive social interactions and emotions. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 23: 819-35.
©Sharon Trotter 2008
www.tipslimited.com
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