Baby hygiene is of great importance. But what if he has hyperthermia? In the article we will tell you when it is forbidden and you can bath a child at a temperature, how to do it without harming him.
Reasons for fever in children Bath a child
Hyperthermia occurs for a variety of reasons . And this is not always a disease. Let’s consider the main ones:
- Fever in a newborn. In seven-day-old babies, it ranges from 37 to 39 degrees. This is normal in most cases – there is nothing to be afraid of. Babies have immature brain structures, so thermoregulation has not yet been established;
- Overheat. Babies and children under 5 years old quickly overheat. If the baby is dressed not for the weather, it is warm – wait for a jump in temperature. Toddlers are quickly overcooled – as soon as the child is undressed, the indicators will decrease in 20 minutes. Do not keep the child in the open sun for a long time;
- Teething. The reason is typical for babies aged 18-24 months. Indicators do not exceed 37.6 degrees. In rare cases, they can significantly exceed the mark;
- Physical exercise. Increased activity, games, physical stress (for example, prolonged crying);
- Constipation and drinking disorder. The child should drink enough liquid for his age;
- Subfebrile hyperthermia. Has a long-lasting character. In infants up to 12 months, it is associated with the immaturity of the nervous system, in babies up to 24 months – with teething, in older children and schoolchildren – against the background of stress, emotional stress.
Pediatricians note: hyperthermia can be due to the constitutional characteristics of the child.
When you can not bathe a child at a temperature
The water procedure is not always prohibited. But in some cases, it can harm and aggravate the situation: provoke a jump in temperature, worsen the well-being of the baby.
Taking a bath and shower is contraindicated for:
- the child’s unwillingness to swim. Is he crying, screaming, naughty? Do not force it. In case of fever, headache and “aching bones” the bath will not do better;
- fever. Does the thermometer read 38 degrees and above? Better leave the child in bed;
- the nature of the disease. With infectious, viral, bacterial diseases, water procedures are contraindicated – it will be worse. Ailments include flu, sore throat, otitis media, bronchitis;
- post-vaccination period. Vaccinated and fever? Postpone ablution for 2 days;
- bathe the newborn. The baby’s temperature is a reason to refuse water procedures. Show the child to the pediatrician.
Bathing a child at a temperature is dangerous. The procedure can provoke “white fever” – an extremely serious condition. The temperature rises against the background of spasm of the arteries, and it is difficult to “bring down” antipyretic syrups. Does the baby have icy hands and feet, has the “marbled” skin become? Call a doctor at home – the condition threatens with serious consequences.
When can I bathe my child at a temperature?
Pediatricians list situations when water treatments are allowed. Here they are:
- Thermometer readings – below 38 degrees;
- The child has no signs of intoxication;
- The child’s teeth are teething;
- Hyperthermia noticed after exercise;
- The baby has a runny nose and mild symptoms of an infectious disease;
- Bathing a child with a cold without fever. In a warm bath, there is a high level of humidity – it is easier for the baby to breathe, coughing is less annoying, and the condition will improve.
Sometimes a bath is even indicated. For example, pediatricians recommend bathing a child at a temperature with chickenpox. In the midst of the illness, the baby is plagued by itching. If he gets infected in the summer, the ailment delivers even more discomfort: sweat gets on the rash – the skin itches more. Offer your child to take a warm bath every 3 hours – it will relieve the condition.
Bathing a child after a temperature is also possible and necessary. Water will wash away sweat, open pores, and improve your well-being and mood. Hyperthermia may return within 10 minutes after the procedure – this is normal.
After vaccinations, Mantoux tests are not forbidden to take a bath, shower Do not be zealous with a washcloth, do not moisten the injection site. Some pediatricians allow bathing a child at a temperature if it rises after vaccination. Provided that the child feels good and asks for the bath itself. We recommend that you consult with your pediatrician.
How to bathe a child at a temperature
Adhere to the rules for safe water procedures – this will avoid the deterioration of the baby’s condition, the progression of the infection, and the development of complications.
Water – 37 degrees. Does the child have a temperature of 38 – 39 degrees? Warm water 36 – 37 degrees will reduce the indicator. Hot will provoke hyperthermia – test it with your elbow, as for babies. The water should be comfortable and pleasant. In cold water the child will “shrink” and freeze. Bathing a child at a warm temperature is useful – it will become easier for him.
Duration – up to 5 – 10 minutes. Doesn’t the child want to sit in the water? Take it out – no violence. Feels better and comes alive – let him sit longer.
Be there. An unhealthy child is weak, his head may spin, because of which he will lose his balance and fall – do not leave the bathroom, be on the lookout.
Look at the baby’s condition. Is he cheerful and cheerful, asks to swim? There are no direct contraindications to the procedure? In this case, you can bathe the child at a temperature. Daughter, son, lethargic, sleepy, capricious, weak? Postpone the venture until the child feels better.
You can not bathe a newborn – the temperature is a contraindication.
Consider the reason for the child’s unsatisfactory condition. Remember: the symptoms of infectious diseases can worsen after heating the body in the bathroom.
Delicate bathing. In case of a rash, do not rub the skin, but rinse lightly with water without gel. Bathing the child at a temperature with a detergent is necessary if he is sweating.
Wash your hair. This will not lead to negative consequences. Blot your hair dry, put on a robe with a hood, protect the child from drafts.
After bathing, warm it up. Immediately wrap the child in a towel, put on pajamas, socks, do not rush to leave the warm room – let it “cool down” a little in it. This is important during the off-season and winter.
The best time to bathe a child at a temperature is evening. After the bath, put your baby to bed. The child will not freeze.
After physical exertion, it is useful. After a warm bath, the readings will return to normal. The same applies to psycho-emotional overstrain.
Output
Babies – especially babies – breathe through their skin. Water procedures are of great importance for their health, well-being, mood, development.
You need to monitor the child’s hygiene daily. For hyperthermia, consult your pediatrician. If he permits – boldly wash the child, no – wipe your face and neck with a damp cloth. Water washes away dirt and sweat – improving gas exchange and well-being of the baby. Closed pores and sweaty skin can make it difficult to heal quickly.
For safety, adhere to the rules of water procedures during the child’s discomfort.
For conditions atypical for a baby – especially a newborn – consult a pediatrician. He knows your child, will assess the severity of the situation and give advice on care.
