Do babies need a bandage?
A navel hernia does not bother the child in any way. Externally, the pathology manifests itself in the formation of a protrusion in the umbilical region, which increases when the baby cries, coughs, or defecates. To prevent complications and prevent further growth of the hernia, doctors recommend using a special belt that has a local effect on the protrusion. The device stimulates increased muscle activity by gently irritating the abdomen. The action of the bandage in combination with massage and other methods of therapy ensures the strengthening and healing of the umbilical ring, which is an important condition for the treatment of pathology.
Device Description
A bandage for infants is necessary for the progression of an umbilical hernia. You can buy it at the pharmacy. The product is a soft elastic belt, pleasant to the touch. The device consists of the belt itself, a hernia restrictor - pelot (a plate sewn into the fabric) and fastenings. The plate is designed to provide compression on the umbilical protrusion. Thanks to this, it is possible to prevent the loss of internal organs. Corset fasteners can be in the form of Velcro, rivets, or belts.
Manufacturers use hypoallergenic fabrics to make children's bandages. The material absorbs moisture well and allows air to pass through, which prevents diaper rash. When wearing the product, infants do not develop heat rash. Repeated washing is allowed, which extends the shelf life of the bandage to 2 years.
It is recommended to buy the product in pharmacies. It is important to ensure that the product has a license and quality certificates.
Umbilical hernia bandage: rules of use for newborns
Umbilical hernia bandage: rules of use for newborns
Congenital umbilical hernia in children is a common occurrence. Usually this pathology manifests itself in the first days of life. It is a consequence of poor development of the umbilical ring, as a result of which part of the intestine protrudes through the navel. To recover from this disease, it is necessary to use a special bandage designed for newborns. In this article we will tell you how to choose it, how to apply it and how long to wear it.
Bandage for infants - features of use
An umbilical hernia usually does not cause any problems for the child. This pathology is a small protrusion in the navel area, which begins to grow in size when the child coughs or acts up. To prevent the hernia from enlarging, it is necessary to wear a special belt, which is prescribed by doctors. It helps remove the protrusion. Using this bandage, you can increase muscle activity, which is done by influencing the corresponding area of the body.
The bandage helps strengthen the navel and also heal it faster, which is one of the key factors in getting rid of this deviation. Also, a massage is often prescribed along with the bandage.
The bandage is sold in various stores, including pharmacies. The product resembles a regular stretch belt, which is quite pleasant to the touch. There is also a special plate in the belt that helps limit the growth of the hernia. It presses on the navel and prevents it from protruding. As a result, the internal organs remain in place. The corset can be fastened with different straps, Velcro or rivets.
In the production of such bandages, special hypoallergenic fabrics are used. They perfectly remove moisture and help prevent diaper rash. As a result, children do not develop any prickly heat. The bandage is washable, which allows you to increase its service life up to 2 years.
How the belt works
As soon as the doctor makes the appropriate diagnosis for the baby, you will need to purchase a bandage. Wearing it helps achieve the following goals:
- Minimizing the risk of entrapment
- Increased rate of scarring of the navel ring
- Stopping the development of a hernia
- Prevention of various defects and abnormalities in premature babies
- Minimizing the risk of hernias in children with constipation, as well as other digestive ailments.
The right effect can only be achieved if the belt is chosen wisely. If chosen incorrectly, a bandage can only have a negative effect. The child will only end up getting sick.
Pros and cons of a bandage
The bandage used to treat an umbilical hernia has its pros and cons. The advantages of the product include:
- The effectiveness of treating a hernia that leads to a protrusion of up to 5 cm.
- Easy to use, easy to wash and clean.
- No allergic reactions.
- A good preventative basis.
- Use of clean materials.
- Expensiveness of the product.
- The presence of redness in the belt area as the bandage rubs against the skin.
- Child discomfort.
- Slight slipping of the product.
You can smooth out the negative aspects taking into account the recommendations of specialists. They will tell you how to choose a belt that will fit perfectly on your baby's body. Choosing the right bandage will prevent it from slipping and chafing the skin. To prevent diaper rash, you can additionally purchase special creams for treating the skin.
Indications for use of the bandage
A bandage for infants can be used only after the umbilical wound has healed. Usually this is about 1-2 weeks from the moment of birth. You can determine whether the wound has healed by using hydrogen peroxide. It is enough to drop a little product on the navel to check whether there is a hiss. If it is not there, you can use the bandage in practice.
After making a diagnosis, the specialist will select the required bandage, which will take into account the baby’s disease. The size of the bandage should correspond to the circumference of the child's tummy. The bandage should apply gentle pressure; strong compression is unacceptable. All this can lead to complications and additional problems.
The bandage cannot be worn in the following cases:
- The presence of open wounds and injuries on the body.
- Insufficient healing of the navel wound.
- The presence of allergies, diaper rash on the body, skin diseases.
- Deviations in the development of internal organs.
- Diseases of the heart, lungs.
- Problems in neurology.
The belt is usually prescribed by a doctor, but the final decision is always made by the parents.
Choosing the right bandage
When choosing a bandage for your baby, be sure to follow the following rules:
- The fabric of the belt is exclusively hypoallergenic and breathable. All this is noted in the product instructions.
- All internal seams must be hidden and neatly executed. This will help minimize skin chafing. If the bandage is invisible to the child, this will be an ideal option.
- The fasteners should be checked for strength. It's best to try opening and closing the Velcro or straps a few times.
- All products must have licenses and certificates.
- You can study product reviews online.
It is best to take a bandage made with Velcro. It allows you to adjust the size in detail, which will depend on the growth of the child.
Belt action
After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the child to wear a bandage. Proper use of the device helps achieve the following goals:
- Prevention of infringement.
- Acceleration of scarring of the connective tissue of the umbilical ring.
- Exclusion of further development of hernias.
- Prevention of pathology in premature infants.
- Prevention of hernia formation in infants suffering from constipation and other digestive disorders.
The desired result can be achieved only with the right choice of equipment and the correct belt size. Otherwise, there is no therapeutic effect, and the child’s condition worsens.
Why do newborns develop a hernia in the navel area?
The popular opinion that a child gets a hernia from constant screaming now does not suit even grandmothers. It is useful for parents to remember how the umbilical ring develops. While the fetus was in the uterus, through this formation the entire connection between the child and the mother’s body was carried out. The hole in the abdominal wall was significantly larger.
It freely passed through the arteries and veins of the umbilical cord; any compression threatens the baby’s life. The wide passage added space for intestinal loops, which grow more rapidly than the fetal abdomen.
When the period of intrauterine development ends, the large ring becomes unnecessary. In its place, a dense scar forms, and the muscles form the abdominal wall, supporting the internal organs of the abdomen.
The diagnosis is confirmed by a qualified surgeon
Scar tissue may be weak in children born prematurely who have a hereditary deficiency in the structure of connective tissue. In these cases, the hole does not close completely and a hernia forms.
Advantages and disadvantages of the product
A bandage for a baby with an umbilical hernia has positive and negative sides. The advantages of the device are:
- use of environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic materials;
- effectiveness for protrusion up to 5 cm;
- ease of use, washable;
- does not cause irritation or allergies in the child;
- Possibility of use for preventive purposes.
The disadvantages of the product include:
- high price;
- redness and irritation of the skin during friction;
- sometimes there is a feeling of discomfort;
- the product may slip.
Negative aspects can be eliminated by taking into account the recommendations of a specialist in the selection and operation of the device. Choosing the right size will prevent the belt from slipping and chafing. Purchasing quality products from a specialty store or pharmacy will help you avoid diaper rash and allergies.
How to choose a quality product
When choosing a device, you should strictly adhere to certain rules. This will help avoid purchasing low-quality products and prevent the development of complications in the child. Orlett medicinal products are not divided into men's and women's, but they have some differences. The difference lies in the width of the belt and the diameter of the pilot - the limiter plate. The choice of these criteria should be entrusted to the doctor. Parents should pay attention to the following characteristics of the device:
- The fabric from which the belt is made should be soft, hypoallergenic, and breathable. This can be determined by studying the product instructions.
- The internal seams of the product are hidden and done neatly. This will prevent chafing of your baby's delicate skin. Ideally, the baby should not feel an additional burden.
- When purchasing, you need to carefully inspect the product, fasten and unfasten the fastenings several times, make sure that they do not come apart.
- Products must contain a license and quality certificates.
- When purchasing a belt from unknown companies, it is recommended to read reviews about the manufacturer.
Children grow up quickly. To prevent the belt from becoming small after a few weeks, it is recommended to give preference to a product with Velcro. This will allow you to adjust the size depending on the baby's height.
How to put on and how long to wear the product
To put on an umbilical bandage, you need to: 1 — place the child on his tummy, 2 — spread the bandage on a hard surface, 3 — evaluate the absence of rashes on the skin of the tummy and correct the hernia, 4 — fasten the bandage.
Operation of the device does not require special skills. The bandage should be worn taking into account the following recommendations:
- Before putting on the belt, the child is placed on his tummy. The procedure promotes the release of gases.
- Before use, you need to make sure there are no allergies or diaper rash on your baby’s skin. The lumbar and tummy area should be dry and clean.
- The belt is spread on a table or any other hard surface, the child is placed on top, back down.
- The hernia is repaired before fastening, making sure that the pelot covers the navel.
- The fastenings are fastened so that the belt fits tightly around the stomach and the child does not experience discomfort.
The wearing time is determined by the doctor. Typically this period is no more than 12-16 hours a day. It is recommended to remove the belt at night.
If allergies, irritation, or redness of the dermis develop, you must remove the bandage and consult your doctor.
The use of a bandage at home for infants is allowed for a certain period. If the hernial opening does not heal, surgery is performed. The method and time of surgical intervention are determined by the doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease.
Bandages for children: price and sale
You can buy bandages for children from us at the most reasonable prices. Choose the model you like in our catalog and complete your purchase in 2-3 minutes. “Add” the product to your cart and place an order through the website or call our managers by phone. You will receive your purchase in the shortest possible time and will be able to use the bandage to improve your child’s health.
Delivery is carried out throughout Russia, carried out without delay, by mail and transport company. It is possible to pick up the goods from our point of sale or courier delivery in Moscow.