How to choose the right circle for bathing a newborn, from how many months you can and how to wear it

Staying in a familiar aquatic environment gives a newborn baby pleasure. Bathing relaxes and calms the child.

A hygiene procedure can be turned into an exciting physical workout. A circle for bathing newborns will help with this.

From how many months should it be used, is it necessary and safe - these are the questions that most often concern young mothers.

Most pediatricians approve of circle bathing. Swimming is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the musculoskeletal system, increase muscle tone, and stabilize breathing. The innovative device develops the baby's coordination of movements and allows the mother to avoid back pain caused by prolonged bending over while bathing the baby.

Pros and cons of using a circle

Experts evaluate the benefits and harms of devices for child development. An analysis was carried out of the influence of a swimming circle on the development of a child in the first years of life. The device has earned positive reviews from experts.

The benefits of the device for the baby

During the research, all the positive aspects that a newborn receives from using the circle were taken into account:

• lungs work more actively;
• fewer problems with the gastrointestinal tract (constipation, colic);
• restful, long sleep (daytime, nighttime);
• coordination improves;
• metabolic processes and muscle tone are normalized;
• The child develops the skills of independent sitting and walking earlier.

Parents also feel the positive effects of the adjustment. The back and arms do not get tired from static, uncomfortable poses. One parent can bathe the baby; his hands are free, so he can keep the child busy with toys and water exercises.

From how many months can it be used?

Manufacturers of swimming circles indicate on the packaging the recommended age 0+. Particularly advanced parents put a circle on their baby from the first days after discharge from the hospital.

Pediatricians advise not to rush. The reason is the umbilical wound, which is easily infected.

The rules of primary care include bathing the baby in boiled water, slightly tinted with potassium permanganate.

This should be done in a special baby bath. It is too small for the baby to swim freely.

You can transfer your baby to an adult bath or pool when the navel becomes clean and dry. This usually happens towards the end of the first month of life.

The optimal age to start training with a circle is 1.5 months. By this time, the baby usually has time to adapt to the new conditions of the world around him: he confidently holds his head, actively wiggles his arms and legs. If a child has health problems or any physical abnormalities, it is better to discuss the advisability of lap swimming with a pediatrician.

Swimming with a circle is a full-fledged physical training for the baby, which requires a lot of energy. It is better to make the first session short in time - no more than 5 minutes. If your newborn baby enjoys water activities, you can gradually increase the duration of swimming. Pediatricians do not recommend conducting classes for more than 30–40 minutes.

A circle for bathing a newborn baby is a useful and safe device. Free swimming strengthens the nervous system, improves immunity, and helps strengthen the baby. Young swimmers get sick less often. They are active and better physically developed compared to their peers. Many doctors note increased mental abilities in such children.

For what diseases is use contraindicated?

The bathing circle is not recommended for all newborns; it has contraindications. Before the first use, you should consult a pediatrician. Current restrictions:

• birth injury;
• intracranial pressure;
• epidermolysis bullosa;
• muscle tone (low, high);
• heart pathologies;
• cold;
• ARVI;
• skin rashes, inflammation in the neck area.

You can use the circle after your health status returns to normal and the doctor lifts the ban.

Contraindications

Despite its incredible benefits, in some cases the use of a collar may not be suitable for infants. If children have problems with the musculoskeletal system, then before purchasing this invention, consultation with an experienced pediatrician is necessary. The specialist will examine the child and make a conclusion as to whether the circle can be used in this particular case.

The circle may be contraindicated for any dermatological diseases, fractures, dislocations.

What to look for when purchasing

It is safer to purchase baby products in large stores. There it is easier to choose a suitable model and return (replace) if it suddenly does not suit the baby. The product must be inspected before making a purchase. Inspection sequence:

• the seams are strong, soft, and do not injure delicate skin;
• the fabric is not damaged, there should be no scratches or punctures on it;
• you need to smell the material, there should not be a strong smell.

When purchasing, you need to know that products that are completely safe for babies are marked “eco-friendly”.

How to choose the appropriate size

Companies produce two types of swimming collars: from 0 to 6 months, from 7 to 12 months. There are manufacturers producing bathing devices designed for children from 0 to 2-3 years old. Before buying a circle, you need to weigh a newborn and measure the diameter of his neck. The instructions for the product indicate the maximum weight of the child and the maximum (minimum) diameter of the inner ring when fastened. Based on these parameters, a suitable circle is selected.

The reliability indicators of the swimming device are assessed:

• presence of 2 cameras;
• durable and environmentally friendly material (such as PVC);
• the valves are recessed well;
• All seams are internal.

The fabric of the product should be easy to wash, smooth and pleasant to the touch. The color scheme of the device should not cause negative emotions in either the baby or adults.

How to choose a circle for bathing newborns

Size

• It is calculated based on weight or age;
• Some manufacturers make sizes not by weight, but by age. The difference when choosing a size is invisible - because only its diameter changes.

Number of cameras: one or two

• Inflating may not be so convenient, but with two chambers it is possible to protect yourself from swallowing water, for example, when you are working out together in the pool.

Material

• Please read the instructions carefully to see what material the product is made of. Environmentally friendly PVC and soft seams indicate the high quality of the product.

Technology of correct putting on the neck

Putting a circle on a baby alone is difficult, but it is possible if you know how to put it on correctly. First, check whether all the valves are recessed, only after that they begin fitting:

• the newborn is placed on his stomach on a horizontal surface (changing table, knees);
• the circle is put on the neck when the baby raises his head;
• before fastening the Velcro and carabiner, check how the chin lies, it must be in a special recess;
• look to see if there is a small gap between the wall of the device and the baby’s neck;
• After all checks, fasten the Velcro and carabiner.

Application

The swim ring is put on before the little swimmer is immersed in the water.
The accessory must also be removed after going ashore. Before first use, the product must be tested, even if it was done in a store.

At room temperature, you should first inflate the inner chamber, then the outer one, and make sure that they do not release air.

After this, you can use the product for its intended purpose, following a certain procedure:

1. Having inflated both chambers, close the nipple and press the valves inside the circle.
2. Move the chambers apart and carefully pass the child’s neck into the resulting space. The baby's chin should fit into a special notch. If the child does not hold his head well, it is better to put on the accessory with an assistant.
3. Adjust the fasteners so that the circle fits snugly, but does not squeeze the baby’s neck. There should be a small gap between the neck and the inner contour of the product.
4. Lock both locks and check that they are securely fastened.
5. Slowly lower the baby into the water.

It is better to swim with a circle before bedtime, 30–40 minutes after feeding. Physical training will provide your baby with healthy, sound sleep.

Baby swimming with a circle

Before the first use, it is advisable to let the baby play with the inflated circle so that the unfamiliar object does not scare him. You can allow your child to flounder on his own, making sure that the procedure does not cause him any inconvenience or discomfort.

Do not inflate the circle tightly: in warm water its volume will increase slightly.

General rules and recommendations for bath procedures

Bath a newborn at a water temperature no higher than 37 °C. The duration of the first procedures with a wearing circle is 5-10 minutes. Parents should not leave their newborn while bathing. An adult must be in the bathroom during the entire procedure.

You can use the circle for swimming only after consulting a doctor. The bathing device has contraindications. Store the product away from heating devices and do not fill it with water. Avoid contact with piercing or cutting objects to avoid punctures.

Preparatory procedures before swimming

Once you've purchased this inflatable accessory, don't rush to try it out right away. A little prep work is required before first use.

• First, carefully read the product description.
• If you brought the circle in from the cold, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour unopened, otherwise it may burst.
• An hour has passed - you can unfold and straighten the accessory.
• Inflate the chambers, starting from the bottom. The absence of folds indicates that they are fully inflated.
• Carefully press the valves into the surface of the circle.

  

• Now you need to wash the product with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and treat with a disinfectant suitable for PVC.

It is advisable to “introduce” an older child to the circle before bathing: give him the opportunity to touch and examine it, you can even put it on his neck several times. If the baby is afraid or capricious, it is better to postpone the water procedures with the circle to another time.

Examples of exercises for babies with a circle

The baby will love water procedures if swimming is accompanied by games and conversations. In the first months, mom or dad should change their location, leaving the child’s field of vision, calling him by name, and initiating turns.

The bathroom should have a set of bath toys. By drawing attention to them, parents motivate the child to move forward and grab them with his hands. Older children are offered more complex games.

Sobiralka

Throw several small, colorful toys into the bath. Teach your child to collect them, show them how to put them in a bright bucket. At first, one of the parents should perform the exercise. Using a clear example, the baby quickly learns the rules of the game. An adult must pronounce all movements.

Swim

The child is pulled by the legs to the narrow edge of the bathtub. The legs rest against the wall and show how to push off from it. The baby pushes, springs, swims in the opposite direction. The exercise is repeated several times.

funny ball

A small bright ball is placed on the water in front of the child, he should see it clearly. An adult shakes the water surface with his hands, creates waves, and the toy sways. Mom (dad) teaches the baby to do the same hand movements. After just a few lessons, the child learns to play with the ball on his own.

Safety precautions when bathing a baby

The presence of a circle does not exclude dangerous situations. List of rules that must be followed during water procedures:

• while the child is in the water, one of the adults should be nearby;
• the circle for newborns can be used at a depth of no more than 1 m;
• the height of the water should be such that the baby’s feet do not touch the bottom;
• During bathing, you should not pull the baby up by the circle.

What will the child like?

Children of any age love bright and unusual things; from childhood they want to feel special. A children's circle is not only a safety device, but also an accessory for active recreation in the water, which will help you not be afraid to swim. The child will definitely be happy if the parents decide to choose a model, taking into account his preferences:

1. Unusual shape or favorite color. It would be great if you offer your child several safe options and encourage him to choose on his own.
2. Having a cord to hold on to, carry, or play with friends. This model is usually intended for older children and teenagers.
3. Additional convex elements in the form of leaves, candies or other unusual inserts.

Popular children's models

The list of trusted manufacturers will help you make the right choice. The quality of the products of these companies has been tested by parents from around the world.

Baby Swimmer

The inflatable ring is intended for babies from 0 months to 2 years. The maximum load it can withstand is 12 kg. Product dimensions:

• internal diameter - 8 cm;
• outer diameter - from 36 to 37 cm.

Reliable clamps allow you to hold your child better; air does not escape thanks to durable valves. The fabric of the circle is soft, high quality, available in different colors.

Flipper

Products for children made in Russia. The circle can support a weight of 18 kg. Recommended for children from 0 to 2 years old. The swimming device is equipped with special chambers with rattles and comfortable handles for moving. The circle is held firmly on the neck, it has 2 reliable fasteners.

Baby-Krug

In the Baby-Krug you can bathe newborns from birth, the maximum age of the child is 2 years. It is equipped with 2 types of fasteners: Velcro and lock. Swimming in an inflatable ring is fun - it has rattles.

Roxy Kids

Russian product made of PVC, the material does not cause allergies. The bathing device is easy to use, its advantages:

• adjustable clasp;
• comfortable chin rest;
• smooth fabric, no rough seams.

Happy Baby

Can be used from 3 months. The permissible maximum weight of the baby is 15 kg. The baby device has handles, a chin recess, rattles, 2 clasps:

• carbine;
• Velcro.

Cotton Club

Cotton Club neck circles are produced in China. To stimulate motor activity there are rattle balls inside. You don't have to worry about your child choking on water. This is prevented by a conveniently shaped chin recess and a small side. The fabric of the circle is durable and safe. You can use the Cotton Club device from birth.

According to most parents, a bathing circle is a necessary thing. The accessory makes it easier for adults to carry out water procedures, while it gives children more degrees of freedom. Evening water treatments turn into fun events.

Reviews

Many parents call the inflatable ring a real salvation, since in the first months of the baby’s birth, it is very difficult to bathe him. Mothers are constantly trying to find a comfortable position; babies swallow a lot of water all the time, which leads to a lot of trouble. The circle does not harm the baby, and a slight load on the spine is not dangerous if there are no direct contraindications to its use. Recently, almost every family has begun to actively use the collar.

Thus, we can conclude that the inflatable baby swimming ring is a great invention that makes life easier for many parents. Of course, it is necessary to choose the right product and pay attention to the material, which should be of the best quality. If you follow the basic rules, both the baby and the parents will enjoy bathing.