From what months can you use a neck ring for bathing newborns?

Pregnancy, children > Caring for a newborn > Pros and cons of bathing a baby with a circle around the neck

Do you want to see your baby happy, so that the bathing process is not a torture and test for you, but a torment for the baby? Find out about a wonderful swimming accessory that will strengthen your baby's nervous system and make bathing easier for parents.

Many parents will be perplexed, some will be interested in this and will ask questions: how to use such a device, is it safe for the baby, and at what month of life should you start using a neck ring for bathing?

How to choose the appropriate circle size

Swimming accessory

First, let's take a look at the external representation of this lotion. The neck ring is similar to a regular swimming ring for swimming at sea or in the pool, only, naturally, smaller in size. It consists of two chambers that are alternately inflated and connected with Velcro into a shape reminiscent of a horseshoe.

What if they come undone while swimming? Calm down and don’t worry, when buying from a good and reliable seller, such thoughts will not arise at all, so the main rule when purchasing is do not save on the health of your own child!

The circle is fixed around the neck, there is a special recess for the chin, for a more comfortable and convenient position in it. Externally, it is very beautiful, its bright and attractive design will not leave anyone indifferent, and inside there are often various rattles and bells. It makes bathing much easier for parents, as they don't have to constantly hold the baby's head. It can be used even for those who do not yet know how to hold it on their own.

This device will help you save significantly on the purchase of a special bathtub for bathing, because thanks to the circle you can safely allow your baby to move around right in the bathtub.

There is no need to rush headlong into the store now and buy the first circle you come across. It is not so safe for every baby on the planet; there are also proper contraindications. These are exactly the same as pills for adults; you shouldn’t even buy them without consulting a specialist. First of all, you need to visit the appropriate doctors: pediatrician, neurologist and orthopedist. Only after acceptance is a purchase possible, and then only with a very careful inspection of all the details of the product.

It is necessary to become thoroughly familiar with the material from which the circle is made. Check the presence of valves for air injection, their serviceability, and also whether there is any damage, punctures or a strong chemical smell! If one thing from this list already confuses and misleads you, you should refuse such a purchase and choose a better quality product.

What does a circle represent?

This swimming device in its appearance resembles an ordinary swimming ring. But there are significant differences:

1. A pair of non-communicating chambers with separate openings for inflation form a circle for bathing a newborn. This design guarantees the safety of the baby in case of unexpected damage to one of the parts of the circle while it is in the water;
2. Along the edges of the seamless chambers there are two rows of fasteners that allow you to adjust the degree of tension of the circle around the baby's neck. A comfortable fit is determined by the free passage of an adult’s finger between the baby’s neck and the surface of the circle;
3. On the surface of the two chambers there is a recess for the baby's chin so that he can feel comfortable in it;
4. On one part of the circle, on one side, there are handles - holders, with the help of which you can control the baby’s movements in the water;
5. The halves of the circle are decorated differently: one part is transparent, the second is colored. Ringing balls are placed in the transparent part to attract the baby's attention;

   

Despite the external similarity to a regular swimming ring, the baby bathing device is much smaller in size. The diameter of the circle is designed to fit around the baby’s neck and is determined by his age, which is always indicated on the product packaging.

The bathing device is shaped like a horseshoe. The design of the circle is simple and ergonomic, consisting of the following elements:

• Two chambers, each with its own inflation valve. The interior is painted in bright colors. The outer one is transparent, with drawings applied to the surface. Manufacturers often supplement models with balls and other toys. There are musical options.
• Two locks: with a soft Velcro fastener (Velcro) and a plastic Fastex fastener. They securely fix the baby's neck in the hole of the circle.
• Two handles located on the sides. Allows parents to control the movement of their newborn baby in the water. As he gets older, the baby will be able to hold hands on his own.

To comfortably hold the baby's head, the camera is equipped with an anatomical notch for the chin.

Some models are equipped with a special retainer in the form of a ring, under which drops flow. This protects the baby's ears and mouth from water. The cost of such a product is slightly higher, but the baby’s comfort justifies the cost.

From what age can it be used?

There are no exceptions in this matter; you can bathe even from birth. But, you should follow the pediatrician’s advice about not recommending bathing a baby with a circle whose umbilical wound has not yet healed.

Read: Room for a newborn in the photo for further arrangement of the nursery

The average age for such initial bathing is considered to be 1-1.5 months from birth. The end will be when the baby reaches two years of age.

Contraindications

When addressing contraindications, the following factors should be taken into account:

• viral and colds;
• irritation in the neck and other skin diseases;
• muscle tone in an increased or decreased state;
• increased intracranial pressure;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system (fractures, dislocations);
• recovery period after birth injuries;
• rehabilitation after injuries to the cervical spine and collarbones.

Again, if your child does not have any contraindications from this list, you should still consult a pediatrician. As soon as he gives you the full right to bathe with a circle on your neck.

Preparation

If the circle was purchased in winter, then after returning home it should not be removed from the package for 1 hour. After unpacking the product and removing all labels, carefully straighten the circle, then open the valves through which air will flow.

Next, start inflating the circle - first the smaller chamber (located below), and then the larger one (upper). Inflate the product slowly until the bends and all folds are completely straightened. In order for air to easily enter the chambers of the circle, the nipple on the valve should be slightly compressed. When the pumping is complete, the nipple is released and closed, after which both valves are recessed inside the circle.

If you see two air-filled chambers with a separation between them, as well as an outline to support the baby's neck and where the baby's chin will be, then you have inflated the circle correctly.

Proper preparation for swimming and how to put on a ring

Having purchased a product, carefully checking it in the store, you need to remove and carefully straighten the product, opening all the valves. Then everything is simple, as with regular inflation of swimming circles, first of all the small chamber is filled with air, then the large one.

You should blow air in measured small portions in order to completely straighten the circle from kinks and cracks, without pumping it to an overly hard state. After the process is completed, you need to close the valves and bend them inside the circle. As a result, if you can see separately the boundaries of the upper and lower bases of the circle and the contour inside it to secure the baby’s chin and neck, it means that you have done the job and can safely put it on the child.

The main and basic rule is to wear the ring only indoors and not on the water!

1. to prevent the presence of dust and other microbes on the surface of the circle, it is necessary to wash it with soap and warm water;
2. position the child facing you, this will allow you to correctly place the circle around the neck and at the same time allow you to see and control his emotional state;
3. if the baby does not yet know how to hold his head up on his own, then the help of a second parent will be required, who will support and eliminate difficulties when putting it on;
4. unfasten the Velcro and move both parts of the circle in different directions;
5. insert the child’s neck into the resulting widened hole so that the chin falls into its intended recess, put on the circle and carefully fasten the Velcro;
6. When finished, make sure that the circle does not compress the airways! The optimal distance between the circle and the neck should be 3 mm;
7. Now that the circle is on, you can begin the bathing process, gradually immerse it in the water so as not to frighten the baby, who is already overwhelmed with emotions.

To get your baby more familiar with the circle, take it in the bath with him, then let him play in the room, and then feel free to bathe together.

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.

How to bathe correctly: general rules and recommendations

Don't let your child bathe for too long

Measure seven times, cut once - the same should happen with the baby in the circle. Before swimming, make sure that the Velcro straps are properly and firmly fastened.

Read: How to correctly create a complementary feeding plan with vegetables?

Before bathing a child, almost every mother reads a lot of information, comes up with something new to make her baby happy, to turn bathing into something fabulous, unforgettable, and this is not surprising. That is why they came up with special circles for swimming, thanks to which you can bathe your child without worrying about anything, however, you should not let the child swim for too long, since he is in a circle, more effort is put into moving, as a result, spend the first swim for not more than 10 minutes.

Even such a small person must take safety precautions on the water, so do not use the swimming device to a depth of more than one meter, do not pump or lean heavily on the circle when bathing your baby.

This circle is not a life-saving device! Be vigilant and do not leave your child without your attention! Any mistake or distraction even for half a minute will cost your child his life. Observe and, if necessary, support the baby with your hand under the stomach or back.

pros

The vast majority of pediatricians advocate the use of this device. It maintains back muscle tone, strengthens the immune system and nervous system, and normalizes the digestive process and metabolism. In addition to the beneficial qualities that affect the body, thanks to such swimming, the baby learns to float on the water almost independently, and then, with confidence, he will be able to learn to swim without any effort and without any effort.

The majority of parents are happy with such a purchase, and only a small proportion of those who are disappointed or have received negative effects, and that is due to non-compliance with simple safety rules and failure to familiarize themselves with contraindications.

Minuses

There are no significant disadvantages that affect the health and overall condition of the baby. But again, failure to comply with the simplest rules and regulations can lead to irreparable consequences.

• Swimming with a circle for too long significantly increases the load on the spine, which is why you need to properly approach the duration of swimming.
• If one of the contraindications is present, the circle can no longer be used.
• It is not recommended for use if the child has weak muscle tone.
• Not suitable for chubby and fat children.

Read: Baby swings for newborns to make mom’s life easier

What to look for when choosing

The choice of swimming accessory must be approached with full responsibility. Preference should be given to a trusted manufacturer. Counterfeit goods can cause allergies and cause skin injury.

When purchasing, you need to inflate both chambers and pay attention to the following points:

• smell of the product - an unpleasant aroma indicates low quality of the material.
• symmetry of shape;
• smoothness of seams;
• quality of fasteners: Velcro must be tightly and firmly connected to each other, plastic fasteners must be smooth, without sharp edges.

Do not hesitate to ask the seller to show a certificate for the product, a coupon for long-term warranty service.

Look for an indication of environmental safety on the product packaging - eco-friendly.

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”.

Examples of exercises with a circle

Long lap swim

To make bathing unforgettable and impressionable, it is worth collecting enough water so that the baby cannot touch the bottom with his feet, and also cheer him up with toys or dilute bubble bath. First of all, while the baby is small, you can hold a toy in your hands and thereby attract him with you, so he will learn to turn around in the water and work with both his arms and legs at the same time. Make the task more difficult over time.

The most popular type of game is to take special bath toys, ducks or fish are ideal, place them on the surface of the water and give the child the task of collecting them.

Another version of the game will be a kind of “swim”. Bringing the child to the side of the bath, place him parallel to the surface of the water, stretch out his legs and ask him to push off from the surface with force. Perform the exercise for the entire length of the bath.

As already mentioned, for many parents this is a relief when bathing their baby. There are many more pros than negative points, so there is no doubt whether to buy or not. The main thing is to know that this is not only convenience, but also the ability for your baby to move independently on the water.

In the following video you will learn about injuries from using a ring on a child’s neck when swimming:

04 Feb 2020 Valeria 394

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Discussion: 5 comments

1. Irina:
   02/05/2018 at 13:15

   Using a circle when bathing a baby has been a godsend for me personally. Such a circle had not yet been used with the first child, so, basically, the child only sat on a special slide while bathing. But the second child swam constantly. I put on the circle with the help of my dad. This is indeed not an easy task. But the child really enjoyed swimming with the circle. Yes, and good for health. I didn't notice any cons.

   Answer

2. Avdeeva Olga Sergeevna:

   02/08/2018 at 11:56

   Bathing a baby with a circle is a very, very correct decision and I did not notice any inconvenience, so be sure to try to accustom your child to not only bathing in general, but also bathing in particular.

   Read also:  Dos and don’ts for pregnant women

   Answer

3. Valentina:

   02/19/2018 at 12:57

   We also bought a circle for swimming, but the child was not comfortable in it, he constantly screamed in it. We ended up using the Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Cushi. It has a comfortable anatomical shape, with a soft case on top. It is comfortable for the baby to lie in it and take water procedures. Plus, it can be used in both the bathroom and shower.

   Answer

4. Elena:

   07/02/2019 at 07:42

   My daughter just loved swimming in a circle! In this case, you shouldn’t save money, and you need to buy a good, high-quality wheel, then it won’t rub. We had one with rattles inside and really liked it. The main condition is - UNDER NO CONDITIONS LEAVE A SMALL CHILD ALONE IN THE BATHROOM, EVEN FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS!!!

   Answer

5. Alexandra:

   12/17/2019 at 08:45

   I always use this circle when bathing. But rather, not as a toy, but as a means of safety net. The baby is very active and loves to swim. But even with a circle, I don’t weaken my attention.

   Answer

What are the benefits of a bathing circle?

Marina, Moscow

As a result, parents will notice the following positive changes:

• Due to the strengthening of muscles during swimming, the child will quickly learn to roll over, crawl and walk.
• The baby’s immunity will be strengthened, and metabolic processes will proceed quickly.
• During swimming, the child's lungs open better, and intrathoracic pressure returns to normal.
• Swimming also has a positive effect on digestion, eliminating colic and constipation.
• After such water procedures, children sleep better and are less capricious.

The use of a neck ring may be contraindicated in some diseases of the musculoskeletal system, so before giving your newborn a fun swim with a collar, you should definitely discuss this with your pediatrician.

In addition, the circle is not used when:

• Dermatological diseases.
• Fractures or dislocations.
• Increased intracranial pressure.

Baby Swimmer

The circles from this manufacturer are intended for children aged 0 to 24 months and can withstand weight up to 12 kg. The outer diameter of this product is 36-37 centimeters, and the inner diameter is 8 centimeters.

Circles from Baby Swimmer are presented in different colors, as well as several series (“I love”, “flora”, “glamour”). They are made of dense but soft material, equipped with reliable latches and durable valves. The material of the circle from Baby Swimmer is hypoallergenic and safe. The manufacturer confirms this with documents confirming compliance with all sanitary standards.

Flipper

The neck circle of this Russian manufacturer is designed for a child’s weight up to 18 kg and is used at the age of 0-2 years. The product is made of durable material, and its air chambers have rattles. To fasten such a circle, there are two fasteners on the product, and so that parents can help the baby swim and control the child’s position, there are handles on the circle.

Baby-Krug

Products of this brand are intended for babies from birth to 2 years of age. Their difference from other neck circles is the use of not only waterproof Velcro for fixation, but also a fastener with a lock. The length of all fasteners is adjustable, and there are rattle balls inside the inflatable chambers.

Most mothers who bought a neck ring for their children were satisfied with such a thing. They note that children happily swim with this accessory in a large bathtub for 30-40 minutes, like fish. However, there are also negative reviews, since some children did not like the circle, and some mothers never learned how to put it on correctly. In general, parents call a swimming collar a useful thing and recommend buying it for those who are just expecting a toddler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GVnxjyYBPU

Yes, yes, ladies, they are. Despite the fact that on the Internet it is customary to just suffice and recommend, even this, in my opinion, excellent invention has its own characteristics.

A child is especially vulnerable in the first months of life. At this time, he begins to hold his head, which increases the load on the cervical vertebrae. And the entire spinal column is under tremendous pressure. The body gets stronger, becomes heavier and more active, and the bones have to pay for it.

Minor microtraumas during childbirth, invisible at first glance due to the lack of manifestations, can become more serious under special conditions. So, sudden movements and turns can easily aggravate the situation. Therefore, parents should always be present when bathing the baby in a circle around the neck.

There are also a number of contraindications for using the accessory:

• increased intracranial pressure;
• birth injuries with damage to the cervical vertebrae or collarbones (for the rehabilitation period);
• allergic reactions or increased skin sensitivity with risk of rashes and irritation;
• viral diseases (prolonged bathing is not recommended in principle).

The advantage of bathing a baby in a circle is that it frees the parent's hands and body from an uncomfortable position, prevents back pain and allows you to have fun with the baby while bathing. Otherwise, it has objective benefits for the health of the newborn:

• spontaneous movements in water contribute to the development of muscle tissue, relieving its hypertonicity, strengthening the cervical and thoracic spine;
• develops activity and motor abilities;
• during swimming, the blood is saturated with oxygen, which has a beneficial effect on brain development;
• metabolic processes in the body are accelerated by improving blood supply;
• the child’s body is hardened and the immune system is strengthened;
• Helps prevent colic or constipation in babies;
• promotes quick and sound sleep after bathing.

  

Regular bathing of the baby calms, develops coordination and has a beneficial effect on his physical development. Children bathing in the bath for 15-30 minutes. per day, they learn to crawl, stand up and walk faster.

It is recommended to bathe your baby in the evening before bedtime. After water procedures, the muscles relax, the nervous system calms down, and the baby’s night’s sleep is calm and sound. You can purchase a circle after your child turns 1 month old. Within three weeks after being discharged from the hospital, the baby will get used to daily evening exercise.

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.

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.

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.

Whiplash – what is it?

The very definition of “whiplash” suggests the cause of the damage. The whip is usually used to move in one direction, then sharply in the other. A person is said to have a whiplash injury to the neck when the head leans forward, then for some reason jerks back, or vice versa. This causes damage to the ligaments and intervertebral joints. Such injuries are common in car accidents. For a floundering baby with a weak neck, swimming with a circle is similar to this situation.

The danger also lies in the fact that even a slight undetected injury to the neck, which occurs while swimming in a circle in the first months of life and is forgotten by everyone later, can lead to disruption of the blood supply to the brain. And then, as a consequence, to serious neurological disorders, diagnosed only by 2-3 years of age.

If parents really don’t want to give up a device that makes their life easier, then proper bathing of a newborn requires compliance with certain conditions:

• the circle is used at the age of no earlier than 3 months;
• swimming time – no more than 10 minutes;
• there should be a lot of water in the bath;
• The baby should swim on his back most of the time.

Most babies cry and get scared when a circle is fastened around their neck. Nature itself seems to suggest that such methods of swimming are undesirable and that a swimming circle can cause harm.