The wrapped bath, also called "swaddled bath" or "swaddled bath" provides a real moment of calm and soothing for your baby during the bath. More than a bath, it is a care, a unique experience of sharing with your baby.
This practice helps to strengthen the bond between parents and their baby. During the enveloped bath, your baby finds rather familiar sensations, those known in utero...
Summary
- What is a wrap bath ?
- What is the difference between a conventional bath and a baby wrap ?
- The benefits of a baby wrap
- How to make a baby wrap bath ?
- How to protect your baby's skin during the bath ?
What is a wrapped bath ?
For several months, your baby is bathed in amniotic fluid, in a calm, contained, warm and moist world. At birth, the baby arrives in a world that is unknown to him. Wraparound bathing brings them back into this familiar and soothing "watery environment".
Wrap bathing is a technique that consists of covering your baby with a swaddle and immersing him or her in a warm bath. Swaddling makes your baby feel like he or she is in an envelope, a bubble of well-being, just like when he or she was in the womb. The warmth, buoyancy and calmness create the same atmosphere as in the womb. Naturally, your baby can assume a foetal position. This position gives your baby a real sense of security.
Wrapped bathing is often used for premature babies and anxious and/or tense babies. However, it is suitable for all babies as it is full of benefits!
In summary, the wrap bath is an effective technique that promotes relaxation and well-being as it improves the quality of sleep and promotes a more relaxed state of mind. It is a practice with many benefits.
What is the difference between a "classic" bath and a baby wrap?
The main difference between a conventional bath and a baby wrap is the method used to hold the baby in the water.
A conventional bath is a traditional bath in which the baby is placed in a tub of water at an appropriate temperature. In this conventional bath, the baby is completely free to move around.
A baby wrap bath involves placing your baby, previously wrapped in a nappy, in a tub of warm water (37 degrees).
The benefits of the baby wrap
A baby wrap bath can offer many benefits for your child's health and well-being.
Provides a sense of well-being and security
During this time, the baby feels an immediate sense of well-being. The happy hormone oxytocin is released in your baby's body. Being wrapped in a nappy in a warm bath gives the baby a feeling of comfort and relaxation. In the womb, the baby's body is contained within the walls of the womb in a fetal position. The enveloped bath provides sensations previously known in utero. Moreover, at birth, the baby is not mature enough to understand that its container is its skin. Through unique experiences such as the enveloped bath or massage, your baby becomes aware of the limits of his or her body.
Helps to reduce stress and anxiety
A wrap bath is a moment of pure relaxation and well-being. It can help reduce stress and anxiety in babies, which can improve sleep quality and promote a more relaxed state of mind. Combined with massage and a bedtime ritual, it can also be beneficial for babies who have difficulty falling asleep or who have sleep disorders.
Strengthens the bond and sense of attachment
This special time with your baby helps to strengthen the bond between you. Time together can create an opportunity for parents to focus on their child and create a calm, relaxed environment. It can also help to reinforce positive physical interactions (cuddling, petting, tender looks...).
In addition, wrap-around baths can help parents to better understand their child's needs and respond appropriately to those needs, which can reinforce their sense of attachment and responsibility to their child.
How to make a baby wrap bath?
Making a baby bath wrap is quite simple, but it is important to follow certain steps to ensure your child's safety.
Here are the steps:
- Prepare your bathroom with all the necessary equipment (a baby bath, a thermometer, a nappy, a soft towel and clean baby clothes). The bathroom temperature should be between 22 and 24 degrees. Put your towel on the changing table to dry baby after the bath. Then put a nappy on top. It should be big enough to cover your baby.
- Check the temperature of the water using a thermometer. The water should be at an appropriate temperature (37 degrees). It is important to check that the water temperature is suitable for the baby to avoid any risk of burns.
- Place your baby on the nappy you have prepared. Handle him gently to undress him. Remove your baby's clothes little by little, covering the bare parts with the nappy at the same time to prevent him from getting cold. Fold the nappy into a triangle shape. You can also use a soothing wrap such as the one offered by the French brand lilititi.
- Wrap your baby in a nappy before putting him or her in the water. Take care to cover the baby completely with the nappy to create a warm feeling. It is important not to cover the baby's head completely to avoid the risk of suffocation. Make sure you support the head and neck. After that, you can gently rock the baby.
- Leave your baby in the bath for about 10-15 minutes, or until they feel relaxed and soothed.
- Once soothed, drop the nappy and clean your baby with natural baby wash products. This step is not mandatory.
- Remove the baby's nappy gradually, leaving it in the bath water. Then gently wipe it off with a soft towel. Dress the baby in clean clothes and put your baby in a comfortable place to rest.
- For optimal relaxation, you can massage your baby's body before or after the bath with an organic baby massage oil.
How to protect your baby's skin during bath time?
Babies' skin needs special products that are specially formulated for their delicate, dry skin. Therefore, favour the use of products designed for dry, sensitive skin with an atopic tendency and certified organic.
Discover our DERMABébé range formulated without alcohol, essential oils, parabens or aggressive washing agents.
- The certified organic bath and care oil protects the skin from the drying effects of water and limescale. By applying it before bathing, this oil creates a protective layer, a barrier between your skin and water. You can massage it in before the bath but also use it daily to massage it in.
- The cleansing gel certified organic gently cleanses the scalp, hair and body thanks to its sulphate and soap-free formula. It contains organic extracts of mallow and lotus which soothe and relieve feelings of tightness. Diglycerin nourishes and softens the skin.
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Source image of the wrapped baby : Lilititi
