The physical development of a person is laid in early childhood. Based on this statement, young parents spare no effort and finances to purchase modern devices that help strengthen the muscular corset of their child.
One of this kind of helpers is considered to be a bathing circle. Despite the external ease of use, its use is accompanied by a number of issues.
It is important for parents to know whether it is permissible to use a circle for bathing a newborn from how many months they consider it necessary, or whether there are certain age restrictions in operation; how to put it on a little person; what results they will see as a result of this activity.
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Circle design
Washing a newborn is a responsible, even frightening event for many parents. In such a case, the invention discussed in the article will help adults turn the procedure for washing a child in a pleasant, comfortable process for everyone.
This device implies the presence of a chamber consisting of two non-communicating inflatable parts in the form of a semicircle. For fixation on the neck, reliable fasteners are provided that do not allow the young diver to slip out of it while in the water.
In front, manufacturers, as a rule, make a special recess for the chin, thanks to which the baby's head is tightly fixed in the device.
At what age is it permissible to bathe a baby with a circle - a question that has become a reason for disagreement among experts. Manufacturers and some physicians who have joined them consider it acceptable to use this product from birth; others - from a month and a half, when the baby got stronger, and the umbilical wound was completely healed.
There is also an opinion about the possibility of conducting the first dive with a swimming circle not earlier than the moment when the baby himself confidently begins to hold his head.
Before buying this device, it is important to study the main contraindications to its use:
- of any nature;
- unstable intracranial pressure;
- existing fractures, dislocations and other injuries.
To make a final decision as to whether it is permissible to use a circle for bathing newborns and from how many months, the baby's parents will decide.
What effect will it have on the body, and so on, adults should consult with a specialist observing the baby who have an idea about the course of childbirth, possible injuries received by the child during labor, health deviations, and so on.
How to choose a circle
Moms and dads who are ready to purchase such an assistant today will be forced to solve a difficult task: which circle of the variety of goods presented on the shelves will best suit their child.
Which circle for bathing newborns is better to buy, parents can decide by paying attention to the following characteristics:
- age and weight purpose of the product (indicated on the product packaging);
- the quality of the material and the product itself;
- number of cameras (the safest is 2 cameras);
- clamps (velcro or plastic fasteners);
- design features (handles for parents, notch for the chin, and so on);
- design.
Important! Don't skimp on this purchase. High-quality models are made of dense, environmentally friendly PVC, have plastic clips, handles for parents, with which you can easily turn the “swimmer” from belly to back and back in the water, and are equipped with a convenient recess for a child's chin.
How to use the circle
After deciding how to choose a circle for swimming, and the direct purchase of the product, it is important for parents to familiarize themselves with how to use this device on practice.
Before the first “swim”, it is worth giving the child a chance to get used to a new object for several days without putting a circle around his neck.
Depending on the parents, they can simply periodically show it, leading a small person in front of their eyes, or give it to their hands, touch it, play it. Only after making sure that the baby is getting used to and accepting a new thing for him, you can ask the following question: “How to bathe a child with a circle around his neck?”.
How to put on a circle
It will not be difficult to find the answer to how to put on a bathing circle for newborns, provided you understand the principle of its fixation on the baby's neck. It is important to remember the manufacturer's prohibition regarding putting on and taking off the product in water.
It is advisable to carry out all preparations not even in the bathroom.
- First you need to open the latches.
- Spread the ends of the circle up and down.
- Put on the neck of the child, lowering the edges to their original position.
- After making sure that the baby's chin is in a comfortable position, fix the device on the neck.
Bathing a newborn with a circle for the first time is desirable in the presence of both parents. One of the adults will need to hold the "swimmer", the second will need to mount a new device on the child's neck.
Later, left alone with the baby, the parent also should not put off water procedures in a new way on the back burner. For a comfortable fixation of the accessory, it is better to put the child on your knees across, face down. Carrying out the above steps, gently place the circle on the neck, fix.
Attention! Having adapted, the mother and father of the newborn will later be able to put on him a bathing circle both together and one at a time.
How to bathe a baby with a circle
It is necessary to use a circle on the neck for bathing newborns. in a large tub of treated water comfortable temperature (35-37 degrees). Bathing in a baby bath, the baby will be deprived of the opportunity to actively move his arms and legs due to the lack of free space around.
Extremely carefully, constantly talking with the "swimmer", lower him into the water, allowing him to get used to it beforehand, having wet his legs. Having immersed the child completely in the water, evaluating his behavior, you should make sure that there is a comfortable state. Then you can slightly pull the baby by the hand, thus moving to the other end of the tub. Having reached the wall, return to the starting position.
The next exercise will be slow rotation of the "swimmer" around its axis. Gentle flips from the stomach to the back and back are also acceptable.
By helping with simple exercises, the parent demonstrates to the newborn how to use the situation to develop physical abilities with a bathing circle around his neck.
Seemingly simple at first glance, such physical exercises will quickly tire the baby, which can be a reason for whims, crying. In such a situation, the parent is obliged to immediately stop the process by pulling the child out of the water, thereby Avoid negative associations with a circle.
The benefits of swimming in a circle
Each parent has the unconditional right to use the circle for bathing babies from what age they see fit. The benefits of this type of activity with a baby in the absence of direct contraindications are unambiguous.
Due to the habit of using this device in regular active water procedures:
- the muscular corset is strengthened;
- improves metabolism, which accelerates physical development;
- the child is given the opportunity to release the energy accumulated over the whole day, which has a beneficial effect on the mental state;
- little man learns not to be afraid of water.
Authoritative pediatrician E.O. Komarovsky, speaking about bathing a newborn, more than once publicly expressed his opinion regarding the adoption of "water procedures" with a circle around his neck. The pediatrician considers this invention indispensable assistant for parents. Komarovsky does not give direct answers to the questions of which children need it in the first place, whether it is allowed to use a bathing circle for newborns from how many months parents will decide how to choose it, how to use a bathing circle in practice, and so on.
Important! Komarovsky approves the use of a circle for bathing newborns from the moment the umbilical wound heals and the baby moves into an adult bath.
Useful video: how to use the bathing circle
Children have basic instincts that allow them to freely stay on the water and get a lot of pleasure from water procedures. This does not mean at all that the baby does not need to be protected from accidents - a circle for bathing newborns may be the best option. Functional, safe and very convenient device will help the child stay on the water, fix the head, eliminate anxiety, and contribute to the development of swimming skills. For parents, the product will also become a useful tool - with it you do not have to constantly be in a bent position, strain your muscles and worry that the baby will slip out of your hands.
The benefits of swimming for newborns
- This is a mandatory hygiene procedure that must be carried out daily. Swimming in a large bath is also a physiotherapy procedure that allows the child to work his muscles, frolic and throw out his energy.
Regular water procedures contribute to the following positive results.
- The muscles of the child are strengthened, which leads to the rapid acquisition of such important skills as crawling and walking.
- As a result of swimming, intrathoracic and intracranial pressure is normalized.
- Immunity is strengthened and metabolic processes are accelerated.
- Such physical activity leads to the full disclosure of the lungs and the optimization of the digestion process (in babies, constipation and colic go away).
- After active bathing, the baby sleeps better, less often shows anxiety and is not naughty.
A modern inflatable ring for the neck is represented by two detachable chambers of different diameters. They are fixed on the baby's neck and fixed with waterproof Velcro. Usually products do not have external seams, so the child does not experience discomfort. Some models, such as, for example, the Baby Swimmer, are designed for the earliest age of the baby and can be used during the period when the newborn is not yet able to hold his head.
Basically, the devices are designed for children under the age of 2 years. They can be used both when bathing in a large bath, and for swimming outdoors in stagnant water at a depth of no more than 1 m. Products are made in bright colors, which is very popular with children. Some types of circles are supplied with additional details, such as rattles, which make the bathing process even more fun.
Benefits and features of the Baby Swimmer
A special place in the group of devices for children's safe swimming is occupied by circles on the neck of the Baby Swimmer. They are made from proven environmentally friendly materials, which reduces the risk of skin diseases, allergies or irritations to zero. Functional products will not only protect the child during his stay in the water, but also lay down the basic skills that will later allow the child to learn to swim independently.
In addition, the Baby Swimmer swim ring has many more advantages and advantages compared to analogues, air mattresses and pillows.
- Models can be used from the first days of a baby's life.
- The product is easy to put on and take off without damaging the baby's skin. The fixing elements are not prone to wear. One circle for the baby will be enough.
- The seam is located inside, the edges of the circle are soft.
- On the front of the Baby Swimmer neck circle has a special insert that fixes the newborn's chin and prevents it from slipping off.
- The chambers are inflated separately, which allows you to set the optimal degree of their filling.
- The product comfortably wraps around the neck of the child, without squeezing it and not allowing it to hang freely.
From a functional point of view, Baby Swimmer circles have the following advantages.
- The product takes up less space than an air mattress or special pillows.
- The child can move easily, the circle does not interfere with the swimming process.
- By fixing the head, the child can completely relax.
- A special "collar" prevents water from entering the nose, mouth and ears of the baby.
- With the Baby Swimmer, there is no need to buy a baby bath.
Before purchasing a product, it is necessary to carefully examine it, make sure that there are no holes or other manifestations of marriage. You do not need to buy a pump for this model - the chambers inflate themselves.
Terms of use and precautions
The process of bathing a newborn with the Baby Swimmer is very simple, you just need to follow a few guidelines.
- The circle is worn on dry land. If you have to act on your own, the baby needs to be laid on his stomach, and when he raises his head, put the product on his neck. It is worth considering that sometimes children initially show distrust of a new thing, so you can first let the child play with it.
- After making sure that the model is put on correctly, and the chin is in a special recess, you need to fasten the Velcro, adjusting the degree of fit of the circle to the neck.
- When everything is ready, the child must be lowered into the water. It is not necessary to hold it, the Baby Swimmer circle will do everything by itself.
When using a functional device, one should not forget about elementary security measures.
- The Baby Swimmer is not a lifesaver and should not be left unattended in it.
- The product must not be unpacked in the cold, dried on a cold balcony, stored in close proximity to piercing and cutting objects.
- It is necessary to avoid pumping the circle - this leads to its rapid wear.
- Models must not be dried using artificial heat sources.
- The valves must be carefully closed during operation, it is forbidden to fill the circle with water.
In some cases, the use of an inflatable ring for the neck is contraindicated, especially if the child has diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In these cases, you must first consult with a pediatrician.
An inflatable ring is a necessary thing in the household, which greatly facilitates the life of parents and a newborn. By choosing the appropriate model, you can not worry about the safety of the child. With the Baby Swimmer circle, bathing will turn into a fun and rewarding pastime.
Many parents of infants have heard or already use inflatable rings to bathe a child in the bath. Moms and dads find this device convenient and absolutely safe. Is it really?
Swimming circles - is there any benefit?
Baby care necessarily involves bathing. Daily water procedures are shown to all healthy babies, as they contribute to hygiene, development and normalization of all important systems of the growing body:
- musculoskeletal,
- cardiovascular,
- nervous
- digestive.
A novelty has gained great popularity among young mothers and fathers - a special bathing circle. The bravest of parents, without hesitation, Is a bathing circle harmful?, put them on already on monthly babies.
The baby bath rings are horseshoe shaped and consist of two independently inflating chambers. The device is equipped with a notch for the chin, Velcro at the top and bottom and looks quite reliable.
Looking at a contented floundering baby, it doesn’t even occur to me that a bathing circle can be harmful. It seems that independent swimming has some advantages:
- it is convenient for the mother, because both her hands are free and she does not have to endure an uncomfortable position in order to hold the child and wash him at the same time;
- the child does not freeze, as his body is completely immersed in water;
- arms and legs work freely and actively, thereby strengthening the muscles;
- ears are protected from water ingress;
- reduced risk of getting it in the mouth.
It turns out that not everything is so rosy. Pediatricians warn that baby swimming circle convenient only for parents, the benefits for the baby are very doubtful.
Is a bathing circle harmful?
Pediatric neurologists and orthopedists concluded that swimming circle definitely brings harm. They talk about the likelihood of injury to the fragile children's neck with this type of swimming. Of all spinal injuries, the most severe are those of the cervical spine, even in adults.
Babies up to 2 months generally do not hold their heads well due to weak muscles and ligaments of the cervical spine. A peanut with a circle splashes freely in the water, turning from side to side, from stomach to back. The body, which is heavy enough for the neck, “hangs” at the same time on it like on a thread. When positioned on the tummy, the very flexible and vulnerable cervical region is unacceptably long for the baby to bend back. Possible injury contribute to:
- spontaneous movements of the baby in the water with arms and legs;
- collision of the side of the floating circle with the wall of the bath;
- repulsion of the baby with legs from the bottom of the container.
Chaotic movements with the head fixed in a circle can lead to subluxation of the vertebrae, their pinching and even, in severe cases, whiplash.
Whiplash injury - what is it?
The very definition of "whiplash" suggests the cause of the damage. The whip usually makes movements in one direction, then sharply in the other. In a person, they talk about a whiplash injury of the neck when the head leans forward, then, for some reason, jerks back, or vice versa. In this case, damage to the ligaments and intervertebral joints occurs. Such injuries are common in car accidents. For a floundering baby with his weak neck, swimming with a circle is similar to such a situation.
The danger is that even a slight unnoticed injury to the neck, which happened when swimming in a circle in the first months of life and forgotten by everyone later, can lead to impaired blood supply to the brain. And then, as a consequence, to serious neurological disorders, diagnosed only by 2-3 years.
If parents really don’t want to give up the device that makes life easier for them, then proper bathing of a newborn requires certain conditions to be met:
- the circle is used at the age of not 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 the 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 navigation are undesirable and a bathing circle can be harmful.
Recently, it has become fashionable to teach children to swim from the first days of life. In large cities, mothers with monthly crumbs are engaged in the pool, reinforcing the innate reflex of holding their breath under water in babies. At the age of six months, such children swim and dive on their own, sometimes feeling more comfortable in the water than on land. But not every parent decides to go swimming with their baby, and those who wish often do not have the opportunity to visit the pool. But many children are very fond of water procedures, and I want them to enjoy and benefit from bathing. What to do? To help you - a circle for This safe device will make bathing not just a hygienic procedure, but a fun and rewarding experience. Massage, entertainment, gymnastics, play - all this is bathing a newborn with a circle. At what age can you start such classes and how to do it correctly and safely? About this in our article.
The design of such a circle is elementary - it is one or two round air chambers with inflation valves. There are usually two clasps and handles that parents can use to hold the fixture. In some models, manufacturers add an element of the game - rattles or bells that make sounds when the child moves. When choosing a circle, pay attention to the edges of its inner surface so that they do not injure the delicate skin of the baby's neck. There must be a protrusion for the chin. If all these conditions are met, it will be absolutely safe with the circle. At what age do you start? You decide.
Manufacturers on the packaging usually indicate the age from birth to two years. However, if you decide to use it for the first month of your baby's life, be careful not to let the baby "fall through" into the newborn bathing circle. Feedback from many mothers suggests that the hole for newly born babies is a bit large, and in the first month or two it is necessary to either support the baby's head all the time, or not use the circle at all until the baby's head reaches the appropriate size.
Even if your baby does not yet hold his head, bathing a newborn with a circle (at what age does not matter) is possible. During such swimming, the child does not require effort and tension of the neck muscles, this is not dangerous, because specialists take part in the development of the circles, and the products are tested when they enter the market.
Those mothers and fathers who have back problems that do not allow bathing their baby, bending over, will appreciate bathing a newborn with a circle. At whatever age you would start, just inflate the circle, put it on the child and lower the baby into the water. Your child will swim on his own, without your help, turning over from his tummy to his back and back. It is especially useful to carry out this procedure before going to bed - if the water is a little cooler than usual, the child will actively move and spend energy. After that, deep sleep is guaranteed. If the water is warm, the baby's muscles will relax.
An alternative to the circle can be a bathing cap for newborns. It consists of foam sheets lined with fabric and two strings held by the parent. A child in such a cap swims only on his back, unlike a circle. The circle can also be used when swimming in open water: river, lake, sea. In this case, be sure to be nearby, supporting the baby and watching the waves! The cap is not recommended for use in open water.
Bathing circles for babies are gaining more and more popularity and recognition from loving parents. Affordable price, ease of use, safety are the main characteristics of this device. And yet there are still mothers who doubt the need to buy a bathing circle, convinced that nothing can be safer and more reliable than their hands. But is it really so?
What is a circle?
The design of the bathing circle is an inflatable chamber, consisting of two horseshoe-shaped circles that do not communicate with each other. Both chambers must be inflated before use. On the one hand, there are two reliable Velcro fasteners on the top and bottom, which cannot be unfastened in water. The circle has a special notch under the chin so that the baby feels comfortable while bathing.
The upper part of the circle is usually transparent with many different patterns, while the lower part is painted in a bright color. Many models have balls and rattles designed to attract the attention of the child. And some manufacturers make the circles musical, when a special device is activated, a melody starts playing.
What is the use of a circle?
Circle exercises are facilitated by:
- strengthening the back muscles, which positively affects the overall physical development of the child;
- improvement of metabolic processes in the body, contributing to adaptation to the outside world;
- alignment inside the chest pressure and "turning on" all parts of the lungs;
- development of the immune system, its hardening and strengthening;
- prevention of constipation and colic;
- normalization of intracranial pressure;
- relaxation of the baby.
Water procedures in general and with a circle in particular are best done before bedtime. Hydrotherapy relaxes the muscles, and this is the key to a good night's sleep.
Children who regularly spend 15-30 minutes in the bathroom develop faster: they begin to sit, stand, walk earlier. And since it is difficult to hold a baby in your arms for a long time, the circle is a great helper.
Classes with a circle are relevant for children with impaired muscle tone. Swimming in a circle develops the motor skills and coordination of the child's movements.
Is it safe to swim with a circle and how to choose one?
Before use, the circle must be inflated, check whether it descends. After that, it is recommended to wash it with warm water and soap and dry it.
The circle tightly fits the neck, preventing the child's head from popping out of it, which allows him to stay afloat. At the same time, there is absolutely no load on the child’s neck and spine, but on the contrary, only benefit. Many circles are equipped with special handles for which parents can guide the baby. In such a circle, the child can freely roll over from the back to the stomach and back.
The first immersion of a child in a bath with a circle should take place at home in compliance with all safety measures. You need to put on the circle slowly, so as not to frighten the baby, lower it carefully into the water. Water should be at the usual temperature. It is better if someone will help during this procedure, to occupy and distract the child. If the child begins to act up, you should immediately pull him out of the water and remove the circle from the neck.
The purchase of this device must be carried out in large stores from trusted manufacturers. This is the only way you can be sure that the material from which the swimming circles are made is completely safe and non-toxic.
High-quality circles have strong walls and reliable fasteners that protect the baby from diving into the water. Properly made notch under the chin makes bathing comfortable.
However, there are not conscious manufacturers who want to save on production. In order to avoid purchasing a low-quality accessory, when buying, you should carefully inspect the product for damage, check its integrity. If the rattles get stuck, there are seams inside the small circle, the fasteners are not strong and there is a strong chemical smell - this is a reason to refuse to buy this item. A quality product should be packaged in a box, have a smooth finish and low odor.
All babies love bathing, because being in the water reminds them of the serene days inside their mother's tummy. To make the process of bathing babies more convenient and comfortable for both the crumbs and their parents, there are many accessories. One of them is the neck circle, which is also called the swim collar.
Purpose
The circle around the neck is designed for baby bathing. younger age. With such a circle, a baby can swim not only in a large bath at home, but also in a pool, as well as in a natural shallow pond with stagnant water.
Benefit
With a circle on the neck, the child can stay in the water longer, so bathing will become not only a daily hygiene procedure, but also an opportunity to swim. At the same time, the baby will work with muscles, splash out energy and frolic.
As a result, parents will notice such positive changes:
- Due to the strengthening of the muscles during swimming, the child will quickly learn to flip, crawl and walk.
- The immunity of the crumbs 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 naughty.
pros
- The circle for swimming on the neck can be used from the very early age even if the baby has not yet learned to hold his head.
- The development of the collar for swimming and bathing is made by specialists, so its design is safe for babies in the first years of life.
- A child in such a circle moves calmly in the water - nothing prevents him from moving his arms and legs, and fixing his head allows him to completely relax.
- Thanks to a special inner "collar" the child's head is protected from water.
- The material from which the circle is made does not cause irritation and allergies.
- When using such a circle, an adult no longer needs to stand in an uncomfortable position, holding the baby in his arms for a long time.
- Many circles additionally have rattles to make water activities more fun.
- After swimming in the collar, the child learns to swim faster without a circle.
- The fixing parts of the circle are wear-resistant and durable.
- On the front of the product there is a place for the chin of the crumbs, so that the child is quite comfortable in such a circle.
- By using a circle around the neck, parents do not need to buy a baby bath.
Minuses
- During swimming with a circle on the neck, the load on the child's spine increases.
- If the child is chubby, it is difficult to fix the circle on the baby's neck.
- The product can not be used with increased as well as low muscle tone.
- The child grows up quite quickly and cannot swim with such a collar in a home bath, as he reaches the bottom with his feet.
- Putting such a circle on a newborn baby alone is inconvenient and quite difficult.
Contraindications
The use of a circle on the neck may be contraindicated in some diseases of the musculoskeletal system, therefore, before arranging a fun swimming with a collar for a newborn, you should definitely discuss this with a pediatrician.
In addition, the circle is not used for:
- Dermatological diseases.
- Fractures or dislocations.
- Increased intracranial pressure.
From what age is it used?
The use of a circle worn around the neck of a child for bathing is possible from birth. This accessory is created taking into account the structure of the body of a newborn baby, so it will not harm the baby. In practice, in most cases, the first bathing with a circle around the neck is organized from 1-1.5 months of age. Usually the use of such an inflatable collar is recommended until the age of 2 years.
Komarovsky's opinion
A popular pediatrician considers a circle around the neck to help bathe a child a useful invention. He notes that with such a circle, it is much more convenient to conduct long swims in the bathroom, since parents do not have to stand half-bent for a long time, which protects their lower back.
See the next video for more on this.
Popular Models
baby swimmer
The circles of this manufacturer are designed for children aged 0 to 24 months and are able to 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 on compliance with all sanitary standards.
flipper
The circle around the neck of this Russian manufacturer is designed for a child weighing up to 18 kg and is used at the age of 0-2 years. The product is made of durable material, and there are rattles in its air chambers. To fasten such a circle, there are two fasteners on the product, and so that parents help the baby swim and control the position of the child, 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 circles on the neck is the use for fixing not only waterproof Velcro, but also fasteners with a lock. The length of all fasteners is adjustable, and inside the inflatable chambers there are rattle balls.
How to choose
It is best to purchase a circle around the neck in large stores, choosing a product from a trusted manufacturer. In this case, you will be sure that you bought a collar made of safe and non-toxic material. So that you do not come across a low-quality item, carefully inspect the circle at the time of purchase. Make sure the product is intact and not damaged.
If you have a collar with seams along the inner circle, loose fasteners, stuck rattles or a pronounced chemical smell, it is better to refuse to purchase it. A high-quality neck circle should be in a box, its coating should be smooth, and the smell should be weak.
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 at the bottom) and then the larger one (upper). Inflate the product slowly until the bends and all folds are completely straightened. In order for air to enter the chambers of the circle without problems, the nipple on the valve should be squeezed a little. When the pumping is completed, the nipple is released and closed, after which both valves are sunk into the circle.
If the result is two air-filled chambers with a separation between them, as well as a contour to support the baby's neck and a place where the baby's chin will be, then you have inflated the circle correctly.
How to put on a circle?
Grasp the Velcro fasteners at the back of the circle (they are on the top and bottom) with your hands, and then separate them. Slowly open the parts of the circle so that the child's neck fits into the resulting opening. Do not pull on the Velcro while doing this. After putting on the circle, release the separated parts to give them their original position. Make sure that the crumbs chin is located in the place intended for fixing it. Next, adjust the Velcro so that the inner contour of the circle fits snugly around the baby's neck, then fix the fasteners.
Clearly, this is shown in the following video.
Instructions for use
So that the baby is not afraid of an unfamiliar thing, do not put a circle around the baby’s neck during the first bath, but put the product into the water so that it swims next to the child. You can also let your child play with the circle outside the tub. Let the baby get used to the product, otherwise swimming will not be a joy for him.
An inflated collar should not be put on in the water, and should not be removed without taking the child out of the tub. Before lowering the baby in a circle into the water, once again make sure that all fasteners are securely fixed and that the inner contour of the product fits the baby’s neck. In this case, the circle should not put pressure on the baby's neck, and a small gap is acceptable between the accessory and the neck.
Remember that a baby with a circle on his neck will swim on his own and spend more energy on bathing, so do not let the baby get too tired. The first bathing with an inflatable collar should be carried out no longer than 5-10 minutes.
Safety
- Even if a child swims with a circle, it is impossible to leave him unattended by an adult.
- While swimming, it is unacceptable to pull the child by the circle.
- Such a swimming device should not be used at great depths (deeper than 1 m).
- Do not inflate this circle with a pump.
- When inflating the circle, do not allow it to pump.
- Make sure that the valves of the circle are tightly closed after inflating the product.
- Do not forget that such a circle cannot be called a life-saving remedy.
- If the baby is very small, wear a collar for swimming together.
Storage
Keep the wheel away from sources of fire, as well as cutting or piercing objects. Do not dry the circle after bathing on a heating device, and also fill the product with water.
While bathing, the child gets into the element close and dear to him - the element of water. He lived in it for so long, so any opportunity to be there again delights everyone, especially a newborn baby. In order to diversify water procedures and give even the smallest children the opportunity to swim from birth, a simple device was invented - a circle for bathing babies (a special collar).
It is good to use in a large bath or a children's pool. All children are happy to master this opportunity, and parents are happy and take pictures and videos of unforgettable moments. In fairness, it should be noted that even pediatricians approve of swimming with an inflatable ring (including the authoritative E. Komarovsky), since the child receives not only a lot of positive emotions, but also significant benefits for the body.
Baby swimming circle allows the baby to feel the safety and weightlessness in which he was in the wombCriterias of choice
Despite the fact that the bathing circle is, in general, a simple device, you need to choose it carefully, paying attention to some points. What you should know when buying:
- As with anything that comes into close contact with a newborn, a baby swim ring should be made of safe non-toxic material. Before making a purchase, you need to check the availability of a certificate and the solidity of the manufacturer. Of course, someone buys a cheap analogue, but usually caring parents do not save on the health of their children.
- The seriousness of the manufacturer will be discussed and Collar Warranty. Different companies determine different warranty periods, the model also plays a role, but the warranty is given for at least 3 months, sometimes up to 1 year.
- Swimming circles come in different sizes. It is important to choose one that will match the age and size of the baby.
- The circle must be as comfortable as possible not only while swimming. The process of putting on and taking off should not cause inconvenience to either the child or the parents.
- It is important to check that the seams on the product were internal- even a small scar can leave scratches on delicate baby skin, the same applies to the valve, which should be well refueled inside.
- Fasteners or Velcro must be securely fastened and not unfasten on their own. At the same time, they should be easily removed if you need to do it quickly.
- Colors and shapes products are not of fundamental importance, but it is still better to purchase something that the child likes more, because the emotional factor also plays a big role.
There are models with built-in rattles. Children really like it, because it delivers additional positive emotions and reduces anxiety.
Manufacturers
The most famous are 3 brands from which you can buy a quality bathing circle. This:
- Dolphin;
- KinderenOK.
- Circle for newborn babies and up to 2 years, whose weight does not exceed 15 kg. Circle diameter - 8 cm.
- The bathing circle is a little larger in size - from six months to 3 years with a child weighing 6-36 kg. The diameter of such a device is 9.4 cm.
If parents plan not only to bathe, but also to teach the baby to swim in a large bathtub from birth, then it makes sense to choose a smaller collar size (we recommend reading:).
Firms Dolphin and KinderenOK equip their products with additional accessories. For example, you can find models with handles that a child can hold on to and feel more confident.
When it comes to fasteners, both Velcro and plastic fasteners have proven to work equally well, although Velcro is considered by some to be less secure. BabySwimmer and KinderenOK prefer the former, and Dolphin the latter. Which choice to make is up to the parents.
Inflate the circle
Each product comes with instructions that you must read. To properly inflate a circle for swimming in a large bath, you will need to perform a few simple steps:
- After removing the circle from the package, it must be straightened and the valves opened.
- Inflate the bottom chamber first. Light pumping involves squeezing the valve contour with your teeth or lips while inhaling air.
- Then the upper chamber is inflated.
- After both parts are inflated, the valves must be well filled into the walls so that there is no chance of injuring the baby's skin.
If, when inflating, everything is done according to the rules, 2 floors will be clearly visible on the circle - a place for the chin and a contour for the neck. Do not use the pump and inflate the circle too much.
If the product is bought in winter, you can unpack it only after it has lain in a warm room for at least 1 hour and warmed up. This is necessary for the safety of the material.
Putting on a circle
This is also not as easy as it seems. The child must first get acquainted with a new thing, get used to it. What if he doesn't like her?
To begin with, it’s a good idea to show the circle to the baby, offer to touch, smell. After that, wear:
- The circle is put on immediately before swimming, but not in the water.
- The circle is inflated with fastened latches, which are then unfastened, its ends are moved apart as wide as possible and the device is put on the child's neck.
- The chin should fall into a special recess for fixation. Then the fasteners are fastened. It is also important to check that the walls of the circle lie exactly along the baby's neck, without squeezing it, but not sagging too freely.
- The circle is removed after the child is taken out of the water. The fasteners unzip and the edges stretch wide.
At first, it is better to put on and take off the device together. It's safer and more convenient. When the baby grows up and can hold his head on his own, this process will become much easier and faster.
Swimming
Bathing a newborn with a circle, like any new procedure, is best introduced gradually, even if the child is delighted with the water. Well-known pediatrician Yevgeny Komarovsky advises to start with 5-7 minutes and gradually increase the time for bathing.
Komarovsky says the same about the temperature of the water. The first procedures are best done at 37 degrees, every day making the water a little cooler. You can even stop at 25 degrees.
A large bathtub is by far the most comfortable bathing capacity. Having collected enough water and put a circle around the baby's neck, you can start a smooth dive. At first, you will need light support from your mother's hands until the baby gets used to the new position. After he got used to it, it's time to let him go free swimming, during which it will be very convenient to wash him.
It happens that the baby does not immediately perceive a new type of bathing. Then you need to remove the circle, but only until the next time. Over time, the child will appreciate the opportunity to swim freely in the bath.
The most important thing is that while bathing, even in the bath, you should not leave the baby alone for a second. Although the swim ring keeps it on the water, it is not life-saving. The child is still too small and will not be able to respond to the slightest hit of water in the eyes or nose, awkward movement and other unforeseen circumstances.