Like small babies, toddlers too need regular daily bathing of the whole body to maintain good health and cleanliness. Some parents are satisfied with regular cleaning of the hands, feet and face which is insufficient to give the benefit of giving a daily bath. This routine should continue through out the childhood.
A healthy normal toddler should be given a morning bath or a sponge bath from head to toe with warm water in the cold season and cold water in the hot season. Sponging of the body with a little salt water is also very beneficial and makes the kid feel fresh and energetic. The body should be dried immediately and gently rubbed with a coarse cloth. And quickly cover the kid in clean clothes before s/he gets an opportunity to get into any dust or mud.
A cold bath is advisable for all the seasons for kids of robust health. However, for others with feeble constitutions the cold bath can be limited to the summer season. A cold bath in summer is best for the kids to enliven and refresh them. Sea bathing is also a good method, but continue with the method only if there is any visible improvement in the kid’s health such as increased appetite and vigor. Contrary to popular beliefs, a cold bath is more refreshing and soothing than a hot water bath for strong kids.
The best time for sea bath is one or two hours before breakfast time. The sea bath as well as cold bath should be limited to short periods for best results. A bath of short duration is always better to maintain body energy and heat. Many kids are afraid to immerse themselves in water, and to remove this fear they need to be taught swimming if possible. Also a responsible adult should be with them at all times to give them confidence and security.
Posted on April 14th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Child Care, Toddler, bath
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