What are the special features of a cold bath for children?
The special feature of the cold bath for children is on the one hand the temperature, on the other hand special attention must be paid to the bath additives. Most essential oils are not suitable for children due to their ingredients. Therefore only very gentle oils such as thyme and star anise should be used.
In addition, there are special cold baths for children in which only harmless bath additives are used. The temperature also plays an important role in children’s cold baths, so the water temperature should always be checked with a bath thermometer. Moreover, a cold bath for children is only suitable if they are in the early stages of the cold.
In this way symptoms can be alleviated, but at the same time the body is not exposed to too much stress. In infancy, i.e. before the first year of life, a cold bath is generally not recommended. Even when a cold starts, infants are already physically affected. A cold bath would be too strenuous in this situation. In addition, there is the limitation that the infants cannot yet express themselves and therefore cannot communicate when the cold bath overtaxes their circulation, for example.
Cold bath during pregnancy and lactation
Taking a cold bath during pregnancy is generally allowed. Besides the positive effect on colds, the relaxing effect of the bath during pregnancy can be very good. By taking a bath at the beginning of the onset of a cold, the body’s own defenses are strengthened.
In some cases, this can prevent the need to take medication. Symptoms such as headaches and mucous in the airways can also be relieved by the bath. However, hot baths should be avoided in the last trimester of pregnancy.
When taking a cold bath during pregnancy, it is important to pay attention to the water temperature. This should not be too hot. The circulation is also more strained during pregnancy than usual, which is why you should get up even more slowly after the bath.
Due to the different ingredients in essential oils, it is recommended to avoid them or to seek medical advice before. In the last trimester of pregnancy, hot baths should be avoided completely, as they can cause premature contractions and rupture of the bladder. If in doubt, a partial washing of the arms is more suitable.
Similar to pregnancy, you can also take a cold bath during the nursing period. However, it is best not to add essential oils or other bath additives. These substances can be absorbed through the skin and inhalation of the water vapor and thus enter the body.
Some of the ingredients are then transferred to the baby through breast milk. If you do not want to do without essential oils, you should therefore use an oil suitable for children, such as eucalyptus. Basically, a cold bath has a very relaxing effect during the nursing period.
However, the body is often still weakened shortly after pregnancy.The cold can also affect the circulation. For this reason, you should not take a particularly long bath with a cold when nursing and get up very carefully after the short bath. Afterwards, it is essential to dry off well and dress warmly to prevent the heat from being immediately removed from the body. Also interesting: medication during the breastfeeding period
