Half Bath for infants and small children
Please read Important Points to be Observed with all Treatments before performing this treatment.
This video is for demonstration, if the child has COVID-19, you must wear personal protective equipment.
This video is for demonstration, if the child has COVID-19, you must wear personal protective equipment.
Definition
An immersion bath in which the child sits in a tub or a basin filled with enough hot water (39°C / 102°F) to cover the legs, hips and trunk up to the navel.
Equipment
Important Considerations
Completion of Treatment
An immersion bath in which the child sits in a tub or a basin filled with enough hot water (39°C / 102°F) to cover the legs, hips and trunk up to the navel.
Equipment
- Tub or sink large enough for child to sit in with legs out straight
- Bath thermometer
- Towels (2) - one to place on the bottom of the tub for child to sit on (optional) and one to dry with at the end
- Cup or small bucket (to dip water out so water will remain at navel height)
- 1 litre /quart of ice water in basin (cool water for infants)
Important Considerations
- Be sure water is at correct temperature. Check with your elbow if no thermometer is available.
- Have room warm and free of drafts
- For safety always stay with the child.
- Assemble all equipment
- Read over instructions so you know what, when and how.
- Fill tub to proper height with 39°C / 102°F water, keep topping it up throughout the treatment.
- Strip child and put child in water (5-20 minutes)
- If the bath is large encourage the child to lie down to get water around the chest.
- Keep water temperature up to 39°C / 102°F throughout the treatment.
- End the treatment when the child is thoroughly warmed or wants to get out if longer than 15 minutes.
Completion of Treatment
- Have the child sit up or stand then quickly pour about 1 litre / 1 quart of cool or cold water over the back of neck and shoulders.
- Take the child from the water and dry immediately and as quickly as possible; dress and put to bed. The child should be kept comfortably warm in bed for at least 1 1/2 hours before getting up and dressing; staying in bed overnight is even better.