Should moms use hot and cold compresses for babies?

In traditional medicine, compressing is a method that has been used for a long time to relieve pain and cure a number of diseases. The compresses are divided into two categories: hot compresses and cold compresses. Therefore, hot and cold compresses for babies were born. Should parents buy for their baby an ice pack?

The effects of hot and cold compresses for babies

Applying is a traditional medicine that has been used for a long time to relieve pain and cure illnesses. Hot compresses dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation in the injured part and accelerate healing, to treat long-term injuries, chronic illnesses or non-new injuries. Cold compresses also help reduce high fever, headache, toothache, post-extraction pain, nosebleeds, sprains (joints) with swelling, impact bruises, minor burns, insect bites and bites. .

The traditional methods we use often use towels soaked in warm water, pour hot water into bottles or rubber bags ... For hot compresses and use an ice pack or wrap the ice in a towel for cold compresses. Although these methods are effective, there are many limitations such as complicated preparation, short time to keep heat, unstable temperature, burns during preparation and use, etc. These shortcomings both fail to bring into play the full use of the compressive method, but also make it difficult for the operator.

When do babies need hot and cold compresses?

Use a hot compress

When children have a fever at the threshold of 37.5 - 38.5 degrees C, parents can apply the method of applying a wet towel dipped in warm water. Parents should not use water that is too hot (if the hand is immersed in water and it feels hot, it will not work).

Use a warm washcloth to wipe your child's body. Especially, wipe a lot on the forehead, armpits and groin, change the towel every 2-3 minutes to cool down.

Use a cold compress

Cold compresses help relieve pain, reduce swelling when sprains, wrong joints, prevent complications of muscle tear disease or ligament relaxation ...

How to choose a baby compress

Currently on the market there are many types of hot and cold compresses for babies. However, we can classify them into two basic categories, which are rechargeable and non-rechargeable.

The pack does not use a charger

Such as gel packs used to soak in water or put them in the microwave, plastic or rubber packs to pour water or ice ... These packs have the advantage of being used in emergencies when in your home. have hot and iced water available or microwave. However, it is quite clunky because of many preparations, the holding time is usually not long, the temperature is not stable. And easy to burn during the process if not well prepared.

The second type is the charger used for power charging

This type has a heat retention solution inside and can be heated electrically through a wiring. These packs are convenient, quick, and retain heat for a long time but are often more expensive. However, this bag should be stored and stored with care. Avoid the case of a punctured cover, the liquid in the bag spills out and can affect the health.

The two types of compresses above have both their disadvantages and advantages. So you should base on your needs as well as your own conditions to buy the right pack for your baby.

Note when using infant compresses

To use the compress safely, you need to read the manufacturer's instruction manual before using.

Do not let a child use the compress without adult supervision

Do not leave the pack in the crib while the baby sleeps to avoid the sleeping bag on the baby causing burns . When not in use, keep the bag out of reach of children.

Do not open the bag and change the water in the pack with another type of water ...

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