* The procedure could be all over India, but I don’t know anybody else who does it other than my Kannadiga people*
Quick update on bath products: I really recommend California baby products as they are natural, I’m kind of iffy about Johnson baby products ,( although they do make a baby, smell like a baby) But I was wondering if all that fragrance is ok to be used on a new born and I was kindly directed by my friend whose baby has sensitive skin to California Baby Products. Since then I have tried all of the products and love them, especially the insect repellent which is DEET free and safe to use for infants. You don’t know for sure if your baby has sensitive skin when he is just born, so don’t risk it, by trying possibly irritant stuff. Try Cali. baby and maybe buy the other stuff after 6 months. I must say that although the price is 3X more than Johnson Baby- a little goes a long way, so forget the price- it’s better than your child having skin problems.
Ok, moving on to “namma” stlye bath or abyangasnana, I always use a bucket and mug and premix water, coz if you are using the hand held shower in the sink or bathroom, and if somebody flushes the toilet or turns on the dishwasher or the washing machine, the baby might get scalded or cold. So be on the safe side and premix the water.
An abyangasnana is mostly preceded with a nice, hot oil massage.
For the bath, get your water ready and prepare the makeshift bench, which are your legs. So, you sit on a stool and stretch your legs and place them on a stool of equal height. Your legs need to be level. I got my stool from walmart and sit in our jacuzzi tub, which is huge!! Lay down the baby , always keeping one hand on him and proceed to wash. Make sure that you pour water gently- small amounts from a mug or measuring cup. This procedure is especially good while washing the back, which gets neglected in normal baths. My mom says that the baby is always lying on his back, so its important to strengthen and stimulate it. Lay the baby on his tummy on your legs, his feet pointing toward your feet and head turned sideways, so he can breathe well, Hey guess what, he also gets his tummy time this way. My mom , the expert gently bends Niks legs and draws his arms back and pours water down his shoulder blades. Other poses are turning him up again and holding his legs together, bend his knees and pour water on the knee joints, or on the feet. Water therapy is real good for a baby that age, when they don’t get any exercise. Also this way the baby is not scared of water or the bath as he is always skin to skin. Remember, one hand always on the baby.
A disadvantage is that you always need 2 people, some one to sit down and hold the baby and someone to pour the water.
