Baby thalasso baths: an unforgettable experience for the very youngest

A baby thalasso bath is an innovative practice that offers many benefits for newborns. It involves immersing the baby in a warm, salted water basin, recreating the sensations they experienced in the womb. Today, we will cover the main benefits of this method, the precautions to take, and how to give your baby a thalasso bath at home.

The benefits of a thalasso bath for babies

Thalassotherapy for newborns was developed by Sonia Krief, a French nursery nurse.

This technique provides several benefits for babies' development and wellbeing:

Sensory stimulation: the contact of warm, salty water on their skin awakens their senses and promotes relaxation.

Pain relief: babies can suffer from various discomforts, such as colic or muscle tension. Thalasso can help them relax and ease these problems through the buoyancy and warmth of the water.

Psychomotor development: by moving freely in the water, babies work on their motor skills and coordination.

Strengthening the parent-child bond: the thalasso bath is a special moment of connection and closeness between baby and their parents, who can accompany them throughout this unique experience.

Giving your baby a thalasso bath at home

There is no need to visit a specialist centre to give your baby a thalasso bath. With a few precautions and the right accessories, it is perfectly possible to recreate this experience at home.

What you will need

To set up a baby thalasso bath at home, here are the essential items:

A baby bath suitable for your newborn's size, with a safe and stable support.

Warm water (between 37°C and 38°C) and a way to regularly check the temperature.

Unrefined sea salt, free from additives and fragrances, at approximately 200 grams per litre of water.

A flotation device, such as a neck ring or float specially designed for newborns.

Soft towels to wrap and dry your baby after the bath.

Steps to follow

Here are the main steps for giving your baby a thalasso bath at home:

Fill the baby bath with warm water, making sure to stir in the sea salt until it is completely dissolved.

Check the water temperature and adjust if necessary. It should be between 37°C and 38°C to ensure baby's comfort.

Place the baby in the bath with a flotation device around their neck or under their arms. Make sure their head remains well above the water and that they are safe and secure.

Allow your baby to enjoy the sensations of the salted water for around 15 minutes, staying by their side the whole time to watch over them and reassure them. You can also take this moment to share gentle strokes and massage with them.

At the end of the bath, immediately wrap baby in a warm towel and dry them gently. Remember to warm them up quickly, as they may feel cold after coming out of the water.

Precautions and contraindications

A baby thalasso bath is generally safe and beneficial for newborns.

However, certain precautions should be observed to ensure their wellbeing:

Always check the water temperature before placing your baby in it, and adjust if necessary.

Never leave your child unsupervised during the bath, even if they seem perfectly comfortable in the water.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the use and maintenance of flotation devices for babies.

Avoid practising thalasso with a baby who is overtired or unsettled, as this could compromise their wellbeing and safety.

However, certain situations may make this practice inadvisable:

In cases of skin infection, open wounds, or specific health issues (for example, an allergy to sea salt), it is best to consult a healthcare professional before attempting a thalasso bath with your baby.

Premature newborns or those with respiratory problems should also be assessed by a doctor before taking part in this type of bath.

In short, a baby thalasso bath is a unique experience that can contribute to the wellbeing and harmonious development of newborns. By observing a few precautions, it is entirely possible to create a truly relaxing and bonding moment with your little one. So why not give it a try?