Every day I can see his neck growing a little more. The back of his neck is easy to clean, it's the part right in front that is impossible. The poor little guy has like 5 fat rolls in between his head and chest. I can usually get to two, but two other ones are clamped down so tight in there I have to get the hubs to help me.
What really makes me feel bad is when I give him kisses and can smell the gunk in the cracks. How can I call myself a neat freak when my son is growing a science experiment in his neck?I have learned that at feeding time I have a good shot at getting in the cracks of his neck. The trick is remembering to have something handy to clean it out with, which I rarely do.
I just cannot wait until he grows his neck out. Anyone got any good tips or tricks for getting in the cracks???
6 comments:
Don't be afraid to lean his head back and get in there! Babies are far stronger than you think they are and, as long as you aren't being rough with them, difficult to hurt. He probably won't like it, but both of you will feel so much better after the fact! Another option is to distract him in the tub with something he likes... get his attention and then move it so that he leans his head back to follow. One final suggestion, if his mood allows it, you can try it around a nap or his bedtime. Make it part of the routine to bathe and then get a little mini massage. During that massage, gently move his body so that his head is comfortably hanging over the edge of your leg or his changing pad or anything else you deem appropriate. Keep the touches light and use a warm wet cloth, immediately followed by a dry very soft cloth so he doesn't get chilled, to clean that area. If it won't stimulate him, play some soft music or sing/hum a slow tune to help relax him.
This, as with all things, just takes some trial and error. And don't worry if he screams his head off in irritation. Him being irritated is much better than his skin being irritated and possibly getting sores or an infection. Don't worry momma and daddy! You're doing a great job!
Thank you! We give him a baby massage after bath every time. He loves it!!
After reading your suggestions I've realized that I just need to accept for now I'm just not going to get his neck clean IN the bath. I'm going to try to do it BEFORE bath! We have a super soft bath mat that's just his size I lay him on for bath. What I'm going to try tonight is doing what you said, and distract him with a toy while I get in there!
Thanks again!
Hi! I've been a huge fan of your blogs - both baby and pregnancy - forever! I owe you a very long overdue thank you for helping me get through my own crappy pregnancy!
My baby is 4.5 months old. I wet a gauze or wring out a baby wipe in lukewarm water and wipe his neck while he's doing tummy time and his neckrolls aren't as folded in :)
-esther
Hi Esther! Congratulations on your baby and thank you for your kind words!!
I LOVE the tummy time idea!! Thank you for that. I'm going to try it as soon as I get home!
Hugs!
April
I also use a baby wipe while my little guy is doing tummy time. It works like a charm every time and much easier than trying to get it done in the tub.
Thank you for taking the time to write every day. I always look forward to reading your blog. My son was born 2/13 so I've been learning from you since your a week or so ahead of me. I loved the baby Tylenol post and went out and bought some before his shots thanks to your post. I'm a FTM too.
Thank you! Some days I want to sleep instead of write and then comments like yours remind me why I do it... to help FTM's learn from my mistakes! That Tylenol fail was epic! : )
Post a Comment