How To Make a Cold Eliminating Bath for Children

With cold and flu season nearing, you will want to do all you can to keep your child safe from germs.  When even the best efforts cannot help your child from getting sick, you will need to have some things on hand to help alleviate your child’s symptoms.  While it may seem most logical to immediately give your child OTC medication, a cold eliminating bath is a safer and more natural way to help your child feel better.

Making a cold eliminating bath for children is one of the best ways to soothe your child and ease his or her symptoms.  Cold eliminating baths are safe for even small babies, just be sure to take the proper precautions.

1. First, you will need to fill the bath with some warm water. 
2. Be sure that the water is lukewarm; not too hot and not too cold.  If you want to be sure, you can use a child-friendly water thermometer that can be found at most children’s specialty stores.  These water thermometers can be placed over the faucet, or can be dropped into the tub and come in cute duck and frog designs.
3. In the meantime, pop your child’s pajamas and towels into the dryer to make them warm and fluffy.  When sick, exiting the tub often brings on the chills for small children, so you want to be sure you have the pajamas and towels warm and available for your child.
4. Once the water has been poured in the cold eliminating bath, you can pour in a few drops of Eucalyptus oil.  Use just enough to create a relaxing aroma, but do not use too much, as the scent will be strong for a small child.  Eucalyptus oil is known to relieve both nose and chest congestion, while opening up the airway.  If you do not have Eucalyptus oil, try using peppermint or spearmint oils.
5. You can now place your child into the cold eliminating bath. 
6. Wash your child with a warm washcloth or bath sponge.  Make gentle, circular motions to try to relax the body. 
7. You can sing or talk to your child, as the sound of a parent’s voice can be quite calming.

When the cold eliminating bath has been completed, you can gently remove your child from the bath.  Be sure to have a warm towel ready, so that you wrap your child up in the towel immediately.  Complete by dressing your child in a warm pair of pajamas.