Bathing A Child With Cerebral Palsy

When caring for a child with cerebral palsy, bathing and practicing good hygiene is an important activity. It is also an excellent bonding opportunity between a parent or caregiver and the child.

Here are a few tips to help you while bathing a child with cerebral palsy.

• First, set out the tools. Whether it’s a bath-towel, sponge or soap and shampoo, a parent or caregiver will want supplies close by so there isn’t a single moment when they’re not attending to the child.
• Secondly, be cautious. Soap and water make the tub and child slippery, so make sure bathing areas have grip mats and cover any blunt surfaces (like the tub faucet) with rubber or towels. Also, you can consider installing safety rails that can be drilled into drywall around bathtubs.

To help prevent the caregiver’s back from aching, you can invest in a shower chair for the child. It can also help with child safety.

Children with cerebral palsy may struggle with the transition from sitting to standing. Caregivers can expect this same challenge when it comes to bath time. Overall, try to take this process slowly so that the child can feel relaxed, in control and, most importantly, safe.

To learn more about the care of those with cerebral palsy, visit https://www.chcsolutions.com/continuum_connect/specialty-products/oral-care-and-cerebral-palsy/.

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.