Almost all mothers of newborn babies face colic. During them, children often cry, do not sleep well at night and may refuse to eat, or, conversely, they require breasts every now and then. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to get rid of the accumulation of gases by laying on the stomach, massage or heating pad. What to do in this case? A special vent pipe for newborns will come to the rescue. The main thing that mom needs to do is to read the instructions for its use so as not to injure the baby and not aggravate the situation.
What is a vent pipe
The vent pipe for newborns is a silicone or plastic tube with holes. Its diameter will vary depending on the age of the child.
There are reusable and disposable tubes. The latter are much more convenient to use, since there is no need for their boiling, they are already sterile. That's just the cost of such tubes is an order of magnitude higher, in comparison with reusable ones.
When choosing this "assistant" it is important to pay attention to appearance and smell. The tube cannot smell like chemical alloys, and its surface must be clean and smooth.
Types of vent pipes
The look of the vent pipe for newborns will depend on its type. Manufacturers offer three main options:
- Rubber gas vent for babies. Designed for reusable use.
- A tube for a dropper with a plastic “nozzle” for exhausting gases on one side and a rounded end with holes on the other.
- Plastic catheter in the form of a mouthpiece. Designed for single use.
The choice of a particular type of vent pipe for newborns depends on the personal preferences of the baby's parents. The rules of use and the principle of operation of the device will remain unchanged.
Cost
Prices for gas exhaust pipes may vary depending on their type and manufacturer. The average cost is in the range of 60 rubles per piece. At the same time, the price of flexible vent tubes starts at 15 rubles, and reusable rubber options will be about 4 times more expensive. The cost of plastic catheters is even higher, but they are more convenient to use, since due to the special design they cannot be inserted too deep into the anus.
If you pay attention to the pricing policy of a particular company, then, for example, the price for the beloved by many mothers gas vents for newborns "Windy" is in the range of 700-1000 rubles per pack of 10 pieces.
Is she needed at all?
In this matter, the opinions of both mothers and specialists were divided. Some believe that a vented rectal tube for newborns is the only effective way to relieve crumbs of pain. Others are categorically opposed to this kind of help. Moreover, they are sure that the vent pipe is very dangerous for the baby.
Parents must weigh the pros and cons on their own, and only then decide whether they need to buy a vent pipe for their newborns or whether they can do without it.
Instructions for use
The instructions for using the vent tube for newborns are very simple. But still, it is recommended that you first ask a patronage nurse to show parents how to do things right. In this case, mom and dad should carefully monitor all the actions of the physician and ask questions, if any. This will help to be sure that in the future they themselves will do everything correctly, which means they will achieve the necessary result.
Before you begin, you need to prepare:
- gas pipe;
- a diaper;
- baby cream, oil or petroleum jelly.
The following action plan is very simple:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Boil the vent pipe for 10 minutes. If parents bought disposable sterile catheters, this item is skipped.
- Lay the diaper on a flat surface and lay the baby on it. Newborn babies should lie on their backs. Older children can turn on their side.
- Grease the end of the tube with cream. It should not remain dry places!
- Gently raise the baby's legs and gently press them to the tummy.
- Introduce the tip of the tube into the baby's ass about 1-2 centimeters.
It is very important to monitor the reaction of the crumbs! If he began to cry, scream, twitch - you need to pull out the phone and transfer the procedure to another time. If the baby is calm - you can continue. The same goes for all further points:
- Twist the tube first one way, then the other. If mom has assistants, let them gently massage the belly of the crumbs clockwise.
- If all actions are performed correctly, the air will begin to depart already at this stage. But this does not mean that you can already finish!
- Massage of the abdomen and rotation of the tube must be continued until a small amount of feces has leaked from the tube or the baby’s tummy becomes soft.
As you can see, there is nothing difficult to use the tube. It remains only to carefully remove the tube, wash the child and dress him.
No need to rush anywhere! Sudden movements will only harm the baby.
When to use?
The logical question that arises in parents: how often to use a vent pipe for newborns? It is important to remember that this item is a so-called emergency aid. The tube helps to quickly get rid of accumulated gas and cope with constipation, but this does not mean that it can be used daily!
The procedure is allowed only in case of emergency. However, there are other limitations. For example, the handset is allowed to be used no more than once every 4 hours. The duration of the procedure for getting rid of gaziks can last no more than a quarter of an hour, although it usually lasts 5-10 minutes.
"Underwater rocks"
Despite the fact that the vent pipe for newborns quickly relieves the baby of discomfort and even helps him to relax in case of constipation, it is important to consider the presence of some negative points.
Firstly, there is a risk of damage to the intestinal mucosa or the anus of the baby. Therefore, all manipulations must be carried out as carefully as possible. You do not need to enter the end of the tube very deep, make sudden movements, use a device if the baby breaks loose or begins to cry even more.
Secondly, many experts are of the opinion that the use of a vent tube is addictive and slows down the development of the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. The baby must learn how to release gases and empty itself. The use of the tube stretches the learning process, so you should definitely consider this.
If there is no way to buy a tube
Some parents do not want or cannot buy a vent pipe and start using various tools at hand. It is not uncommon for a baby to enter a normal thermometer in the anus. It is worth noting that such a replacement is very doubtful, as is the effect of its use. Moreover, in this way, the appearance of signs of intoxication in the crumbs can be provoked.
If there is still no opportunity to buy a special tube, then it is better to use a syringe or a cotton swab. Another option is to acquire a small enema. These items are less dangerous for the baby. True, it will be impossible to achieve the same result as with a straw. Therefore, it is better not to risk the health of the crumbs, and to get rid of the accumulated gaziki use the object intended for this (tube).
Mom reviews
Moms who used the vent pipe leave a lot of comments about it, describing all the pros and cons.
The main positive qualities they call:
- low cost;
- easy way to use;
- fast obtaining of the desired result (gaziki depart, the child becomes cheerful, stops crying);
- relief from constipation.
Negative points are also present. For example, some mothers complain that their baby ceased to poop on their own and for a long time had to turn to the help of a tube or other means (glycerin candles, cotton buds, and so on). Others claim that the use of the tube led to digestive problems that could not be completely eliminated even after a few years. We must not forget about the risk of injuring the anus or the intestines of the crumbs with the slightest incorrect movement.
Therefore, it is worth recalling once again that a gas outlet can be used only in case of emergency.