There are a lot of opinions out there about the proper grooming and bathing of young ones. How often should kids bathe? This is a question with no single answer so how do you go about this?
Firstly, kids can get dirty real quick and this causes them to require a lot of bathing. It is at this stage of the kids’ growth that they’ll be learning how to feed themselves, exploring the outside world, or even getting in touch with their artistic sides.
Some days you look at your cute, dirty kids and decide they need a bath, no questions asked. But, is it possible that the kids are bathing way too often?
It’s important to note that the toddler years are when the kids’ immune system develops. And for this to happen, the kids’ immune system needs to be exposed to certain microbes to develop an immune defense against them in the future. So dear moms, a little germ after every day’s activity is no cause for alarm.
Another bathing issue is deciding whether the kids need their hair washed every day. When kids go to school or for the toddlers in the daycare, they’re bound to get exposed to hair lice. But did you know that lice are more attracted to immaculately clean hair? So if your kids bathe every day, there is no need to wash their hair all the time.
Now, as a mom, there’s no denying the constant state of exhaustion you find yourself in. This brings about lazy days and sometimes you don’t feel like supervising the kids while they bathe. We can’t blame you for this and to be honest, it should not be a cause of so much guilt. Kids need to learn how to bathe without adult supervision eventually.
Another factor to consider is the presence of any skin-related issues. Kids with eczema are advised not to bathe every day due to their skin problems. Therefore, it is important to consult your dermatologist.
It’s quite obvious that kids of different age groups require different bathing schedules. Let’s take a look at how often babies, toddlers, kids, and even teens should bathe.
How Often Should Babies Bathe?
Moms are advised to bathe their newborns 2-3 times a week. What’s most important is ensuring the sensitive areas such as the face, neck, and diaper areas are thoroughly cleaned. This should be done regularly, even in between baths.
But recently, medical research suggests that baths should be avoided entirely for newborns with umbilical cords. Rather, these newborns should be given sponge baths till the umbilical cord gradually falls off. This usually happens in the first two weeks after birth.
Try not to exceed three baths a week as the newborn’s skin could get dried out.
How Often Should Toddlers Bathe?
Toddlers are more active than newborns and therefore, get dirty faster. There is no specific rule for how often toddlers should bathe. Therefore, pay attention to their hygiene and give them baths when necessary.
Some medical reports suggest toddlers be bathed every day while some recommend just 2-3 baths every week. However, kids with eczema, sensitive skin, and other skin problems, are advised not to bathe more than 2-3 times a week. Also, it is at the age that kids get exposed to microbes that help build their immune system so a little germ every now and then doesn’t hurt anyone.
How Often Should Kids Bathe?
This depends on the age of the kid. Kids between the ages of 6-10 are advised to bathe once or twice a week or every day depending on their level of activity.
Kids who have reached puberty are encouraged to bathe every day for hygiene purposes.
Kids generally should bathe whenever they feel dirty or sweaty as well as after swimming (regardless of whether it’s in a pool or ocean). Both pool water and natural water bodies leave debris on the skin of children.
CONCLUSION
Bathing is a hygienic tool that helps maintain the good health of the kids. How often they should bathe depends on their age, level of activities as well as presence of skin problems.
It’s important to consult your dermatologist for kids with sensitive skin to get accurate advice on the bathing schedule best for the kids.