How often should we bathe our children?

Kimberly - posted on 06/17/2012

Wow. I was so blown away by some of the responses. I can't believe some people actually bathe their children twice a day. That is a bit overly excessive and not good for their skin. I have very dry skin myself so even I don't shower everyday. If I did I would be so dry and itchy. My children bathe every other day unless as many have said they are really dirty. A good face washing in the morning is enough to get them going in the morning if they need it. I do have a son moving into his teenage years who does need more showers but still has days he can skip when he hasn't done a whole lot and always no more then once a day. We also come from an area that frequently is hit with drought so we have taught our children to conserve water this another reason for avoiding the daily showers. In the end you need to do what you feel is best for your children.

Lisa - posted on 06/17/2012

In the summer usually everyday because they run around in the dirt and grass all day. But in the winter maybe every 3 days or so unless they get dirty.

Molly - posted on 06/16/2012

You are doing fine. If it works for your family, then go with it.

Maggie - posted on 06/16/2012

I bathe or shower my kids ever other day unless they are active or playing in the dirt your body needs that bacteria and oils to protect you from the outside elements

Cali - posted on 06/16/2012

Thought this was interesting - this says they should bathe every day....http://www.parents.com/advice/big-kids/h...

Jill - posted on 06/15/2012

Once a month, whether they need it or not! LOL

In the summer, my kids shower on most days. After karate (3/wk), whenever they are dirty from outside play, or when we've had to pile on the bug spray and/or sunblock.

In the winter, they'll skip a day or two, because their life is less active. It is also good for your skin to skip a day in the winter because the air is so drying.

This works well for us and our needs, but I know there is a wide range of bathing practices. I know people that will go 3+ days between showers, and I've encountered a family that would take a shower every morning and every evening, plus they would step into the shower to wash their lower half every time they used the toilet.

Brooke - posted on 06/12/2012

I bath my daughter who is two everyday, I think it is important that she is in a routine from a young age and understands the importance of hygiene. I bath my 4 week old every 1-2 days depending on the wheather, If it is cold I try to avoid it, Although I have still bathed her and had the heater and towels close by. Each to their own =)

Tia - posted on 06/12/2012

a child should have a bath daily!

Melodie - posted on 06/06/2011

My boys take a shower every night, but that has a lot to do with bed time routine. And sure there are days that it isn't going to happen and the shower is going to have to be put off. I don't think it matters when you bathe your kids as long as they are clean and comfy that is all that matters.

Sara - posted on 06/05/2011

My kids are bathed every 2 or 3 days depending on what is going on. They have VERY sensitive skin. To the point of over bathing (daily) creates sores on their skin. Our doctor said to not use soap unless they were visibly dirty because of the effects on their skin. I think like one person says it's very dependent on the kids and situations. My kids brush their teeth daily and change their underwear daily. They never smell, and won't have bad hygiene when they get older.

Naomi - posted on 06/04/2011

very interesting question and discussion. my oldest is 4 years old and she has very bad eczema so we only give her a bath 2-3 times a week. if she gets very dirty between baths we do a quick shower. I also have a 3 month old and we bathe her 1 time per week... now that summer is here we'll probably start bathing her more. my children don't "stink" and until she's in sports or something that will make her sweat I don't plan on changing this routine. She brushes her teeth daily and washes hands/face and other parts as needed. I also agree with a pervious post that once a kid hits puberty/becomes an adult they will develope their own hygine habits so don't worry about how often they're bathing now compared to what they will when they're older.

Marissa - posted on 06/04/2011

My Ped. Dr told me to wash my 10yr old and 4yr old daughters every other day unless they got really sweaty or dirty because my kids have excessively dry skin and washing them everyday washes away the natural oils making their skin dry out more. I was told to help keep them moisturized i should coat them in baby oil before i dry them off it seems to help.

So to answer your question I think it's fine that you bathe them every other day. I have to hear about this from my in laws that they NEED to get washed everyday. Even after I told them that the Dr. said to wash them every other day I still have to hear about this from my in laws who seem to think I don't take care of my kids because I wash them every other day. So do what is right for your kids and don't worry about what everyone else has to say.

Danielle - posted on 04/29/2011

My 5-year old sweats heavily; in the winter, its every other day or 2. In the summer, its every day. If there is no time for a bath, we at least wash her face and neck real good...Now, I am a step-mom, with full custody, and my husband (not knowing better) would only bathe her twice a week. Then we realized she gets rashes easily (down , ya know) and so 3 or 4 times a week in the winter, every day or so in the summer, and she hasnt had a serious rash in about a year or more. Use your judgement though; if your kids dont sweat as much or get as dirty, then ignore what everyone else says and do what you feel is best!

Rachell - posted on 04/29/2011

I think you're doing a great job. I know what you mean, by days they have to have one etc.. and you are installing the values by getting them to sponge bathe. I also offer my children the choice (providing they have not had say sunblock on or done sports etc) then they can opt for a shower in the morning or at night. They are 4, 7 & 8yo. You know what works best for your family.

Narelle - posted on 04/29/2011

Definetly every night, it helps prepare for bed and when the children get a little older they will get dirtier, it will give the child a sense of time the rouitine is great for the children and they know exactly what they have to do every day cheers

Amanda - posted on 04/27/2011

@K. Garba, Nobody in this thread has said ANYTHING about one race being dirtier then another!!! And Again PLEASE try to refrain from calling people disgusting!!

You have to remember this board is full of every race, and no one, and I mean no one on here has used race as a subject on cleanliness! Stop projecting hate into the thread, if you take just a few seconds and read EACH post here, there is NOT a SINGLE post that say anything remotely what you are talking about.

And PLEASE, just because you do NOT agree, do NOT throwing out hateful words, like appalling, and disgusting! Those are not very helpful words!

I think if you feel the need to bathe your child more then that's great, and also if you think it's best for your child to be bathed every OTHER day then that too is just as great. NO ONE in here has stated that they do NOT clean their child! Just find a routine that works for you and if some one ask for help, or advise, bring up your ideas and leave it at that! to belittle the others isn't going to help them see your way any faster!

K. - posted on 04/26/2011

It doesnt stem from anything deeper! My response is is based off the first thing that came to mind. I was always taught to bathe everyday, growing up we were told we were not clean if we didnt take a bath. Especially being black. So when I hear parents don't bathe their kids everyday to me... it sounds appalling and disgusting to me. It's my opinion and I'm entitled to that. I'm not attacking anyone. And if u dig deeper it is appropriate for me to mention race when I hear a plethora of women of the same race saying this, it is safe to say this a common doing i don't understand. I never knew this till today, it is also common for people of different walks of life to not be familiar with certain rituals or routines.  My controversial  statement lies decades of false racial comments that "we are dirty" because it said we" don't take a bath" which are just ignorant lies so when I hear these statements I'm confused to why the very thing we are accused of not doing is being done. Just a thought. No need to get get up in arms about it, I just learned something new today....

Jamie - posted on 04/26/2011

Unless they have a skin condition, i'd say every other day is fine unless they have sports or are hot and sweaty. My kids get a bath every day though. They are very active though.

Daniela - posted on 04/26/2011

In reaction to some posts above. Ladies, can we please stop to attack each other? If moms would stop this " I am better then you..." game and rather support each other, we would be stronger as a group and had better chance to be accepted and respected by non-moms. As it is, every petty issue can turn in mom war, basicly showing "I am beter mom then you becouse of some of the choices you make." We are all good moms here, we are trying to find more information, ve have doubts that we share, we are looking for tips, opinions. However, one things nobody needs, is to be judged based on really silly choices, that in the big scheme of things means nothing. Bath or not every day is in the end very small thing and either way the kids are gonna be just fine. I was told three times in last 2 years that my child might not survive due to his heart problem, we have been through hell and back several times. So, when somebody is trying to tell me I am not a good mom becouse of my day to day routine choices, I just smile. I am good, I am exellent mom, even on a day that my child gets to bed without a bath.

Joy - posted on 04/26/2011

I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

Dragonfly - posted on 04/26/2011

Hi

I bathe my kids when they are dirty..... this can be twice a day or every second day... they never golonger than that without getting dirty either from paint and sand or food.... I think though ultimately it really depends on how well your nose works... if you think they smell they need bathing.... if they look dirty then in the bath..... dont let anyone dictate to you that it is essential to bathe them every day... a good flannel wipes away most gripe

Amanda - posted on 04/26/2011

@K.Garba... ?... What does race have to do with this conversation!?!?!

I think maybe your need to belittle others, call them "plain ol' disgusting" and bring race into it, stems from a deeper place!

I think most of us know that girls AND boys need to make sure their "lower regions" need to be clean, we are not saying that we don't bathe our kids, just not to the point where they are just as unhealthy as if we didn't clean them at all! The battle can both ways, but every other day is a nice balance!

And personally, I would not want to slather my child with sticky, Vaseline, unless by some fate, they had a terrible rash, or debilitating dryness! Vaseline will only make them dirty, faster, I would think!

But try to keep race out of it, as it really had nothing to do with it. And try not to call people names, and belittle them just because you do it different. I think just about everyone in here has found a balance in their kids bathing routine!

K. - posted on 04/26/2011

Some of you may not like what I'm about to say, but that's just plain ol' disgusting to not bathe ur kids everyday! But every three days is crazy! Especially girls in the lower region should be taught proper hygiene, and as far boys are concerned they can be a bit careless in cleaning themselves properly especially after a bowel movement, girls too! So a bath is necessary! Forget about outdoor activity! But, to the part where u may not like what I may say: I'm African American and I hear a lot of racist comments about how we're dirty and nasty, and how we are the nasiest race. How do u explain this kind of routine? Bc we believe in daily baths, eczema or not! Luberdirm or Vaseline does the job.

Donna - posted on 04/26/2011

growing up my mom washed us every other day and thats what i do for my kids. Except for if they ask for a bath the next day.

Ruthann - posted on 04/26/2011

If you have decided that it's enough, it is enough. They are your children and you know what is best for them. You know you wouldn't let them go to school dirty or have them be uncomfortable when they go to bed. You are doing the right thing for YOUR family.

Sharon - posted on 04/26/2011

i bathed my daughter nightly every night for the first 3 years and i feel that it stripped her hair of all goodness. her hair now gets done 2/3 times a week she is encouraged to shower every other day she is 9 now.

Heidi - posted on 04/25/2011

When they are little, every other day seems fine- But because boys are naturally resistant to cleanliness, I have set a routine for my 5 and 11 yr old boys; shower every day. I don't want them to think that keeping clean is an option, and I don't want to risk them being smelly. I have noticed as my older son has grown that smelliness increases- at least I know he is getting clean each day.

Stacey - posted on 04/25/2011

i def bathe my kids every night in the summer unless they are in the pool non stop. They get their hair washed and conditioned with every bath and are lotioned after them too.My daughter has exema but I use a special soap and aveeno lotion and control it great even with daily baths. In the winter its diffferent. Exema takes over. even with that I still require my kids to bathe at least every other day. I believe it starts healthy habits and in addition I wouldnt want them to be the stinky kid in class. I do understand that it can be tuff with a large family in my home we have 3 showers but there are 9 of us. we have kept showers down to 10 minute max for all of the kids regardless of age. Your question is "am I doing the right thing?" I would have to say yes and no. at 7 its important to put down a good hygiene foundation if they were youner I would say every 3 days is fine to wash there hair but at 7 they need to start following your showering routine more closely. Your little men are growing up. :")

Savona - posted on 04/25/2011

In my opinion you're doing fine =)
When I was growing up, I wasn't allowed to have a shower/bath everyday because it was teaching me of the importance of how much water it takes to do so. Before that rule was put in place, I didn't realize how much I was taking advantage of that fact and I couldn't help but think of all the people that don't have indoor plumbing. Made me upset. Not only that but its not healthy for your hair to be washing it every day anyway.
*shrug* Do you think you're doing a good job?

Suzanne - posted on 04/25/2011

i was always told by my childrens dr not to bath them every day for many reasons one being a little dirt will help bulid their imune (sp sorry) being 100% clean 100% of the time can contribute to alergys because the body can't build up the antybodies it needs to fight things off, Lice is atracted to clean hair so the natural oils that are there frome only washing it every 2-3 days helps prevent it, and bathing too offten can really dry the skin out contributing to rashes, and other skin problems.

Jean - posted on 04/25/2011

I bathed my kids once a day, summer or winter at night but didn't wash their hair every night. Hair can go 2 or 3 days without washing, They also liked to walk barefoot, even in winter, so they in any case needed to wash their feet. In winter a nice warm bath before getting into bed keeps one warm, since our house is cold in winter.

Wendy - posted on 04/25/2011

I try to give my son a bath every night..it's part of his routine and he loves his baths...however there are nights when I will let it slide, if he isn't dirty and just give him a bath the next night for sure.

Marcie - posted on 04/25/2011

I do the same - every other day , sometimes every 2 days particularly in the winter. In the summer every other day works as well as they are constantly in the pool. They are clean & if you wash they too often is dry the skin, & kids for the most part do not smell until older. My 6 yr. old has eczema & washing every day just makes him dryer & the eczema worse. Not to worry about hygiene the kids will shower daily as they get older believe me! We as adults are not suppose to wash daily & hair only a couple times per week - I know that thats best but admit I can't take a shower without washing my hair - I find I have to use lots of conditioner as result of striping the oils all the time.

Suzanne - posted on 04/25/2011

as long as they are healthy and happy and you know they are clean thats all that maters. as they get older and start puberty more oftern would be better but every child is diferent, as well as for hair washing.. less offten is better lice likes super clean hair.

Karyn - posted on 04/24/2011

I think that's fine,I have mine shower/shampoo every other day 'cept in the summer when they are muddy/sweaty/pool soaked. Plus mine have allergies & it's important not to sleep on a dirty head. In the winter you don't want to dry their skin too much (then we get eczema)!!!

Sherri - posted on 04/20/2011

Yes I think that is more than enough. Children should not bathe more than that in the winter because it dries out their skin. I was told to try and limit it to once every 3 days in the winter, because it is so damaging for their skin. In the summer when dirty more often than not every day but definitely every other.

Charlotte - posted on 04/20/2011

MamaB, you definitely ARE doig the right thing, I have 3 doctors in my family and they have all said that unless your child is especially dirty then to bathe them every OTHER day day and just give them a strip wash on the nights they don't shower.....otherwise it can lead to eczema later on and can even lead to your child developing ocd (obsessive compulsive disorder)!! xx

Sindi - posted on 04/20/2011

I have three children. The oldest is 11. He takes care of his own hygeine and pretty much showers nightly, if not every other. If he has had hockey, or baseball he of course showers after. My middle son is 3 and with the spring here, mud is his freind. He bathes nightly, becasue of that, however today was a rainy day, and he's been inside so he won't tonight. My youngest is 6mths, and I bathe him every two nights.

Julie - posted on 04/20/2011

Sounds like alot to me. My kids bathe once or twice a week. I have curly hair so I have to get it wet everyday, otherwise I probably would shower every other day.

Donna - posted on 04/20/2011

I think its personal preference, my 1 year old is bathed every evening before bed as this helps him to settle before we take him up, my 14 and 8 year olds shower every morning and my little girl who is 6 weeks old gets a bath every 3rd day but is topped and tailed every day morning and night, myself and my husband shower or bath every day so naturally the children do to x

Becky - posted on 04/20/2011

I do not have my children bathe everyday unless they are dirty, bathing too much dries out the skin. We are not going to get ill from not bathing daily! We have immune systems..they work great! That being said, I definitely make my children wash their hands frequently, and obviously do not let them smell or look dirty. They do not get sick more often than other children. It is a personal preference how often you want to have your children bathe. Too much is just as bad as not enough...trust your judgement, don't listen to everyone judge you!

Lara - posted on 04/20/2011

For eczema, our doctor actually recommended the opposite - baths every day followed by a serious moisturizer while slightly damp, and also lotion again in the day. I think how often depends on the climate, and the child. A bath has never calmed my eldest, quite the opposite, so we have from a young age, bathed him in the morning. In the summer, I wipe down his arms and legs after playing outside, if he's in a mess. Would everyone, please, stop judging each other and accept that everyone has different values and approaches to things based on their culture???

Lori - posted on 04/19/2011

I have 3 kids, aged 4, 2 and 1. They get a bath every other day (the nights when my son has school the next day). I think life is too short to be stuck on such a strict schedule that you cut playtime short to have a bath. My kids are clean, healthy and happy and isn't that all that matters? In the summer we will occasionally bathe everyday but so long as they are happy and healthy I see no reason with needing to have a bath absolutely everyday.

Amanda - posted on 04/19/2011

There is a thing such as "too clean" even as adults! beauty consultants recommend washing your hair every other day, as everyday will wash out natural oils and will dry out ends faster. also bathing everyday will wash natural oils and healthy nutrients off skin and make us MORE susceptible to unhealthy bacteria and wash off protections in our skin. Every other day is great for ANY body.
I knew a woman in my church who gave her newborn infant baths 3 times a day, that poor baby was so sick that by the time she was a toddler (still having up to 2 baths a day) she had many illnesses and missed lots of school.
Yes, we need to be clean and have good habits but there is a thing as going too far, and we have to remember sometimes germs (good and bad) are there for a reason, to make us stronger!

Sylvia - posted on 04/18/2011

as mum of 11 i think every day is way over the top for kids that dont do sports ,... kids play with water in summer anyway and if dirty then shower ... but its up to you not any one else

Alison - posted on 04/18/2011

You're absolutely doing the right thing! Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about not showering your child every day. It's your decision to make. My eldest daughter suffered terribly as a baby with dry skin to the point that it was cracked and bleeding in some places. I tried putting olive oil and prescription oils in the bath but in the end the health visitor suggested to me that I was inadvertantly making the situation worse by bathing her every day. I started bathing her every other day and her skin is so much better. I now have 6 year old twins as well & do the same with them. They wash all over on the days they do not have a shower and are perfectly well aware of the importance of cleanliness. Each parent has to decide for themselves their own routine. Do what suits you & what you feel happy with & don't let anyone else influence you.

MarthaLynn - posted on 04/17/2011

Bathe when they need it. If your kid spent a rainy day inside with you baking cookies and watching movies, what would you be washing off? My 6-yr-old showers when she needs to about 5 times a week, now that it is warmer and she is outside more, but she washes her face and hands and brushes her teeth every night (teeth again in the morning). Don't feel bad, what you're doing is fine. School health books from the 50s suggest bathing every other day or every two days and washing your hair 3-4 times a week. Not sure why kids would be dirtier now than they were then...

Chenoa - posted on 04/17/2011

Kids get dirty. Its part of what being a kid is. I disagree that bathing them every other day will instill bad hygiene in them later on. Adults, regardless of how often they bathed as children are going to know to bathe every day. You can have that on your list of talks to have with them as they venture into adolescents. As it is now, you could bathe them fifty times a day and they would still get into something... Just MTC

Sharon - posted on 04/17/2011

I think kids need to get into the habit of brushing their teeth in the morning and before bedtime. Showers ---it depends on what is going on, if the child isn't doing anything active, it can be every other night and spongebaths can happen on the opposite day. If the child is into sports or is outside getting dirty, of course a bath/shower is needed before bed. unfortuneately, dirty kids and poor hygiene is a "red flag" at school and what needs to be thought about. Good hygiene is helpful in the larger scale of the world. Healthy teeth is a good habit; showers always depend on the situation.

Daniela - posted on 04/17/2011

There is no right or wrong answer. The right is what works for you. It is also very cultural dependent. Nowhere in the wold do people bath so often as in US so the standard what is "clean" is based on that. In other parts of the world where people do not wash their hair every day, it is perfectly aceptable to so so every second or third day. As to comments about bacteria on the skin that we cannnot see and therefore the need to bath every day. Sure, there are microorganism living on our skin and they should actually be there (the right one), everyday washing actully wash away the protective layer of oil on skin allowing the bad bacteria to got closer to our skin cells. That is whay pediatricians do reccommend ease on the soap and do not bath every single day. There is such a thing as too much washing, many women/girls that have persistent yeast vaginal infection would do better with washing with just water, no soap. However if your skin is healthy, you have no eczema or other issues and you like the every day bath, then it is all good. My children gets the every day bath since they really love it as a part of evening rutine, but if we are too late and kids are too tired, I skipe the bath.