How often should you bathe your kids?

You probably know that it’s possible to bathe your child too infrequently. After all, kids can be pretty messy. But did you know it’s also possible to bathe your child too often? When it comes to bathing your child, factors like their age, skin conditions, and level of activity can impact how often you should give them a bath. Here’s how often you should bathe your kids at different ages. 

1. How Often Should You Bathe Newborns?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, newborn babies should be given baths approximately 3 times a week. In between baths, parents should pay attention to their baby’s hygiene, and clean individual body parts that may become dirty. In particular, pay attention to the face, neck, and diaper area, and clean those areas regularly, even between baths. But try to avoid giving your baby baths more than 3 times a week, as they can dry out your newborn’s sensitive skin, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For newborns whose umbilical cord is still attached, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding baths altogether. Instead, parents should give newborns sponge baths until the cord falls off, generally within one or two weeks of birth. 

2. How Often Should You Bathe Toddlers?

Toddlers tend to be more active than babies, which means they generally get dirty faster. There is no hard and fast rule regarding how often to bathe toddlers. Instead, parents should pay attention to their toddler’s hygiene, and decide when to bathe them based on how dirty they are. Some experts recommend bathing toddlers as frequently as every day, while others recommend bathing them only 2 or 3 times a week. 

If your child has sensitive skin, eczema, or other skin conditions, it is often best to bathe them every 2 to 3 days rather than daily, according to Healthline. Some experts also recommend bathing toddlers less frequently because exposure to microorganisms and dirt can help boost their immune systems over time. 

3. How Often Should You Bathe Kids?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, kids ages 6 to 10 should bathe at least once or twice a week, and as often as daily depending on their level of activity. Older kids who have reached puberty, meanwhile, should bathe daily according to the Cleveland Clinic.

In general, kids should bathe when they are dirty or sweaty, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. They should also bathe after swimming, whether in a pool or natural body of water. Both ocean and pool water can leave foreign bacteria on the skin that should be washed off after swimming. Finally, if your child has any skin conditions, it’s important to consult a dermatologist about how often they should bathe. While some skin conditions may necessitate more frequent showers, others may be soothed by showering less often. 

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