The internet is abuzz with discussions about the frequency of bathing, particularly when it comes to children. From daily scrubs to weekly soaks, there’s no shortage of opinions on how often is enough. Sparked by a viral TikTok video on the His and Her's podcast, where a mother expressed her laissez-faire approach to bath time, we delved into the debate and sought expert advice from Aamina Rafiq Pharmacist at Simple Online Pharmacy and Senior Sleep Expert Martin Seeley at MattressNextDay.
The Case For Less Frequent Baths
Some parents argue that daily bathing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. They believe that as long as children aren’t visibly dirty, a less frequent routine is sufficient. Additionally, bath time can be a battleground for some families, especially with younger children who may resist the water or the process of being cleaned.
'I bathe my youngest several times a week, but it’s definitely dropping off as he gets older,' said Digital Director Rebecca Holman. 'He’s gross enough that he needs a regular clean down, but I’ve started to realise how much easier my evenings are when I don’t have to do a child’s bath time.'
The Case For Frequent Baths
On the other side, many parents advocate for daily bathing, especially for younger children who may be more prone to accidents and messes. They believe that regular bathing helps keep children clean and prevents the buildup of bacteria. Additionally, some creators have touched on how bathing can often routed in culture and can be a relaxing and bonding experience for families.
Nathan Higham Section Editor said: 'We HAVE to shower our 8 year old son once a day, otherwise he has a chocolate ice cream beard and park dirt ingrained under his fingernails. Now that he's older he uses the same shower gel as us, Sanex, and is still likely to tip the whole thing out in one shower if not careful.'
'Our kids bathe every day,' added Senior Picture Editor Anna Dewhurst. 'The eldest who is 7 takes himself off to shower (with a little groan), and our youngest who is 16 months gets a bath every night as a pre-bed wind down.'
Senior Sleep Expert Martin Seeley at MattressNextDay said, 'Post bath, the body’s temperature begins to fall, sparking the release of melatonin and causing drowsiness. Plus, creating a routine that contains sensory cues and is practiced every evening signals to the brain that bedtime is imminent. Over time, the child’s body and brain will associate bath time with the process of winding down for sleep.'
Martin also recommended using magnesium bath salts and natural lavender before bed. Magnesium bath salts relax the muscles and calms the nervous system. Whilst, lavender increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.
We also spoke with Aamina Rafiq Pharmacist at Simple Online Pharmacy to get her perspective.
She said, 'Although there is no definitive answer on how often you should bathe your child, overuse of soap can rob the skin of its microbiome, throwing its production of oil out of whack. Microbiome produces a foul odour, which is why we wash. However, body odour doesn’t develop until puberty, so theoretically, you only must bath if there is noticeable grime upon the skin. Dry skin and redness can signal that either the bath time products are not suitable for your child’s skin type or that you are bathing them too often.'
How Many Times A Week Should You Be Bathing Your Children?
Aamina recommended following this guide:
0 – 12 Months: 2-3 times per week:
1 Years: 2-3 times per week
2-3 Years: 2-3 times per week
4-10 Years: Every other day or 3-4 times a week
11 Years and up: Daily or every other day
What Should I Be Bathing My Children With?
Aamina Rafiq advised against using harsh soaps or scrubbing too vigorously, and keeping the bath time to no longer than 15 minutes as this can irritate the skin. 'Products should hold no alcohol or fragrance. In fact, very young children do not require any product. Using raw coconut oil, natural products dedicated for children are perfect for bathing children.'
Ultimately the best approach to bathing your child is likely a combination of factors, including their age, activity level, skin sensitivity, and your personal preferences. It’s important to listen to your child’s cues and adjust your routine accordingly.
Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.