Whether your child loves or hates bathing, it’s a key part of hygiene. But how often does your child need to take a shower or bath? Mollie Blanchard-Brown, M.D., a pediatrician at Henry Ford Health, has the dirt on when babies, toddlers and older kids should scrub-a-dub-dub.
How Often to Bathe an Infant
Typically, your baby’s first bath happens about 24 hours after birth. “Hospital staff give your baby a sponge bath to remove any body fluids,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “Experts recommend waiting up to 24 hours after birth for this first bath, which gives the baby time to regulate their temperature and bond with their parents.”
Once you take your baby home, you can continue sponge baths once or twice a week. “Avoid putting your baby in a full bath until the umbilical cord stump falls off,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “Use a warm washcloth and a small amount of baby cleanser to clean any dirty areas, paying attention to skin folds.”
After the umbilical cord stump falls off, it’s time for baths—but not too often. “Continue giving your baby a bath once or twice a week,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “Using a small infant tub makes it easier to keep baby comfortable and safe. Stay within arm’s reach of your baby at all times to prevent drowning, which can happen in just a half inch of water.”
You also need to avoid accidental burns. “Use a water temperature that feels comfortable on your inner wrist and keep your water heater temperature below 120 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown.
Can I bathe my baby every day?
Giving your baby a bath every day isn’t necessary and could dry out their skin. “Babies have delicate skin, and frequent baths can be drying,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown.
However, if your baby enjoys baths or it’s part of their routine, you can bathe them more frequently with some extra care. “Use fragrance-free, dye-free products meant for baby’s sensitive skin, and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer afterward,” advises Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “Use the smallest amount of cleanser needed and gently pat the skin dry—don’t rub.”
How Often Do Toddlers Need Baths?
As your infant grows into a toddler, they tend to get messier. “Toddlers are eating solid food and playing outside, so they often get dirtier than infants,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “You might start bathing your child more often at this age.”
Need A Pediatrician?
In general, your toddler needs a bath about twice a week and after:
- Getting sweaty, sandy or visibly dirty
- Swimming in a lake, ocean or pool
- Wearing sunscreen or bug-repellant spray
Baths and Showers for School-Age Kids
Your child can start taking daily baths or showers at age 5 or 6, but it’s not usually necessary. “Young school-age children don’t usually need daily showers,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “At this age, two to three baths or showers per week is usually enough.”
But if your kid is active or plays sports, regular bathing can help them stay healthy. “Sweaty sports equipment can have bacteria and fungus that can lead to skin infections,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “Have your child shower after sports practices and games and wash their equipment regularly.”
When can my child bathe alone?
As your child grows, teach them how to wash themselves in the bath so they can eventually do it themselves. “Around age 9 to 11, your child may be able to take a bath or shower without direct supervision,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “But this milestone is different for everyone. Talk to your healthcare provider about the right time for your child to start bathing alone.”
How Often Should Pre-Teens and Teens Shower?
Once your child hits puberty, they need to shower more frequently. “Changing hormones can trigger body odor and oily skin and hair,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “Most kids at this age benefit from a shower every day.”
Unfortunately, hygiene can sometimes be a battle at this age. “Talk with your child about the importance of bathing,” suggests Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “Regularly washing hair and skin can prevent acne breakouts and, frankly, help them smell better.”
Does my teen need to bathe more?
Most teens don’t need to bathe more than once daily, even with oily skin. “If your child has acne, they should wash their face twice a day with a gentle skin cleanser,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “Steer clear of harsh scrubs and fragrances, which can make acne worse.”
What about body acne? Would more frequent showers help? “Using an acne body wash every day, especially after sweating, often provides good control of body breakouts,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “Taking more than one shower a day usually isn’t helpful.”
Consider an over-the-counter acne product if face or body acne doesn’t improve with daily cleansing. “Products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are helpful for many teens,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “If those products aren’t enough, talk to your child’s provider.”
And if your teen’s body odor is a concern, have them apply an antiperspirant or deodorant to their underarms after showering. “Strong-smelling products aren’t necessary and only mask odor temporarily,” says Dr. Blanchard-Brown. “Daily showering paired with a mild or fragrance-free deodorant is enough for most kids.”
