Bathtime for Kids

Everyday? That's crazy. Besides drying out there skin, who has time for it! Even every other day for me is a challenge sometimes! In the summer i bathe them more frequently because of the sunscreen and bug spray, but I wouldn't worry about it too much!

I only give my kids a bath every other day, unless needed, like a mud puddle couldn't be resisted. You are not in the wrong at all. And if you bath an infant every day it could dry out their skin.

I do the bath (shower) every other day for my younger ones 8 and 5, for the oldest almost everyday but he is 10 and really needs it. I have friends who do the everyday but they also start bed at 6:30 and have them in by 7:30. That seems a little crazy to me.

In the winter, we usually give our kids a bath once a week. In the summer, it ends up being two or three times a week depending on how dirty they get. I just don't have the energy to give our kids a bath every night or even every other night unless they are just that messy.

This probably comes from my family of origin. I remember that we took a bath every Saturday night (so we would be clean for church on Sunday). Once we were old enough to care, we started showering more frequently :)

I think I'm the only one who does bathe almost every day. hmmm... I only do most days because its part of our nightly routine. I don't think she needs it per se, but it's a fun part of our every day. My 15 month old tends to get the last bits of her energy out in the bathtub by playing and splashing and now that it's summer she is more active and getting more dirty, but ultimately, for me, it's not about the dirt but about having an established part of a routine that works for our family.

When we had our first daughter our Pediatrician said it isn't necessary to bathe them every day. Now that the oldest is 21 months and the baby is 6 months, they get baths on an "as needed" basis, sometimes every day, sometimes ever other and sometimes every second. I do wash their faces, hands, and feet throughout the day and at bedtime. Do what ever you think is best!

We have always bathed our children three times a week - Tues/Thurs/Sat. We find the need to give them foot baths during the summer, but only when they get REALLY dirty do we deviate from that schedule. It's simply too hectic to try to do it more often. It also dries out their skin too much to bathe them every day. They are kids after all. They usually don't stink to much! Once puberty starts to kick in we may change our tune, but that is still a few years away! Good luck - and remember, unless you are hurting your children, don't second guess your decisions. Your kids will be doing that soon enough for you! ("But Mom...so and so's mom lets them do it!") Relax!

You've already gotten numerous responses and know that you haven't been doing anything wrong. You have to do what works for you and your family. With that being said, I do give my daughters (3 & 1) baths everyday and have since they were born. BUT...it's NOT because they are "dirty," we do it for routine. We are a very "routine" family...and I felt that it was important to establish a daily routine in the beginning, so they know what to expect. In doing so, we have always had very smooth days morning to night...they always know when to expect meals, snacks, playtime, naps, bath, and bed. Some of my friends and family, think I'm a little "overboard" because I have ALWAYS made sure that I am home for their naps, bathtime, and bedtime. BUT, you know what...I have great girls that are very well rested. And often times their children (who are not a "schedule" or have no clue what to expect) are cranky, over-tired, hungry, etc. So for me...a schedule and routine works for us. You just have to find what works for your family and go with it.

Hi J.,
Kids don't usually need a bath everyday unless they are getting really dirty or sweaty from playing outside, and it can actually dry out their skin. That being said, I do give our grandaughter a bath almost every night because she loves playing in the water and we use the baby majic lavender scented wash and lotion and it really does soothe and calm her getting her ready for bed. In the winter we didn't bathe her everynight unless she had a spaghetti self feeding frenzy and needed it. Do what's best for your own kids, and what works for you and don't be overly concerned about what everybody else tells you you should be doing.

J.

J.,
I think you are perfectly normal, and if you talk to my friends they say that I am the wierd one for bathing my kids daily. I have 4 children - 8, 4.5, 3, and 4 months and I do bathe them every day but for different reasons - my 8 year old just gets plain dirty and has started sweating and stinking - my 4.5 year old is a girl who does not have the best hygene habits in the bathroom and with her being a fair skinned sensitive type, she often gets redness and irritation in her privates if she doesn't wipe well - my 3 year old boy is still learning how to use the potty and often forgets to use his fork while eating dinner, so that explains my reasons for him - and my 4 month old is still spitting up all of the time, which is a smell I just cannot handle well so that is why I bathe her. We also do showers and not baths, so I know that makes bath time go faster, which helps when trying to cram everything in a day. I feel like I just have kids that are stinkier than normal and I've got a sensitive nose, but seriously most of my friends with little ones think I'm nuts for bathing them every day. I think you should do whatever it is that makes you comfortable. Good luck! ~ K.

I only give my kids baths every other day too! And maybe every third day in summer, since they swim, and if we aren't going anywhere! Whose got time to do baths every night with every kid?? They don't get THAT dirty each day-and most of their sweat glands don't work like teenagers and adults...Don't worry, your kids are clean enough!!

I have always bathed my kids everyday, especially when they were younger and in diapers. I just felt like it's healthier and better hygiene. However, I have friends who don't bathe their kids everyday, I just think it's personal preference. Keep in mind what your kids are doing too. If they are outside and dirty and sweaty it might be more comfortable fort them to go to bed clean and relaxed.

My kids' pediatrician always advised against it (bathing every day) because it dries out their skin. I'm with you -- every other day is fine. Unless they get dirty or are swimming a lot. Don't let your co-workers stress you out about it.

It is by no means necessary to bathe your kids everyday. Especially inthe winter b/c of drying out their skin. I am on the every other day schedule and even fall off that during the summer b/c there is so much going on.

I have 2 boys, 5 and 1, now that it is summer and swimming(chlorine), they get so dirty outside that they need baths every night. It has become our routine after dinner bath then badtime. However, in the winter they were only getting baths every other night. Their skin gets drier in winter and less dirt from the playground, less sweat, and more playing in the house. How dirty are they at the end of the day should determine when to give a bath and not what others are doing.
Have a great day!

Hi J.,

I have two girls -- almost 5 and 1. I've only ever given my girls baths every other day too (unless the older one gets seriously dirty when playing outside). It seems like their skin would dry out otherwise. I'm definitely with you on the every other day bathing schedule!

Have a great week!
J. (work from home mom of two girls ages 4.5 and 1)

Every other day here. I am a mom of a 7 and 6 year old. If they get really dirty or smelly or sweaty, it is every day. BUT, the ped said that a bath every day was not necessary because bathing drys their skin and that the oils in their skin help protect them from ecema (sp). SO, it is an every day thing here and has been. I am going on doctors orders. My 7 year old will be going to everyday bathing here starting this coming school year though. He has started getting hormones that smell.lol

Hi J.,

I bathe my daughter (17 mths.) every other day as well. Sometimes, we even miss the 2nd day. I feel like bathing kids on a daily basis takes away from the natural oils in their skin. They don't necessarily need it everyday, unless there's a condition or reason from the doctor.

Don't worry. You're doing just fine. My little guy used to get a bath everynite. Now that he's 2, it's every other day depending on how dirty he is. If he's filthy.....he's getting a bath!! Otherwise, he will wash up before bed. Now if I were you with 3 kids......we might not make it to every other day! So now I feel bad. I only have one and I'm a stay at home mom. I should be bathing him every night!!LOL. You're busy, every other day is fine.

Hi J.,

I bathe my kids also every other day unless they are really dirty from playing outdoors or sweating in the sun. I guess in summertime they bathe more often than during winter. It also depends a little on my energy level in the early evening, I just don't always have the energy...

Mirjam

I've been in daycare for over 10 years and have two of my own-4 and 3. Most people I know do it every other day. There are times when life actually provides us moms with enough time at night to give our kids a bath every night. Don't feel bad about it. Get the chunks of dirt of, and wash the sunscreen off. Other than that, it will be fine.

I only bath every other day also. Unless of course, they are playing outside and are dirty or smelly. I usually bath every day in the summer due to sunblock, bug spray and all that stuff. I don't want them dirty in a clean bed. I also think it depends on their skin. Most kids skin is delicate and washing to much may irritate. They are your kids. You do what you think is right!

Hi J.,

It is good to teach children about cleanliness. I do feel that there are exceptions though. For instance, what have they been doing all day? If they didn't do anything to get all hot and dirty, then give yourself a break for an evening. I usually wait every other day. Again, if they get more then it depends on what they have been doing all day and do they need to be cleaned up for a special day tomorrow. If you have more than one child to clean up then it can wear you out also. That's my opinion.
Take care,
J. J.

I use to give My four year old son a bath every day .... but what i am hearing and what i have read is that every other ay is fine !

Think about how much time they are spending bathing their kids. I think I would rather spend the time playing with them. And how many kids do they have. With three every day would be tough. I have a 4, 2, and 6 month old. They get bathed like once a week! In the summer I'm sure it's more, but everyday? You're doing great!

I give my daughter, 3 months, baths every other day or every 2 days depending on how often she spits up. For my older kids, every other day is better-unless they have been playing rough and sweaty or it is really hot out. For kids, bathing every day can actually delete moisture from their skin and aggravate eczema. If your kids are pretty clean because they have been inside all day, every other day should be fine. Doc told me a long time ago it all depends on what you prefer.

I'm a mother to 2 year old triplets and trust me, I do not bathe them every day. In fact, the NICU nurses told me that 2-3 times a week (when they were infants) was more than enough so as not to dry out their skin. Now, for the most part, it's every other day and I religiously make sure their p****** p**** are always clean since they're still in diapers.

I give my kids a bath usually about every 3 days. In the days in between I wash my daughter in the sink - face, feet, hands and butt.... no need for every day bath unless they get unusually dirty....

No you are FINE!! Everyday at those ages I think is a little over doing it. I only did my kids about every other day or every two days, I would usually give them a good spit spath when they got ready for bed.

Yes! Every other day is just fine. My kids (6, 3 and 1) have dry skin, and the pediatrician specifically said NOT to bathe them every day - unless they're getting dirty, kids don't need daily baths. They can probably get away with 2-3 times a week as long as you/they are keeping their hands, face, and "diaper area" clean. (Although in the summer they DO get really dirty and we're closer to 4-5 times a week.)

Tiny babies only need to be bathed twice a week and I give my daughter a bath about 2-3 x's a week. She gets cleaned very well during diaper changes in the morning and thoroughly spot cleaned throughout the day so I don't find it necessary to bathe everyday. I think a lot people use the bath as a fun and relaxing part of a bedtime routine to help little ones wind down. It's really individual--as long as your baby is clean and healthy it's fine. I don't think tons of baths are good for little babies' skin anyway and they really don't do anything much to get dirty. Once they start getting around more and also potty training, I think daily baths are good bc they're getting into more stuff and they aren't wiping very thoroughly. hth

hello
I am a big advocate of bathing my kids everyday. They are 6,4 and 18 months. I guess if you don't do it everyday, you can do it according to where they have been/ Are they in day care, or at parks, playing outside, stores, library, etc. I think those places are just full of germs and I like to put my kids to bed in a nice clean bed with clean sheets, and clean pj's. It's comforting to me. I also think if they are home all day not doing much maybe skip the bath. My oldest son had pretty bad eczema as a baby so we would just do a full bath every other day, but wash him down, because you know they're kids, they get pretty dirty! I say go with what you're comfortable with.

I have three kids too, with a fourth on the way, and I only bathe them every other day, unless they need it. Over the weekends, I might do every third day. They may have a bath on Thursday, and then not again until Sunday. Unless of course, they are exceptionally dirty, then I will bathe them as necessary. My kids have a tendancy toward dry skin, and especially in the winter, baths dry them out. So, you are not off base at all.

To be honest, who in the world has time to give their child a bath every day and do they really need it? In the summer if they are swimming, getting dirty, etc... they may need a bath more often but I prefer every other and allow them playtime in the bath vs. a quick bath each night. Just my opinion but the more you bathe the more their skin dries out and in my house we already have dry skin so why promote it (LOL!)I would stay status quo.

I don't think you've been doing it wrong at all! Something like this is strictly a personal choice. We have bathed our daughter everyday since she was a tiny infant, but that's mainly because it became part of her bedtime routine. When we were "training" her to go to sleep at the same time each night, we used the bath as a signal for her that it was time for sleep, and it stuck. However, many of our friends cannot believe that we bathe her everyday! Most of them do every other day, and some even every third.

I also think it's easier for boys to skip a day than girls - I just feel like when my daughter has a particularly messy poop, it ends up in her girlie parts, and I just feel better if she's had a bath. But again, that is purely a personal choice. And believe me, the older she's gotten, the more prone we've been to skipping days every so often. There is certainly no harm in you doing bath nights every other day!

Hope this helps! : )

I agree with most of the other replies -

I bathe my kids almost daily, because they need to get clean from being in the sand, having sunscreen on, etc.

With that said, I have been very conscientious about not washing (soap/shampoo) if it's not needed. And with using lotion, as needed, to prevent drying their skin out.

Often, if the kids are riled up and hard to settle down before bed, we will take a bath just to get them to sit still and relax a bit before bedtime. They "know the routine" enough that when jammies are on, it's relaxing time.

Also, I learned from my allergist that it's key to wash before bed to prevent allergens from following you onto your sheets. So there is the possibility that your co-worker is dealing with allergy issues. From what I was told, allergens like grass seed and pollen get all over your legs, feet, and in your hair - just from being outside. If you have allergy issues, it is recommended to wash them off as soon as possible/before bed so you don't "contaminate" where you sleep, and lay in these allergens for hours and hours.

It sounds like you're just fine.

Puh-leez. Every other day is fine. 3 kids? -- you'd spend every night bathing with no time for anything else! You can judge if your little one's need an extra wash down now and then -- do what works for you and your family. (I've taught my daughter the art of the "cat-bath" at teeth brushing time for those non-bath nights.)

J.,

No worries. In the winter, I bath my kids every other day unless they're filthy. They are ages 7 an 10. In the summer, it's pretty much every day. When they were 3 and under 1 year, every other day is just fine. Hands and faces are always washed every day before bed. At 6 months, your're constantly wiping them down anyway. If they bath to often, you will dry out their skin and a doctor had told my mom that we all have natural oils that protect us and washing to often will wash away out protection. Sounds good to me. Good luck.

A bath for children is not needed everyday unless they have been to the pool (needed to get chlorine off), had bug spray or sunscreen put on them (can't leave chemicals on there bodies), Or they are just really dirty. Most day none of these will apply.
In your case to shorten the bath time, I would have the 6 and 3 year old take a bath together when time is tight.

S.

I do every other day too. Sometimes we get busy and it is less often. DSuring the summer sometimes my 4 year old gets an extra bath here or there when he gets really dirty.

I do give my children (4 years and 19 months) baths every day, but mostly for the bedtime ritual benefits of it, not because they necessarily "need" a bath everyday. I don't think there's anything wrong with bathing your children every other day or less, for that matter!

i think what you are doing is fine. during the winter i give my daughter a bath every other day. in the summer depending on how dirty she is at the end of the day (which is usually pretty dirty due to she is outside all day everyday) i give her a bath everyday but i lotion her up really well afterwards if she isnt dirty then i skip it.and i definitely do not wash her hair everyday there is no need for that everyother day is fine.. i think it is okay to do a bath every other day or so it is all a matter of a persons preference.what you are doing is fine, so dont worry and keep doing what you are doing.

We give our 2 year old a bath every other day unless she's really dirty from outdoor play, but right now our 11 month old gets one every morning and that is just because he is currently wearing a helmet and has a stinky head from sweating lol. Don't worry about it and do what works for you and your family.
H.

Every other day is totally fine. We've been on an every other night basis for some time now.

As for germs/illnesses suggested by Nicole, it's now believed that many of the allergies and bacteria resistant problems we see are caused because our society is TOO CLEAN! Unless your child is really, really dirty, I see no reason to bathe every single day.

Another mom here that does not bath her kids everyday. In the summer I bath them more frequently and sometimes it may end up everyday, depending on if they were playing outside or decided to make a mess of their dinner. But I am a believer in bathing only when you need it. My older son had bad eczema as a baby and I did not want to dry out his skin. It's a personal choice really. I know some people who use it as part of the bed tinme routine. But unless they really need a bath you don't need to bath them every day.

I don't think there is a right or wrong. I have a teenager and pre-teen, and I never had a set bath routine when they were young. If they needed it, they got one (maybe a few times a week), if they didn't, they didn't. I also have friends who swear by nightly baths and use them as a needed routine for bedtime. I never got into that. It's what works for your family. My current pediatrician doesn't think daily baths are good for young babies, thinks it saps them of natural oils, but I have friends whose babies do fine with them and do not show signs of dried out skin. I think it's about what you are comfortable with, and good hygiene doesn't necessarily have to mean every night. I wouldn't stress about it.

I have a 9 month old and I only bathe him every other day. I found that if I do it everyday his skin gets dry. If he has been outside playing and gets dirty or sweaty then I bathe hime everyday.

lol J. -
bathe your kids when you think they need it! many parents bathe their kids everyday because of the fear that someone will say their child is dirty, or because someone said they needed soap and water daily to keep clean. this is not true, especially for babies who are not yet crawling/walking! it is not good for your skin to get soaped everyday - leads to dryness, or conversely to over-production of oils -- and is even worse to an infant's delicate skin that is still adjusting to "earth-side" climate.
your their parent and have been caring for them for the last 6 years. YOU know best.

Americans are far too phobic about germs, especially those of us with kids. Also, the US is really wasteful of water in general and especially for bathing. My two boys (8 years old and 14 months old) get lots of "spot-treatments," which are effective and efficient, along with showers/baths about 3 times a week, depending on how dirty they are. If we use bug spray, they bathe before bedtime.

I know some parents use bathing the children as way to unwind at the end of the day, but sometimes I wonder if it's just a way to for parents to fill the time between dinner and bedtime. Playing quiet games together, reading stories, and taking walks with my kids work just as well as a bath, but these take more effort.

When I was growing up, we took one bath a week, on Sunday nights so that we were clean for school (we weren't a church family). In the summertime, we ended up in the sprinkler A LOT, and sometimes a bottle of baby shampoo was used outdoors. We thought it was fun!

J.,

No you are not in the wrong. I also give my son a bath every night...but I do it because I think it helps calm him down and get ready for bedtime, not because he's so filthy he needs a bath. It's just a part of the bedtime routine I've established for him. I have read that most young children only need baths a couple times a week. So what you're doing is fine. No worries!

~P.

Don't sweat it. My 3 year old sometimes gets a bath every day, sometimes every other day & sometimes every 2 days. And my 5 month old only gets a bath about once a week. Do what feels right for you & your family.

Unless they get really dirty - no reason to give them total bath everyday especially the baby. not good for the skin. Commercals and industry have made us so horrifically paranoid about even plain old dirt that it is ridiculous. Teach them to wash the essential areas daily but baths/showers can be every 2-4 days depending on how grungy they manage to get.

My pediatrician actually suggested not bathing every day because the water and soap can really dry out their skin and strip away the work the skin's natural oils are trying to accomplish. They're kids! Unless they are just dying to take a bath every day, you're doing just fine bathing them every other day.

I bathe my three year old daughter almost every night. In the summer she gets filthy and needs it; in the winter, it's more out of routine. Truthfully I don't think it's a bad thing to give baths every other day, provided your kid doesn't get exceptionally messy.

Personally, I don't think it's good for a baby to be bathed every day. I think the baby wash is h*** o* their skin and most lotions aren't that good for them anyway (too many toxic chemicals and fragrance is loaded with phthalates worse than any plastic bottles!!). I always bathed my son every other or every third day. Now that he's 15 months, we sometimes do a bath two days in a row if he's been playing outside a lot and is dirty. Otherwise, we're still doing it every other day. I would imagine next summer we'll be doing it daily only because of our activities. My husband and I joke that we have a "stinky baby" before bath time but it's what works for us.

I have three beautiful girls, 16,2 and 1 years old. Your 3 and 6 month old children can take a bath every other day, there is nothing wrong with that. I was told by a nurse when my 2 year old preemie was in the hospital, that you can give a baby a bath every other day. She stated if it is done everyday, you are drying out the skin. Now, the only time I may give my 2 and 1 year old a bath everyday is when they go outside and play everyday and of course I would have to cause they are dirty. But, if they are in the house all day they get a bath every other day. I would start giving the six year old a bath everyday now just to get him/her in the habit of taking baths everyday as he/she gets older.

No, you aren't in the wrong. Little ones don't have to have baths every single day. Some people do every other day or every two days, especially in the winter when the kids aren't outside. Then when it's summer, they might do more if they get out and get sweaty or dirty.

I do bathe my son every night, but only out of routine. It helps calm him down and get ready for bed. He's really active so I feel he needs that as part of his routine.

If it has worked for you to do a bath every other day, then I would keep doing it. Don't worry if others do it everyday.

Kids do not need to bathe every day, especially in winter. Water and soap are drying to the skin and their skin is so delicate. My kids get irritated easily so we don't bathe every day. That said, in summer it's a little different. If we're out and they are dirty or they've been sweaty and have sunscreen on them then I think a bath before bed helps them settle and feel good. But if we've had a rainy day play day or have been mostly inside we skip it. So depending on our summer schedules we might bathe more often and occasionally a few days in a row.

In the winter we bathe sometimes as little as once a week. I prefer to do every 3-4 days but it does get away from us.

I think some people have that as part of their bedtime routine and it's terrific that they are consistent! But if it's not yours there's no reason to change. You know your kids, if you felt they needed to bathe more often you'd do it. Relax, you're doing great!

E.
Evanston

Up until the summer time and hot weather hit, I gave my 2 girls (3 and 2) baths every other night. It is much easier and less hectic that way. I then get to spend more time with them doing other things, then getting soaked in the tub :) Now that the summer is here, I have been giving them a bath just about every night, but it is usually just a quick rinse down in the tub on those nights and a longer bath time on other nights. No worries, everyone has a different way of doing things.

I also do every other day except in the summer time because they get sweaty and have bug repellent and sunscreen on daily. With my son, who has excema, the dr advised every other day to every third and to used a moisturizing lotion. As far as the germs and illnesses being increased as a previous poster suggested, my daughter is five and just got over her second cold--in her life! I would say to continue your routine. Good luck!

Bathing every other day is fine. My doctor didn't recommend I bathe my kids every day. It's h*** o* their skin, dries it out. Of course, some days they just get dirty and you have to bathe them no matter what the schedule. My kids are now all teenagers and bathe daily of their own accord. High water bills!

Hi J. - Per our pediatrician (and my three sisters with grown kids & my Mom who raised seven of us), every day is way too much. Two to three times a week is ideal. Lots of hand washing daily is good and faces at night. It works for us!

I have always bathed my son (who is now 5) every night as part of our bedtime routine. Between all the places we go and all the kids he plays with, we feel it's necessary to bathe him to get rid of any germs he might encounter. Plus, it relaxes him to take a bath before bed.

Baths every day are entirely unnecessary, even every second day is more than they need. My doc and the public health nurse I saw in Ireland all advised for babies no more than once per week and maybe twice per week once they are running around. Of course if they get particularly dirty, then a bath is a good thing. The idea of showering every day is a peculiarly american thing, most parts of the world don't do it until they have become americanized.

During the summer I bathe them every other day and during the winter sometimes every third day. Obviously it they're dirty I would step it up and sometimes we throw in an extra bath for entertainment. Overall I think its better for their skin to not dry it out. That said if they don't have dry skin, a bath everyday wouldn't hurt them either. I think its whatever works for you.

I go with the flow. Sometimes every day, sometimes every other day, sometimes every two days depending on how icky he is (he's a toddler). I know some moms don't bathe their kids but once per week!

Hi J.- I have 2 kids girl 10 and boy almost 6. I didn't bath them every day because, in the winter time they hardly got dirty, their skin gets drier and itchier in the winter months and my son was born with eczema, so bathing would sometimes make it worse. I made sure though that they always were washed in the special areas, hands and face. My doctor recommended it also. Now that it's summer they bath just about every day and my daughter is going thru puberty, so she HAS to shower every day (stinky pits)! When they are little and depending on where they are playing just use your own judgement. Don't worry about what other people do.

Hi J., That is a good question. I think its ok not to bathe baby's everday because they pretty much stay clean if we are doing are job taking care of them. But when they are bigger like 3 and up they should take a bath at least once a day only because I know children that age do not really clean themselves right sometimes when they use the bathroom and I feel that can eliminate infections. Well my daughter is two and I try to take her a bath everyday especially now because she gets so sweaty in the summer time. I also feel that by taking them a bath everyday you are teaching them to take care of there bodies because I know some kids don't like taking baths. I think for your six month old you can take him or her a bath every other day because there skin is alot more sensitive as well. Anyway I hope this helps.

I am with you.... and actually I only give my daughter 2 baths a week per our pediatrician.

I will spot wash her as needed (her feet from being in clogs ewwwwwww) or if she is having a meltdown I put her in a warm tub with lights low to relax but no soap or bubbles! She just calms down a lot and it is soothing for her.

So, nope you are not wrong and thank goodness kids do not stink like adults!!! lol Keep doing what you feel is right for your kids!

Blessings!

I bathe my kids every other to every two days. DS has eczema, so we don't like to dry his skin out. We sometimes give DD a "play bath" with warm water and toys just because she loves the water so much. However, too much soap and bathing makes them really dry. That said, I shower every day out of routine and the fact that it wakes me up!! :)

Hi J.,

I have a 3 year old and an 11 month old. They both get baths every other day - unless, of course, for some other reason they need one the next day i.e. playing in the dirt, hot sticky weather, getting sick....during the summer I bathe them more often every day - if necessary. Otherwise, I stick to every other day. And as for babies, they don't need baths everyday!!!Just remember, Moms do the best for their kids and you know what is best for your kids!

Wow - you got a lot of responses, but thought I'd add my two cents' worth! I give my daughter a bath every two days in the winter and in the summer every other day unless she is dirty and covered in sunscreen.

I bathe our kids every other day except during the summer if they get a bit more dirty or have sunscreen or bug spray on. Bathing too often can dry out their skin. Have a great day!

I give my 3 year old daughter a bath every other night or every night in the summer. Due to sweating, bud spray and playing outside. As for the colder months maybe every 3 days since she doesnt get that dirty. I dont think its wrong to give it every other day.

My kids have dry skin and I always bathed my kids every other day because of that, unless of course they were outside and dirty or into lots of messy stuff. Your body has natural oils on it and I understand you aren't supposed to bathe more than every other day. Ask your doctor, I think he will agree.

I'm glad you asked that question, J.. I give my 3 1/2 year old son a bath every other day and was wondering myself if I should be giving him one every day. I appreciate your question as well as the candid responses from all the moms.

We normally bath every other (sometimes every 3rd) night except in the summer when we are covered in sunscreen. I always give them a bath on days they have been playing out side. Otherwise, I think it is a little too h*** o* their skin :)

Hi J.! I agree with the other moms on here, you are doing what works best for your family and you're doing a great job!! I don't bathe my children every day. Sometimes it's only once a week. We only bathed the baby every day at bedtime when she was an infant to help her settle down at night but we stopped that. Her skin got too irritated. You're the mom and you have to do what works for you and your family! Hope this helped!!!

A.

I have an 18 mth old who gets a bath twice a week (fall thru spring)- Now that it is summer it's every 2-3 days becuase he is wearing sunscreen at park and he is a little heat box etc. we have kept it often enough for him to be clean but his skin tends to be drier. As a 6 month old we bathed him about every 5 days and would add an extra bath if it was hot or he was outside in the sun.

One of my two daughters has had skin problems since she was born and my doctor advised against bathing everyday. Her skin problems have gotten better but my doctor still advises that giving them a bath everyday tends to dry out a childs skin. I only give my children a bath daily if they are filthy, otherwise I do every other day or in extreme cases sometimes not until the 3rd day. I plan to continue doing this until they get old enough to make up their own minds about it (or until they start stinking:) )

I only bathe my kids every other day as well. It seems that everyone gives their kids a daily bath, but my pediatrician said that it's better for kids' skin if they do fewer baths. I might increase the frequency during the summer if they get really dirty, but during the winter it's definitely every other day (or more :)

Hi,

I have two boys, age 6 and 4. Since birth they have gotten a bath every other or every third day. Sometimes during the summer we give them a bath everyday (after using sunscreen, getting really dirty, sandy, etc). HTH

I have often read and been told my doc that they don't need every day - it dries out their skin. However, when it's hot, or my son has been somewhere that got him dirty (i.e. playing in the sand), then we just bathe him. That's my input for you. I hope it helps. By the way, I know a lot of people do it daily simply because it's part of the bedtime routine...totally not necessary though. Also, I wash the kids really well on the "off" days.

Hi J.,
I have a 4 year old and I bath him every other day, unless he gets way too dirt exploring the backyard. Bathing everyday drys out the skin and scalp. If you have ever even have time to bath your 3 kids everyday you would have to lotion them too. You are doing just fine with bathing every other day.
Have a great day.
S. T

Wow! Interesting post. I can't believe that there are so many kids that are going without daily baths!

I strongly believe in daily baths/ showers. There is just something about putting a dirty kid into clean linen every night that feels wrong, to me. With all of the germs of daycare, stores, etc., I believe that a clean kid will cut down on the germs manifesting and decrease the number of colds, etc. as a result.

As for the drying of the skin. I can understand that but there are a lot of lotions out there to help combat this. I know it's harder to do but man...I just didn't realize that so many people did NOT bath every day.

Hope this helps but somehow, I think you have your validation. Just thought I would share my perspective.

Good luck.
N.

That's what I shoot for too. Every other day is fine, unless your kids are a stinky, dirty mess! Geez, everyday - not neccessary! In my opinion. We all try to do the best we can!!
And I am sure you are!!!
Good luck, and happy bathing!!

i bath my kids every other day but they do wash up

I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 3-week old; they've never gotten baths more often than every other day, unless they needed it BADLY.

I have 1 daughter and I give her a bath every other day. Although I wash her feet every night (she's 4 and plays outside a LOT). My opinion is to use your best judgment. If your kids don't get dirty, there isn't a need to bathe them every day. My daughter has very dry skin, like me, so bathing her every day would be h*** o* her skin.