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We always love bath time with our kids but as it turns out parents, we may be doing it too much.
- Infants- During baby’s first year, the American Academy of Pediatrics says three times a week is probably enough. Washing infants any more than that may dry out their skin. The AAP also says it’s fine to “spot clean” the parts that are dirty and advises paying attention to the mouth area as well as any skin folds.
- Toddlers- If your kid loves taking a bath every night, it’s fine to bathe them that often at this age, just don’t over-do it with the soap. If tot has dry, sensitive skin, only wash with soap once a week and just let them soak and rinse in plain water the other days.
- Ages six to 11- According to the American Academy of Dermatology, kids in this age group need a bath: at least once a week; when they get dirty, like playing in the mud; after being in a pool, lake, ocean or other body of water; when they get sweaty or have body odor, as often as recommended by a dermatologist if they’re being treated for a skin issue.
- The AAP also says that kids ages six to 11 generally only need to shampoo their hair “once or twice a week until puberty starts.”
- Tweens and teens- When puberty starts, the American Academy of Dermatology recommend that showers or baths should become a daily thing, along with washing their faces twice a day.