BATH-TIME BLITZ: THE GREAT BATHTUB DEBATE
Splish, splash … is anyone even taking a bath anymore? You might have caught a whiff (pun intended) of the latest uproar in the world of celebrity parenting, and if you didn't, let me fill you in. In recent weeks, celebrity parents like Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Kristen Bell, and Dax Shepard have stirred the pot by confessing that they don't exactly adhere to a standard bathing schedule for their kids. Instead, they rely more on the 'Sniff Test' - if you stink, it's time for a sink. This got us wondering - are there actually strict bathing "rules" for kids? Let's delve into it with the guidance of the experts on this hot (water) topic.
EXPERT OPINIONS
The American Academy of Dermatology does provide recommendations for bathing children aged 6-11; according to the AAD, giving kids in this age group a bath at least once or twice a week is perfectly acceptable. Of course, they can bathe daily, but it's not absolutely necessary. But what about kids under 6?
We've had a chat with Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified paediatrician and mum, to get the lowdown on bathing. Dr. Mona suggests, "You don't need to bathe your 0-5-year-old every day. Aiming for three times a week is a good starting point. Overdoing it can actually dry out your baby's skin." So, in theory, don't sweat it if you skip a night! It can work wonders for your sanity. Prefer daily baths? Well, if you enjoy it and your child's skin seems to be drying out, simply use lukewarm water and skip the soap," advises Dr. Mona.
IS IT TIME FOR A BATH OR NOT?
Now that we've cleared that up, what with all the messes, touching of questionable items, and even the dirtiest things being licked, it can feel like your kid is a walking petri dish. So, let's take it a step further (you're welcome) and look at some common scenarios parents face, asking Dr. Mona to weigh in on when a bath is actually necessary.
IT AIN’T EASY BEING CLEAN (BUT IT CAN BE)
So, there you have it, the great bath-time debate unravelled. Whether you're team 'daily bath' or 'sniff-and-scrub,' the key is to keep it simple and enjoyable. After all, parenting should be a breeze, even when it comes to bath time.
