Do you need to bathe your baby every day?

When it comes to body hygiene, the answer is clear: no, a full bath every day is not necessary. Most experts agree that, as long as a child is not walking, they are barely sweating or getting dirty. So, a bath 2 or 3 times a week is plenty. Of course, there are exceptions such as during heatwaves or after spitting up or an “explosive” poop [1]. Having said that, some parts of the body do need daily cleaning. You can do that with a damp facecloth to the face, neck and other sensitive areas. As well, for a baby in diapers, it is recommended that you clean the genitals and bottom gently with a little soap. Bathing needs will increase as your child grows and becomes more active, when they start having visible dirt, sweating, body odour, use of bug spray or after swimming in a chlorinated pool [2,3].

You can give your baby a bath any time of day. The best time is when your baby is calm and relaxed, for example, when they are not hungry or too tired. The best time is also when you are in the right mindset, especially when you have enough time that you will not be rushing.

When given under the right conditions, a baby’s bath can be calming. That is why a daily bath in the evening can be a great part of a bedtime routine.

Every baby is unique, so it is normal for your baby to have a different sleep and wake pattern than other babies you know. Around three months is generally the age when you can establish a good bedtime routine. Your routine should be simple and soothing. It gives you an opportunity for one-on-one time with your baby, making a bath a particularly relevant part of the routine. To be really effective, a bedtime routine should be repeated every day, ideally in the same order, no matter which parent is in charge. Consider incorporating these elements [4]:

• Giving your baby a bath
• Changing your baby into night clothes and a clean diaper
• Putting them to bed in the same room, promoting a state of calm and sleep every evening
• Dimming the lights to create a calm atmosphere
• Reading a story or playing quietly, depending on age
• Giving your baby a goodnight kiss and cuddle
• Turning on white noise, but not putting on music, to encourage falling sleep

Our skin produces natural oils which act as a protective barrier, and it contains beneficial bacteria (skin flora) which help us stay healthy and protect us from harmful microorganisms. During a bath, especially when soap is being used, a large amount of those oils and essential microorganisms are removed.

In the 1980’s, researchers observed that children living in rural areas developed fewer allergies than children in urban areas. That observation gave rise to the hygiene hypothesis, suggesting that excessive hygiene from an early age is harmful to the development of an effective immune system [5]. In the early 2000’s, the discovery of microbiota—collections of beneficial bacteria, viruses and yeasts/fungi present in various environments (such as intestine, skin, vagina)—strengthened the arguments of those opposed to a daily bath. They suggested that, not only did too-frequent baths get rid of harmful microorganisms such as viruses, but they also removed beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria. That hypothesis led to the Cleansing Reduction movement, recommending a reduction in how often adults wash [6]. These hypotheses have never been clearly validated when it comes to the skin, since it has been demonstrated that our microbiota regenerates very quickly, often within a few hours after washing [7].

However, it is a well-known fact that babies’ skin is very sensitive, and that soap removes its natural protection, which can irritate it. As a result, it is recommended that you use a small amount of a mild, unscented soap, and use soap for certain parts of the body, such as hands, bottom and genitals [2].

Our lifestyles do not always leave enough time to make a bath a peaceful time, for the baby or for you, the parent. There are many online resources full of practical tips to make your job easier. Here are some recommendations from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) [2].

You can choose to take a bath with your baby in a normal bathtub or pick a specially designed baby bath, the bathroom sink or even a clean kitchen sink. Either way, do not use a bath seat, which gives a false sense of security. Make sure you keep the room temperature between 22°C and 24°C to keep your baby comfortable.

Gather everything you need and adjust the water temperature before you undress your baby. You will need:

• A facecloth and towel
• Mild, unscented soap and baby shampoo
• Clean clothes
• 1-2 clean diapers
• 1-2 cotton swabs for cleaning your baby’s belly button
• Small nail scissors or nail clippers and a nail file
• Zinc oxide ointment for your baby’s bottom
• Unscented moisturizing lotion or cream for dry areas
• A brush or comb

Run both hot and cold water to get a uniform temperature that matches body temperature. Always check the water temperature by testing it with your elbow or wrist, never your hand.

Only undress your baby once everything is ready, then gently place them in the water, starting with their feet. Then, gently immerse the rest of their body. Hold their head, supporting their neck with your forearm and sliding your hand under their armpit to hold them securely.

Remember that a baby can drown in just 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water. Just use a few centimetres of water, no more than up to your child’s belly button when they are seated. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second, for any reason. If the phone rings or somebody knocks at the door, take your baby with you or just decide not to answer.

Bathing your child every day is neither required nor excessive. In terms of hygiene, 2-3 baths a week are usually enough. Not all parts of the body require soap; use the most natural and least scented soap possible. The soothing benefits of a bath make it an excellent ritual for preparing little ones for sleep. As part of a bedtime routine, a bath provides a precious opportunity for strengthening the parent-child bond, as long as the conditions are ideal for you both. Make the most of these unique sweet moments.