Washing her baby is one of the first things a young mother learns in the maternity ward. The childcare auxiliaries are happy to show mothers the actions and products that must be adopted so that baby is clean and healthy. But back home, many parents wonder: do they have to wash their babies every day? 

On this question, opinions differ. Some say that soap and water damage the young skin of babies, others on the contrary argue that the bath is a privileged moment that should in no case be suppressed. In this multiplication of information, how to see clearly?

You have to wash your baby every day

Before asking the question of the bath, it is important to remind parents that daily hygiene is essential. It will be necessary to clean around the navel, behind the ears, in the neck, the private parts and also the hands of baby. Corn this cleaning will not necessarily be done with soap and water. A little physiological saline may be sufficient.

Generally, after each meal and after changing a diaper, a little toilet is required. Before and after washing the baby, mom or dad must remember to wash their hands so as not to risk the slightest contamination.

Should we give the bath every day?

The question of the bath is a question that is the subject of more debate. ” If you wish, you can give your child a daily bath (especially if he particularly enjoys this moment) “, Can we read on the website of the Health Insurance. ” However, bathing an infant every two or three days is sufficient. Indeed, as long as they are not walking, toddlers sweat and dirty themselves little (unless it is very hot or if they regurgitate, for example). »

Most babies love the bath. A bath at 37 ° C will remind him of the good memories of the time when he was in mom’s womb. If your child chirps and fidgets happily in the water, then do not deprive yourself of bathing him daily. If he screams when you bathe him, space the baths.

Is the bath bad for the baby’s skin?

But are these baths bad for the baby? In itself, the water is not bad, but the products used daily can indeed be too aggressive for the skin. Just bathing it in water, without product, 2 to 3 times a week, can be an option. It is also recommended to wash babies’ hair once or twice a week with a hypoallergenic product. You will have to rinse the product well and wipe the head very gently.

Even if you decide to bathe your baby only 3 times a week, you should not leave it too long in the water. The bath should not last more than 5 minutes.

What are the precautions to take before bathing?

Before bathing your baby, you must take certain precautions. First of all, you will have to remember to wash his buttocks well so that he does not wade into a bath of bacteria. Do not use a sponge or glove to wash it. They are nests for bacteria. Put a dab of soap (hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, fragrance-free and colorant-free) in your hands and insist in the folds of the neck and thighs. You will then remember to rinse well.

You will also remember to keep his towel handy so that he does not catch a cold on the way from the bathroom to his bedroom. Bath water should be 37 ° C but the temperature of the bathroom is also important: it should not be lower than 22 ° C. Remove any rings or bracelets that could hurt him and immerse him in water.

Finally, to prevent your baby from drinking the cup, hold him with one hand under the armpit, his neck and head resting on your wrist and forearm. With the other hand, you can easily soap it or water it gently.

Read also: 9 things to do for good body hygiene 

Claire Verdier