EN / PT
Bath time can be one of the nicest moments of the day, for bonding, play and relaxing before sleep. But, especially the first time, it raises questions: how often? What temperature? How do you keep it safe? This guide, part of our children's hygiene guide, answers the essentials.
How often should you bath a child?
A daily bath isn't necessary to keep a child clean and healthy, though many families choose one because it's part of the bedtime ritual. What matters is to wash the areas that need it (face, hands, nappy area and feet) and use gentle products. Baths that are too frequent or with harsh products can dry out children's sensitive skin.
What's the ideal water temperature?
The water should be warm, never hot. Always test it first, with your elbow or forearm (more sensitive areas than the hand). The room should be warm and free of draughts, especially for newborns.
How do you bathe a newborn?
Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, many families prefer sponge cleaning. After that, for the immersion bath: have everything to hand before you start, always hold the baby securely, begin with the face and leave the nappy area for last. A newborn's bath is brief.
How do you ensure bath safety?
The golden rule: never leave a baby or child alone in the bath, not even for a moment, drowning can happen in very little water and in seconds. Keep everything you need within reach so you don't have to step away, and use a non-slip mat.
How do you give a child autonomy?
As they grow, children can take part more and more, soaping themselves, washing their hair, choosing the bath toy, always with supervision. Giving autonomy, with attentive presence, makes bath time a moment of learning and enjoyment. It's also a good time to reinforce the idea of privacy and respect for the body.
Frequently asked questions
Do children need a bath every day? Not necessarily. The key is to wash the areas that need it and use gentle products. Many families choose a daily bath because it's part of the bedtime routine.
What's the ideal bath water temperature? Warm, never hot. Always test it with your elbow or forearm before putting the child in the water.
Can I leave the baby alone in the bath for a moment? Never. Drowning can happen in very little water and in seconds. Keep everything to hand so you don't have to step away.
How do you bathe a newborn before the cord stump falls off? Many families prefer sponge cleaning until the stump falls off; after that, you can move to a brief immersion bath, with the baby always held securely.