Infant Bathing
Updated: Jan 16
It can be scary and exciting to start giving your baby a bath. Read more...
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What is the optimal infant bathing schedule?
It is only natural to think that a baby may need a daily bath however this is not always the case.
When it comes to a bathing schedule it’s important to understand the role bathing plays in a routine. Normally bathing is to clean dirt and oils from the skin as well as maintain an optimal pH of the skin that reduces the overgrowth of bacteria and yeast.
Infants do not get that dirty overall! Most parents will find that if they are keeping up with routine diaper changes and wiping down areas after feeding, then an overall bath probably only needs to be done two to three times a week.
What are some possible side effects of bathing your infant too often?
The most common issue with excess bathing is that it is followed by excess dryness, which can lead to an increased risk of eczema. Think of your child’s skin as their primary barrier to their surroundings. If you overwash the skin this barrier becomes weakened. I try to tell parents to think of their skin as not smooth like a wall but more of a cobblestone street or a brick wall. Excess washing dissolves the mortar that holds the skin cells together. If this breaks down you will be more susceptible to insults and allergens from the environment. We need to keep our barrier intact by finding the right balance between cleaning and protecting.
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What if you don't bathe an infant often enough?
Our skin is naturally exfoliating and replenishing on a daily basis. Cleansing helps remove dead skin cells and dirt that build up on the skin. By not cleaning enough, dead skin cells will start to accumulate on the skin. They can take on a rough caked-on look to the skin. This is called dermatitis neglecta. Bacteria and yeast can begin to overgrow and make for higher chances of infection with small cuts or wounds.
