The Expert-Approved Number of Baths Your Kid Should Be Taking Each Week

Experts say twice a week is enough, except for certain situations like eczema or allergies.

Katie Sue Webber
Katie Sue Webber
Mom to two sweet little boys. Helping moms is her passion.
Last updated
May 16, 2023

As busy parents, sometimes bathtime slips through the cracks. How frequently do kids need to shower or bathe anyway?

Experts generally agree that a minimum of twice a week is enough, although this number increases depending on the child's activities. If they’ve been swimming, using sunscreen or bug repellent, or if they are visibly dirty or sweaty, a bath or shower is advisable.

Some situations warrant more frequent baths or showers. Children with eczema often benefit from daily showers with hypoallergenic soap, followed by moisturizer. Similarly, children with environmental or pollen allergies who have spent time outdoors should shower more frequently to prevent ongoing exposure to allergens.

Children generally start taking showers independently around age five or older, but most kids still need some bathing or showering supervision until around age 7 or 8. At this point, many children can begin to take on some of the responsibility of bathing themselves, depending on their maturity and the level of trust from their parents. By age 8, kids can typically manage washing on their own.

Read more (via PureWow)

Subscribe to The Rundown

Join thousands of busy moms.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Let me read it first

Welcome to The Rundown!
Congrats on joining the best newsletter for busy moms.

Keep reading