Read in The Mirror: https://apple.news/AD83hxtw_QmiB7C9MZUkR4A
Shared from Apple News

Bath time may be part of your nightly ritual to help get your little one off to bed, but it might be doing more harm than good.

Bathing obviously has its benefits, from removing dead skin cells, keeping us free of odours and helping to clear pores which allows the skin to function properly - but it is possible to overdo it.

Overexposing your baby's skin to water and soap can dry out their skin and in turn cause skin conditions like eczema to flare up, and it can also lead to rashes and infections.

So, how often should we be giving our baby's a bath? Read on for the guidelines.

Dr Sam Hay has revealed the pros and cons of giving our kids a bath, and just how often we actually need them in a chat with Kidspot.

 

According to Dr Hay, there's no medical need to give your baby a daily bath - every two to three days is more than often enough.

There is also a number of factors to consider which may help determine how often you should bathe your baby - from the climate you live in, to possibly skin conditions and how dirty they get throughout the day.

"Dirty kids of any age need a wash more often. Dirt and grim will increase skin irritation and harbour bacteria, leading to increased issues such as eczema or skin infection," says Dr Hay.

He goes on to say if your child suffers from skin conditions, such as eczema, you should pay special attention to their skin as bathing can dry it out.

To reduce the chances of a flare-up, decrease the frequency of baths, avoid using soap where possible and moisturise the moment you take them out of the tub to lock in moisture.

You could also try using bath oil instead of soap as it is much kinder to the skin.

Dr Hay says it's also worth considering your climate.

In the winter, the cold air tends to dry out our skin, which means we should keep our baths short, cool, avoid soaps more and moisturise regularly. The same applies if you live with air conditioning.