How often should you bath your children?

After Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher revealed they bathe their kids only when they see dirt, experts reveal how often children should be washed.

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have sparked a debate after revealing they only bath their children if they see dirt. Picture: Jesse Grant/Getty Images

Celeb couple Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have hit the headlines for announcing that they “only bathe” their kids “when they can see dirt on them”.

Many people are up in arms about the comment, as they believe children need their baths far more often – but who’s right?

RELATED: Star couple’s confession about kid’s bath time

The celeb couple said they only give their kids a bath if they see dirt on them. Picture: Supplied

According to experts, you might not need to wash your child every day.

The UK National Health Service recommends that you do not need to give a newborn and older babies a bath every day – but if they really enjoy it, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t.

The couple have faced criticism for their views. Picture: Jesse Grant/Getty Images

They suggest you may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom instead. This is often called “topping and tailing”.

The NHS advises parents to choose a time when their baby is awake and content and to make sure the room is warm.

Then use a bowl of warm water, a towel, cotton wool, a fresh nappy and finish off with clean clothes.

If you’re still unsure, don’t worry, as we’ve spoken to the experts to get all the info on bathing your kids – including top tips and whether there’s such things as too many baths!

How often should you be bathing your kids?

Joyce French, cleaning expert at HomeHow, revealed the average recommended time for bathing kids is around two to three times a week for children aged 0 to 5.

She said: “Kids starting school may require a daily scrub; however, a thorough wash three times a week is still sufficient enough.”

There is debate about how often children need to be bathed. Picture: iStock

Elsewhere parenting expert and qualified Early Years Practitioner Kirsty Ketley shared her advice on bath time.

The mum-of-two said: “Under 5s don’t need to be bathed every day, unless they are really mucky, and it’s not necessary to use lots of products on them.

“Often kids with severe eczema, for instance, can be advised to bath in only water, two to three times a week.”

Is there such thing as too many baths?

If you choose to bathe your child every day, and there are no medical reasons why you shouldn’t, a bath before bedtime is a great way to relax a child.

Plus it’s a great start to a bedtime ritual or routine.

But cleaning expert Ms French said parents should be wary about giving their children too many baths.

“Bathing or showering too often can actually disturb the skin’s natural protection barrier,” she said.

“This can lead to dry, irritated or infected skin, especially if you use harsh soaps or boiling hot water.”

Top bathtime tips for parents

Ms French said there are a number of things parents can do to try to make bathtime with their kids easier.

She suggested creating a bathtime schedule, choosing the right products and checking the water temperature – as crucial bathtime tips.

Create a bathtime schedule

When bathing a child, you need to establish a schedule, as kids love routine, Ms French said.

“You can opt to wash them in the morning to freshen them up after sleeping.

“Other parents prefer to bathe their children at night, as a warm bath can encourage them to fall asleep.

“Make sure you wait a sufficient amount of time after they have eaten before bathing them, as having a bath can upset a baby’s stomach.”

Ms Ketley agreed and said bedtime routines – which include bathing – can relax little ones.

“I do think that a warm bath is a great part of a bedtime routine, as it helps relax little ones ready for bed.”

Choose the right products

You should try to use gentle and fragrance-free products to prevent any irritation to your baby’s skin, as it can be very sensitive, advised Ms French.

“If possible, you should avoid soap or opt for special baby soap, which will be kinder on the skin.”

Check the water temperature

Another important tip is to make sure the water is the correct temperature, as you do not want it to be too hot or too cold, Ms French said.

“A comfortable temperature for a baby is below 38C.

“You can use a thermometer to check the exact temperature or use your elbow to ensure it is

pleasantly warm.” Bath thermometers are readily available from department stores and chemists.

Ms Ketley added that as children get older, you might find it’s a good idea for them to take a daily bath or shower.

She said: “If you feel your child’s skin is drying, use a good moisturiser … after drying and massage it in.

“A massage is a great part of a bedtime routine for little ones.”

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished with permission

Originally published as How often should you bath your children?