Bathing a toddler (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to bathe a toddler? ›

A quick sponge bath or wiping your toddler with a soapy washcloth will work until they get used to baths. Aim for two or three baths each week and try to schedule them consistently so your toddler knows when to expect them.

To stay clean, toddlers need a bath only 2-3 times a week. But they might like to have baths more often than this. Clean toddlers' faces and genitals daily even if they don't have a bath every day. Never leave toddlers alone in the bath.

For young children, unless they're visibly dirty or have been outside sweating, two to three times per week is generally enough for them as well.

This can be used when the baby has outgrown the baby bath where they are standing up too often and can sit up unaided. This is typically around 9-12 months but this can depend on size and development stage, the toddler bath can then be used up to and around 4 years old.

Get in the Tub Yourself

Leap in, play with their toys, blow bubbles, and have a rollicking good time. If your child wants to join you, make them feel secure by holding them on your lap. Sears also recommends limiting the actual washing “*ntil you've gotten them used to thinking of bath time as fun again.”

Ideally, you should keep your toddler's baths to no more than 15 minutes long, so you don't dry out their skin.

At some point, your child is old enough to bathe themselves. When exactly that happens, "depends on the child's maturity and desire for privacy," says Dr. Lysouvakon. "Some kids can bathe as early as 5 or 6 years of age, but many experts recommend solo bathing at 8 years of age.

Never leave a child unattended in the bathtub, even for a few seconds. Don't entrust an older child to watch a toddler, either. If you have to answer the door or the telephone, take the child with you. Always test the water in the bathtub yourself before immersing your child.

Kids age 11 and under often only need to wash their hair once or twice a week. Every other day or daily. Kids who should wash their hair multiple times a week include: Kids aged 12 and up.

Wendy Lane, who works at the University of Maryland Children's Hospital, said it can actually be beneficial for children to rinse off with their parents during their early years —but the practice should stop around the age of 5.

At what age should a child clean up after potty? ›

By the age of 5, most children should be capable of wiping effectively.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends filling the tub with just 1 to 2 inches of tepid (85 to 90 degrees F, which will feel slightly warm on your wrist) water, and using a clean washcloth or sponge to spread water over your toddler's body. (But if she'd rather just play, that's okay too.)

Keep the water temperature lukewarm. Hot water may dry out the skin and also activates nerve endings, which become more sensitive, increasing the urge to scratch at the skin. Avoid bubble baths & foamy, scented soaps.

You'll want to empty the bath and clean it thoroughly. If you're wondering whether to give a shower or a bath, toddlers can stay in the bath for several years before they start showering. But introducing them to a shower—especially getting their head under the water—is important for them to start getting used to.

At some point, your child is old enough to bathe themselves. When exactly that happens, "depends on the child's maturity and desire for privacy," says Dr. Lysouvakon. "Some kids can bathe as early as 5 or 6 years of age, but many experts recommend solo bathing at 8 years of age.