When it comes to bathing a baby, it seems like everyone has an opinion. Some people will tell you that your little bundle of joy has to be washed every day, while others will scare you into limiting bath time to once a month! Then when it comes to baby bathing products, some mothers are baby brand loyalists, while others swear by nothing but plain water. Like these, there are several myths associated with bathing your baby, and they’re all probably leaving you confused and worried.
But it does not have to be that way. We have listed a bunch of baby bathing myths that are about to get busted! Read on to get to the bottom of all these myths:
Myth 1: You Need To Bathe Your Child Everyday
As adults, we tend to be deeply concerned about body odor. We have been taught to have daily baths, and the importance of keeping clean has been spoken about widely. We agree with this, but the same does not apply to babies. In fact, during the first few days of life, a baby does not require bath time at all — a sponge bath should suffice. Soon after birth, you will be asked to wait for at least ten days before bathing your baby. This is because the umbilical stump has to fall off and heal, and a bath can interfere with this process. The umbilical cord area must be dry and clean at all times. Once the situation with the umbilical cord is cleared out, parents are advised to give their babies a good bath only twice a week. On the other days of the week, you can continue with a sponge bath.
Myth 2: Bath Toys Don’t Need Cleaning
Why do bath toys need cleaning? They’re in the tub for the most part, anyway, right? Wrong. Bath toys can be a home ground for bacteria, dirt, germs, and mold. You need to be particularly wary of the squeaky ones; they work by letting in a small amount of water inside. So, the inner parts of these toys are most likely damp, dirty, and home to molds. You will have to clean them regularly, dry them in the sun, or regularly replace them until your child grows out of bath toys and decides that they’ve had enough of their bathing buddies.
Myth 3: Adult Bathing Products Must Not Be Used On Babies
Marketers did a real number on you with this one. The so-called baby exclusive bathing products came out only in today’s modern world. Back then, babies and adults alike would use the same product that fell under the “bathing” umbrella. Babies can use hygiene products that adults use, but there is a catch: chemical-based ones do more harm than good. But then again, both adults and babies need to steer clear of such products. You need to be more mindful of what you buy. If you spot a bathing product labeled “adult”, but if the said product is chemical-free, fragrance-free, and mild, it is safe enough to use on your baby as well.
Myth 4: Toddlers Are Old Enough To Bathe On Their Own
You know your baby is entirely dependent on you when they’re wrapped in swaddling clothes or still crawling. You’re there to address all their needs, and this goes on until they’ve become toddlers. Parents get to enjoy a bit of a breather when their babies turn into toddlers because now, they can do many things on their own, such as eating, peeing, or pooping. But can we say the same about bathing? A lot of parents believe that toddlers can handle bath time unattended. However, this can be extremely dangerous. A lot can go wrong during a bath, and your child may get hurt — the water could be too hot, the floor too slippery, and the shampoo might smell so yummy they’ll try to eat it. So, do not leave your toddler unattended during bath time.
Myth 5: Suds For The Win, Squeaky Clean Is The Way To Go
Let’s admit it — it’s so satisfying to watch all that frothy water and suds getting washed away during bath. We love the idea of “squeaky clean”, and when bathing our babies, we aim for that level of cleanliness. We think that more suds mean a cleaner bath. However, the truth is, more suds equals more chemicals. That, in turn, means a lot more harm to your baby’s skin. The more you strive for that soapy shine, the more natural oils you are stripping off from your baby’s skin. Use products that are foam-free, chemical-free, and paraben-free. All baby bathing products might not foam the way you’d like them too, but they are much better for your baby’s delicate skin. Some mothers believe that washing your baby with plain water should suffice, but no, this is wrong too. It is best to use a mild cleanser when bathing your baby.
Bear in mind two crucial things that override most other things during baby bath time — keep it safe and simple. It is normal to be a bundle of nerves when bathing your baby, and myths don’t exactly help your case. We’re hoping that busting these myths have helped! What are some of the bath time myths you’ve come across? Share them with us in the comments below!
