Showering for children: How warm, how long and wash with water

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 27, 2023

Is it ok for kids to shower?

Washing the skin removes the natural oils. This can dry out the skin and cause irritation. That is why it is important not to shower too often and to determine the right temperature and duration.

In this article I discuss the pros and cons of showering for children and how best to approach it.

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How often should your child take a shower?

There is no set guideline for how often children should shower or bathe. It depends on the age of the child, how active they are and how dirty they get during the day. In general, young children need to shower less often than older children. Babies and toddlers, for example, do not need to be bathed every day unless they have become very dirty. It is important for older children to shower or bathe daily, especially if they are active and sweat a lot.

Limit showering to a maximum of 10 minutes

It is important to limit showering or bathing to a maximum of 10 minutes. Showering for too long can dry out the skin and lead to irritation and itching. It is also important not to shower too often, as this can lead to a loss of natural oils on the skin. Showering once a day is usually sufficient unless the child has become very dirty.

Use mild soap and rinse well

When your child takes a shower, use a mild soap to clean the skin. Rinse the skin well to remove all soap residue. It is also important to rinse your child's face well and clean the nails. When your child washes his or her hair, make sure the hair is rinsed well.

Try to limit showering for the environment

It is important to limit showering water save and save the environment. If your child hasn't gotten very dirty, a washcloth and some water may be enough to clean the skin. This can also help keep the skin healthy, as showering too often can lead to the removal of natural oils on the skin.

The right temperature for your child's shower

As a parent, you naturally want your child to be able to enjoy a shower or bath. But it is also important to ensure that the temperature of the water is not too high. A shower that is too hot can affect and dry out your child's skin. In addition, it can also be dangerous for babies and young children, because they are not yet able to regulate their body temperature properly.

What is the right temperature for your child's shower?

The right temperature for your child's shower depends on your child's age and the sensitivity of his or her skin. It is generally recommended to set the shower at a temperature of around 37 degrees Celsius. This is approximately your child's body temperature and therefore feels nice and warm. For babies and young children it is better to set the water a little lower, for example at 35 degrees Celsius.

How can you set the right temperature?

Setting the right temperature for your child's shower takes some appropriate work. It is important to check the temperature of the water carefully before placing your child under it. You can do this by holding your hands under the jet and feeling whether the water is not too hot or too cold. You can also use a thermometer to measure the temperature. In addition, make sure that your child is not in the shower for too long and that you dry him or her well after showering.

How long can your child shower?

It is important to know that the duration of the shower depends on the age and development of the child. For babies, it is better to bathe instead of shower. This is because a baby's skin is not yet fully developed and the bath provides extra protection. You can only start showering your baby from about four weeks after birth. You can build this up step by step. For children from the age of six it is usually no problem to take a shower independently.

Medically speaking

While it is important to bathe your child daily for hygiene, it is not necessary to shower daily. The body has a natural defense mechanism against germs and bacteria. In addition, showering too often can dry out the skin and even cause skin problems. It is therefore better to shower a maximum of twice a week.

Strategy: step-by-step

If your child still wants to shower every day, it is important to do this in the right way. Below you will find a step-by-step plan for a successful and healthy shower:

• Provide an ideal temperature of the water, which is around 37 degrees Celsius.
• Let your child wash himself with a washcloth and a suitable product for the skin. An oil-based bath product is particularly suitable for dry skin.
• Rinse the body well with water.
• Make sure your child dries himself well after showering.
• If necessary, use a greasy cream to moisturize the skin extra.

Individual needs

It is important to emphasize that the duration of the shower can be different for every child. Some like to take a long shower, while others prefer to finish quickly. It is therefore important to talk to your child and to look at the individual needs and wishes.

Additional information

• It is not necessary to wash your child daily, but it is important to wash the intimate parts daily.
• The vernix, the white layer on the skin of newborns, is a natural protective layer and does not need to be removed immediately after birth.
• Research shows that some children feel better after a shower, because it provides a fresh feeling and a higher body temperature.
• While bathing rather than showering is better for babies, a short shower lasting a few minutes may be suitable for rinsing off the bath product.
• If you notice that your child shows bad reactions to showering, such as skin rashes or itching, it is important to look at alternatives such as bathing.

Washing or showering: which is better for your child?

It's a question many parents ask themselves: should we bathe or shower our child? In general, showering is better for your child's skin than bathing. The water washes over the body faster, so there is less chance of dehydration. Moreover, bath water can quickly become polluted by toys and mud, for example. If your child still likes to take a bath, it is best not to leave it in too long and the bath toys regularly to clean.

How often should your child wash?

It is important that your child washes daily, especially if they are older and start to sweat. It is good practice to let your child shower or wash in the morning so that they can go to school fresh and clean. It is also useful to have your child shower or wash in the evening before going to sleep, so that it can go to bed clean and fresh. If your child is not potty trained yet, it is important to properly clean the lower body after changing the diaper.

How long should a shower last?

A shower does not have to take long, about five to ten minutes is often enough. It is important not to stay in the shower for too long, as this can dry out the skin. Let your child wash himself, but check that he has done everything correctly. Especially with young children, it is important to make sure that they wash all the spots well.

How were you your child?

It is important to wash your child gently with a washcloth and do not rub too hard. Preferably use only water and no soap, unless your child has become really dirty. If you do use soap, choose a mild variety that doesn't dry out the skin. Don't forget to also clean the nails and between the toes. After showering, it is important to dry your child thoroughly, especially between the toes and under the armpits.

What if your child doesn't like to shower?

Some children find showering annoying or scary. Then try to find out together with your child what is causing this and make showering as fun as possible. For example, let your child take his or her favorite toys into the shower or make it a pleasant moment by singing or chatting together. If your child really doesn't want to take a shower, you can also wash them in the sink.

When should you pay extra attention to washing?

It is important to pay extra attention to bathing your child if, for example, they have played sports or played in the mud. Even if your child suffers from a bad smell or a dirty appearance, it is time to wash extra. Don't forget to put on clean underwear every day and wash your feet well, especially between the toes.

Washing with water instead of soap: better for your child's skin

A child's skin is thinner and more sensitive than an adult's. That is why it is important to take good care of your child's skin. A daily shower or bath is not necessary, but if your child has gotten dirty, it is important to wash him or her well. However, it is better to do this with water instead of soap.

Soap can dry out your child's skin

Washing the skin with soap can dry out your child's skin. This can lead to dry skin and even eczema. Research shows that using soap can be disastrous for your child's skin. It is therefore better to wash your child with water only. If you still want to use soap, choose a mild variant that does not affect the skin oils.

Other tips for bathing your child

In addition to using water instead of soap and regulating the water temperature, there are other tips for bathing your child:

• Use a bath tap protector to prevent your child from getting burned on the hot bath tap.
• Wash your child's face with a washcloth and water. Do not use care products, these can affect your child's skin.
• Do not wash your child's hair every day, but for example every other day. Use a mild shampoo that does not dry out the scalp.
• Do not let your child sit in the bath for too long. The steam that is released can affect your child's nasal passages.
• Choose environmentally friendly care products that do not contain harmful substances.
• Make sure your child is dried well after washing. This feels most comfortable for your child and prevents annoying skin problems.

Washing your child with water instead of soap is therefore better for your child's skin. Using the right water temperature and following other tips can help keep your child's skin healthy and prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

Is showering good for children?

Showering is important for the child's hygiene, but you have to do it properly. It is important to choose the right temperature of water and let the child take a shower on his own. It is also important to conserve the natural oils on the skin and dry the skin well.

If you apply these tips, your child will have a healthy shower.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.