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Q. How often should I bathe my baby?

Dr. Zibners' Answer:

This is a good one because it’s just one more example of where my training and my reality don’t agree. My kids get a bath most days. For Eva, it’s part of her “bedtime routine” and for Zoe it’s part of her “stop screaming, kid, you’re driving me nuts” evening plan. But medically speaking, they really only need to go into the tub 2 to 3 times a week. After all, neither or them attends aerobics class or works in construction so they aren’t really that dirty. Bathing too often can dry out or irritate their skin. A quick face-butt swipe with a damp cloth once a day should be enough. However, if your little one likes her bath time, like mine do, then try to stick to just plain water and reserve the shampoo and soap for a couple times a week or when you find dried spit up in her neck folds or poop up his back. Then you might want to give her a good rubdown with a thick cream or emollient (such as Vaseline or Aquaphor) to help seal in the moisture when he comes out of the tub. But if you’re too tired, don’t worry about skipping her bath tonight.

Dr. Lara Zibners, Mar 18, 2010

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