How often should I bathe my 3-month-old baby?

Bathing babies is one of the many ways to nurse and care for them. They are still tender and fragile at three months, with delicate skins. How often should I bathe my 3-month-old baby? You may ask. It is advisable to wash your three months old baby about two to three times a week.

However, all babies are not the same. Some may require you to bathe them more frequently to prevent their delicate skin from diaper rash and other skin conditions. Keep reading because this blog post will explore more on “How often should I bathe my 3-month-old baby”.

Is it ok to bathe my 3-month-old every night? 

It is not ok to bathe your three-month-old baby every night. They are not adults; hence their skin should not be treated like adults who have to wash up every night before retiring to bed. So how often should I bathe my 3-month-old baby? The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that babies under 6 months of age only need a bath two to three times a week. 

When to start bathing baby daily? 

It is recommended that sponge bathing your baby should start after a certain period. You should begin to bathe your baby daily when they are 6 to 12 months old. Carefully wash the neck region, face, and sensitive areas. Before bathing them, it is advisable to test the temperature of the water with your hand. You should use warm water for bathing your baby to keep them clean and comfortable. 

Benefits of bathing baby daily 

• Daily bathing keeps your baby clean. Your baby’s skin is delicate and can be irritated or infected with diseases. An unclear environment can cause your baby’s skin prone to infection. Bathing them daily will keep dirt and sweat away.
• Warm bathing makes your baby relax and sleep better at night. It makes their body calm and comfortable. 
•  Bathing makes babies and mothers bond better because of the skin-to-skin and eye-to-eye contact involved. It creates the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between you and your baby as you touch and wash them gently. 
• Daily bathing of your baby will help cultivate good hygiene. This habit promotes good health and the general well-being of your baby. 
•  Bathing babies before or after a meal can help enhance their meal’s digestion.  
• Bathing helps stimulate babies’ sensory nerves and improves their sense of feel as their skin comes in contact with water daily.   

How to make bath time enjoyable for a 3-month-old?

Your baby should not struggle with you when it is time to bathe. They should instead look forward to their bath time. Bathing can be more enjoyable for your baby using the following approach: 

• Choosing the right time to bathe them: Making it a routine for washing your baby at a particular time of the day is good, preferably in the morning or before bedtime. 
• Assemble all the materials you need for the process: It is expected that before you start to bathe your baby, you should have put together all the required materials, such as a clean soft towel, washcloths, soap, and shampoo. 
• Use of warm water is necessary: Babies enjoy warm baths, so you should use only warm water for bathing your baby. Doing otherwise can be detrimental to your baby’s health. 
• Use soft bathing products: Some products are specially designed for tender skin with good fragrances for your babies. It is good you use products that do not contain chemicals that can irritate or harm their delicate skin. Check out the Aveeno baby bath products on Amazon.
• Play with your baby: While bathing your baby, you should play with them and sing for them. Appropriate bath toys will make them happy, and they always look forward to their bath times.
• Massage your baby: You can finish up the bath with a gentle massage. Follow that up with a warm cuddle to make them feel at home with you.

Conclusion 

Bath times should always be fun times for your baby. You can help your baby relax through their baths by practicing the tips discussed above. Use warm water and appropriate bathing materials. Avoid using hash soaps and shampoos. How often should I bathe my 3-month-old baby? 2-3 times a week is suitable for babies under 6 months, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.