I am trying to establish a bedtime routine with my son that includes a bath. He loves it but I am concerned that daily baths will dry out his skin. Is it alright as long as I massage him with lotion afterwards? Is it pointless to try to establish a routine at this age?
2007-03-05 11:54:53 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Forgot to say he is 3 months old.
2007-03-05 12:07:10 · update #1
It's never silly to establish a routine!! You're doing wonderful!
Sometimes babies skin will dry out as a result of daily bathing. However, there are options. There are several baby washes out that have lotion in them and are for use at bedtime (although I use them any time I give baths because they're soothing and smell nice). Also, after baths, you could use baby lotion on your babys arms and legs as well. Try to do it very soon after getting out of the bath while the skin is still warm and moist.
I would say to try bathing him daily. If it causes dry skin on your little guy, do the bath every other day, but keep the rest of the bedtime routine the same. For example, (even though my daughter is 3), her nighttime routine starts with her bath and getting into her PJs, then brushing her teeth, going potty, getting into her pullup, then up to bed, she turns on her nightlight and she gets to pick out a music CD for her CD player or a music (Baby Einstein) DVD (as a treat on certain nights). If it's the opposite day, we start with the getting into PJs. It's still mostly the same and now, she's absolutely used to it.
I started a routine with her as soon as the umbilical cord fell out and I could put her in a tub.
Good luck!!!
2007-03-05 12:07:56 · answer #1 · answered by Mommy of 2 Girls 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is ok, but unnecessary and like you said, it will be drying. Try establishing a bedtime routine which does not include the bath...singing, reading, massage, goodnights etc and every couple of days have a bath then follow on with the bedtime routine.
Most babies (and mothers!) love routine. You don't say hold old your son is, but I'm sure you will find something that works.
Enjoy!
2007-03-05 20:03:47 · answer #2 · answered by Midwife Jane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I gave my son a bath every evening; it relaxed him, and he enjoyed it. Adding a little baby oil to the bath water is a good way to keep his skin healthy (be sure it's not so much that you can't keep a good grip on him, though, just in case you need to!!!). Lotion afterward is also a good idea. I think that the earlier you establish a bedtime routine, the easier it is for a child to accept; in time, it will be a safe, comforting part of his life.
2007-03-05 20:03:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bathed my baby every day since the day she was born (she just turned 4 years old a week ago). I've bathed her every evening around 6 pm from day 1. I had her routine down pat, and by 4 months old she was sleeping through the night. I won't do one thing different if I have another child. Routines make children feel safe. It is NEVER too early to start. Good luck.
2007-03-05 20:22:24 · answer #4 · answered by chmh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Babies do not need baths every day. It's too abrasive on their skin, especially in the cold seasons. Think of your skin in cold weather. It's so much worse for theirs.
They do need routine, though. The pretent bath idea someone had is good. I bathe my daughter every 3 days and give her a lotion massage the other days (she is also 3 months old. ) Once she starts drooling, playing with other kids, and or crawling, then I will begin washing her everyday.
SInce your guy likes bathes, bath him every other day or so. Use Aveeno instead of Johnsons. I find it to be less harsh.
2007-03-05 20:20:41 · answer #5 · answered by sushishishi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how old. If this is an infant then no you do not have to give him a bath everyday.When my son was an infant the nights I did not give him a bath I would take a wash cloth and wipe between his little fat rolls and under his neck. But if you have an older infant then I would keep with the routine just use a good baby lotion like aveno to keep in moisture.
2007-03-05 20:01:01 · answer #6 · answered by aprildc82 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every child is different and sometimes in is conforting to them to have a routine. SO if you choose to start one that is great. But you may not always stick to it and that is okay too. As long as you use lotion after every bath, you won't dry out there skin
2007-03-06 12:21:48 · answer #7 · answered by Hi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Babies do not need to be washed daily. That said, with one of my daughter's I bathed her every night because it truly seemed to tire her out and make a difference to her sleep (she was the only one of my seven that it worked for, though). So go ahead IF YOU REALLY NEED TO, but there are lots of things to do for a baby's bedtime routine that don't involve a bath.
2007-03-06 21:29:38 · answer #8 · answered by toomanycommercials 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when my baby was that age she had really bad eczema and i was told only to give her a bath twice a week, so that is what i did, but her skin stayed dry. now i give her a bath every day and use Johnsons Soothing naturals lotion afterwards and her skin is fine. so i think it is okay for you to give him a bath every day, it is a good idea to get him into a routine.
2007-03-05 20:21:22 · answer #9 · answered by krystal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are doing a great job. Bathing everyday is A-OK as long as you are using mild soap and lather him up with tons of baby lotion after. My son is 8 months old and has probably had a bath every day except maybe 10 days....in 8 months. He is perfectly healthy and silky smooth!
2007-03-05 21:26:11 · answer #10 · answered by Level Headed, I hope 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋