Introduction: When do moms usually bathe their babies? You might say at noon because it's cold in winter; or after meals because it's convenient for cleaning dirty clothes; or before bedtime because it helps with sleep... So which one is the correct approach?
2-year-old Tiantian usually takes a bath after his mom gets home from work in the evening. But ever since Tiantian caught a cold, his grandmother disagrees with evening baths, believing he should bathe at noon to avoid catching another cold. Tiantian's mom, however, thinks there's no problem with bathing in the evening and that it even promotes better sleep. So, whose view is correct?
If you were to ask moms when they usually bathe their babies, the answers would probably vary greatly. This is especially true in winter, with some saying in the afternoon, some after meals, and some before bedtime... So which one is the correct approach?
Bathing before bed? Not conducive to a baby falling asleep
Many adults are accustomed to bathing before bed, believing it promotes blood circulation, relaxes the body and mind, and aids sleep. However, research has found that sleep quality is related to body temperature; a high body temperature is not conducive to falling asleep quickly. If a baby is bathed close to bedtime, their body temperature will be high, making it difficult to fall asleep. This means that bathing before bed is not suitable for babies, and even for adults. Families with this habit may need to adjust their bathing schedule.
Bathing after meals? A 1-2 hour interval is needed
Many families choose to bathe their baby after dinner, mainly because the baby gets food on their clothes and body, and a post-meal bath makes it convenient to get them clean at once. However, bathing immediately after a meal is very unhealthy. This is because right after eating, the human digestive system starts working, and a large amount of blood flows to the stomach, leaving other organs in a relatively ischemic state. Bathing at this time causes blood vessels throughout the body to dilate, increasing blood flow to the skin and muscles, and the stomach won't have enough blood, which will affect digestion. It is recommended to bathe at least 1-2 hours after a meal, and each session should not last more than half an hour.
Bathing before meals? Helps to increase appetite
Many people haven't considered bathing before a meal, but it actually has certain benefits for a baby. First, bathing will consume some of the baby's energy, increasing their desire to eat and making them enjoy dinner more. Second, bathing the baby before dinner can save time in the evening, allowing the child to go to bed earlier, which helps cultivate the good habit of sleeping early and waking up early, and also makes them have a better appetite for breakfast. If your child has a poor appetite, you can try bathing them before meals.
Bathing at noon? The best choice in cold weather
In the cold winter, the temperature is higher at noon, so bathing the baby at noon helps prevent them from catching a cold and is a good choice. It should be noted that if the baby has just had lunch, you should wait for a while before bathing, as it is not good for digestion. If noon is not a convenient time, you can consider bathing in the afternoon. This can not only avoid the baby catching a cold easily in the evening but also save time for bathing, allowing for an earlier bedtime.
The frequency of a baby's bath depends on the region and weather
How often a baby should be bathed is also a point of debate for many parents. The editors of 39 Parenting believe this depends on the region and weather. For example, in the cold and dry northern regions, there is no need to bathe the baby every day. This is because a baby's skin is only one-third as thick as an adult's. When the skin's stratum corneum is soaked in water, it becomes looser. Coupled with the external stimulation during bathing, the skin can become dry. Babies who are bathed too frequently may develop dry eczema. However, in warmer southern regions, especially places like Hainan Island, it is still very necessary to bathe the baby every day. Parents need to be flexible and adapt to the situation.