How often should children take a bath? Maya Jenkins and Adam Reed are igniting conversations on this topic after sharing that their family’s answer is “not frequently.” During an episode of Dax Shepard’s podcast, Armchair Expert, a particular segment about hygiene went viral.
“I was never that parent who bathed my newborns — ever,” Jenkins admitted, which is quite understandable. Unless your little one experiences a significant diaper blowout or a major spit-up incident, they don’t generally get very dirty during their day filled with eating, sleeping, and being cute. In those early months, baths often serve for adorable photos, right? Not to mention the hefty price we paid for that giant plastic infant tub we probably didn’t need?
“I grew up without hot water, so I didn’t shower much,” the mother of two explained. However, when Reed chimed in to say that their philosophy hasn’t changed now that their kids are a bit older (daughter Lily is 6 and son Cole is 4)—it raised some eyebrows. “Here’s the deal: If you can see the dirt on them, clean them. Otherwise, what’s the point?” Reed stated.
Naturally, the internet had plenty to say about this revelation. Personally, I’m not too concerned about the Jenkins/Reed household’s bathing routine. Let’s face it, every parent has, at one point or another, opted for a quick wipe with a baby wipe instead of a full bath, and the world continues to spin. I typically give my kids a bath every other day—not because they smell, but because it feels like the “right” schedule (i.e. one that won’t lead to mom-shaming). Plus, if they go longer than that, I worry about them becoming the class “Pigpen” kid, due to those iconic stink lines from Peanuts cartoons.
It’s safe to say that until your child noticeably smells, how often to bathe them is essentially a personal decision, with no definitive right or wrong answer (unless you consult Twitter). For what it’s worth, many doctors would likely support Reed’s stance on bathing—according to the American Academy of Dermatology, kids who haven’t reached puberty can typically get by with a bath just once or twice a week.
Interested in more related content? Check out this post on home insemination kits, for further insights on family planning.
In summary, Maya Jenkins and Adam Reed’s unconventional approach to their children’s bathing routine has sparked a lively discussion about hygiene practices among parents. While they believe in bathing their kids only when necessary, many parents feel pressure to adhere to more frequent schedules. Ultimately, the frequency of baths may boil down to personal preference and individual circumstances.
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