One Mom's Confession: No Bath For Baby

By SheSpeaksTeam Oct 23, 2013

A recent confession by mom to three Claire Goss on Babble.com has raised a few eyebrows among moms, while others are sighing in relief that they’re not alone. Goss admits to rarely bathing her infant son when she finds the time in her busy evening routine.

Though many moms probably give their babies a dip in the bath once a day, Goss explains how hectic her evenings are between projects with the older children and getting them in their baths. Goss explains, “Some nights I do remember that the baby needs a bath but then inevitably one of the older kids needs a story read or help with a craft project. The older kids make these evening needs very clearly known, whereas the baby does not give two snots if he has a bath or not and is happy to just be in my lap during the other activities.”

So how often is Goss actually bathing her 3-month-old? She recently told ABC News, “I aim for once a week. It might not happen. I will confess, it has gone longer than a week.” She adds, “It can be a good 10 days, but if you met my baby and held him, you’d probably think he smells as amazing as I do.”

Goss’ lack of free time for more regular baby baths may not be such a bad thing though. She points out research from the Mayo Clinic that advises parents against bathing babies too often as it can lead to dry skin. And aren’t we always hearing new research about how a little bacteria is actually good for our little ones? Goss admits to “spot cleaning” her baby regularly but feels there is really no need for baths more than once a week.

What do you think of Goss’ baby bathing confession?

How often do you give your baby a proper bath?

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Comments

by hiswife | Waterford, MI

Dec 12, 2013

Since about the 5th grade (maybe earlier) when children actually started caring about bathing, this seems to be a touchy subject. I find that most people don't want to admit that they DO NOT take a shower every single day, even as adults. The baby still gets a bath and is clean. This is really not a big deal.

by Jennyfr | FOND DU LAC, WI

Nov 06, 2013

Even though it was many many years ago when my daughter was a baby, I was another mom that did not bathe her daily. Actually back then it was only once or twice a week and to this day I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Babies are constantly being wiped and cleaned after diaper changes and eating and whatever else so they always smell like a baby! Their clothing is constantly being changed too so bathing daily would never be necessary, in my opinion.

by eldgf5 | Savannah, GA

Oct 30, 2013

Actually, it's not good to wash a baby everyday because it dries their skin. Washing with a rag daily and bathing occasionaly is the best way.

by mommy12 | ELIZABETH CTY, NC

Oct 29, 2013

Wow...I thought I was alone on this one. I agree completely. My other children consume my time with homework and projects on top of all else. I don't bathe my infant every single day. I may give him a bath maybe 4 days out of the seven and wash him down with a wash cloth and his baby soap. I don't think it's necessary to give an infant a full bath everyday and neither does his pediatrician. I'm not going to judge anyone who only gives their infant one bath a week. That's the least of this world's problem. Now if she only fed the baby once a week, that would be a problem. At least she cleans the baby period. Not that serious.