Bathing and Washing Tips
We recommend that children be given a mild warm bath every day. The best
time for children to bathe is in the evening just before bedtime, but not
immediately after the evening meal. A bath directly following dinner may
interfere with digestion. A bath just before bed can help the child relax and
have a deep and peaceful sleep. If your family eats later in the evening, you
can give your children a bath before dinner is served. If daily bathing is done
routinely and is a happy time for children, they will tend to develop regular
bathing habits as they get older. Most children prefer to have a parent in the
bathroom with them while they are bathing, to help them wash and enjoy
their bath. A parent can supervise bathing until children are about five to six
years old. Of course, children under three need constant adult supervision.
Older children enjoy bathing by themselves, especially when they reach the
age of nine or so. If an older child wishes to bathe without anyone present,
including younger brothers or sisters, it is better to respect her wishes.
When babies and young children wake up in the morning, parents can make it
a practice of quickly washing their faces and hands. If this habit is established
early on, children will usually continue it through¬ out life. Washing up before
meals is also very important and can be taught to children at an early age.