At what age can my child wash themselves independently? Follow the guide!

“It's me doing it!” Your child wants to wash themselves independently, and they make it clear every day. If you try to touch their washcloth, it’s a no go! This could be the perfect opportunity to teach them proper hygiene and how to take care of their skin. Let the learning begin.

At each age, a different stage

Between 7 and 8 years old, a child can generally shower alone. Before that, it’s important not to leave them unsupervised in the bathroom. Between 2 and 6 years old, it’s mainly about learning hygiene routines. At this age, the bathroom may not be secure enough even if you take all the necessary precautions. A slip, or even drowning, can happen.

At 2 years old, you’ll begin teaching them how to wash themselves. By 3, they’ll be able to wash their arms, legs, and belly themselves if they ask to. You'll still need to help with the rest, as it can be tricky for them. By around 5, 6 years old, most children will be able to wash themselves independently, but still under your supervision. It’s important to stay close to make sure they don’t skip any steps or risk falling. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that all children progress at different rates. Some will want to learn faster than others, and some might take their time. Every child has their own rhythm!

Bathroom safety

Since you shouldn’t leave a child alone in the bathroom before 6 years old (even with just a small amount of water in the bathtub), it’s essential to make sure the space is secure, no matter their age.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Keep their bath accessories (washcloth or sponge) close by. Personalized items, like a washcloth with their name, can make them more excited to try on their own.
• Place a non-slip bath mat in the tub to reduce the risk of slipping.
• Make sure the soap and shampoo are easy to use.
• If they want a bit of privacy, consider using a shower curtain. This way, they can enjoy their bath while you stay nearby, without disturbing them.

Watch out for the faucet!

Always remind your child not to touch the faucet during bath time to avoid the risk of burns.

After the bath: teach them to care for their skin

Taking care of their skin is something that should be learned from an early age.

Children's skin is delicate, which is why, after a good bath, you should teach them to hydrate their skin with an appropriate moisturizer. This will help their skin protect itself against environmental factors and weather changes.

Before adolescence, children's skin doesn't secrete sebum, making it more fragile and prone to dryness. You may notice this in pre-teens, as they often suffer from rashes, eczema, and dry skin.

Establishing a consistent moisturizing routine is a must. But we know how busy everyone's schedule can get from Monday to Friday, and sometimes, you just don’t have time for a long shower. So, take advantage of a day off to give your child a little extra skin care love after a refreshing bath. You could create a personalized set of products for them, with their name and cute stickers. This little gesture will make them feel special.

What if your child refuses to take a bath?

If bath time is a struggle, don’t worry! We’ve written an article dedicated to bath-time rebels, with stories from parents who are going through the same challenges. Will you recognize yourself?