"Do kids really need a daily bath?" No. Especially during the cooler months, children can skip a day or even two or three days, provided that they keep their genital area clean with proper toileting routines. They should also wash their hands a few times a day, before and after using the toilet and before meals and bedtime. Washing their face in the morning and at night will help them feel fresher. In warmer weather, and when kids have been playing outdoors, or have worked up a sweat, a bath before bed is definitely a good idea.

Bathtime fun

Some kids need a little prodding to entice them into the tub. For them especially, here are some ideas to enhance their enjoyment of bath time:

? Get some silly soaps. Soaps shaped like ducks or hearts can encourage scrubbing.

? Paint the town. Or at least the inside of the tub. Nontoxic water paints and specially designed bath paints can bring out the artist in your little bather. Clean up is easy.

? Invest in bath toys. Toys specially designed for the bath-floating islands with pirates or mermaids, water wheels, and other toys that won't be damaged by submersion-are good bets.

? Make washcloth puppets. Or purchase commercially made ones.

? Offer a messy treat. Popsicles that you might not allow to be eaten in the living room can be a real treat in the bath, especially on a hot summer night.

Bathing products for toddlers and preschoolers

Baby soaps or non-soap cleansers like Cetaphil lotion are ideal for a young child's sensitive skin. Steer clear of harsh deodorant soaps and those with lots of fragrance, which could irritate your child's skin. In fact, no matter what kind of soap your child is using, it's only necessary to soap hands, feet, and the genital area. Soaping the whole body, especially the face, will dry your child's skin.

Keeping bath toys clean

Soap scum build-up and humidity can cause bath toys to become havens for germs and mildew. After each use, rinse bath toys under the shower spray and store them in an airy container, such as a colander or hanging basket. Every few weeks, wash the toys with an antibacterial detergent or vinegar and water and rinse them thoroughly.

Generally, a parent should encourage a child to take frequent baths. In a number of occasions, some children typically end up not liking their bath times. When it is time to go take a bath, they will start crying, screaming, giving excuses etc. Once you notice this type of behavior in your child, try to find out why they do not like to take a bath. Some children do not like being in the bathroom by themselves. Once you figure out the problem, try to find out a solution that will help your child like their bath time. To some children, it could be that they need their parents to be close by as they take their baths, to others it may be adding some bath toys. This will enable you child to like his bath time and prevent him from having a temper tantrum when he is going to take a bath.