Whats a Good Age to Stop Bathing Kids Together???

Updated on June 02, 2011
H.X. asks from Los Angeles, CA
20 answers

Hi moms...
i have a 5 year old boy, and a 2 year old daughter... they bathe together, very comfortable and convenient (for me), i've never had an issue with 'p****** p****' or anything like that... there's no staring, tugging or pulling, if you know what i mean... but i do wonder if 5 is getting too old to bathe with his younger sister... thoughts???

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Chicago on

I think you are still ok. My DD is 5 and sons are 3 and 16 months. All bathe together. When they really start noticing eachother's parts or say something then we'll stop. I also keep watching signs for discomfort about it but don't see any since they even walk in on eachother going potty....ugh....give everyone space LOL!

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

When they don't fit in the tub :-)

Your oldest will tell you, or show you, when he is uncomfortable with it. Or, when you trust your son to bathe himself. Otherwise, no big deal.

I had three siblings, all of us born within 4 1/2 years. We lived on a farm with a well (not a huge supply of hot water). All four of us bathed together, until we couldn't fit in there. Then we split into two groups - girls & boys.

5 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Eugene on

For my brother and I it was when he pooped in the tub and I was old enough to be completely disgusted. But, I think I was closer to 7 years old.

2 moms found this helpful

A.W.

answers from Kalamazoo on

I think it's probably about time to separate. The 5 yr old will be going to K soon and he's probably ready for alone baths. At 5 you don't have to be in the room the whole time with him, just nearby and check in. He's going to start needing some privacy. Just my opinion!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Well, I think that when O. of them (probably your son, as he is older) starts to feel "odd" about it. Or when you start to feel that it's "odd" it's time to start separate baths.

2 moms found this helpful

V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

They usually will let you know one way or the other when it is time to stop. Either one will SAY something, or they will just be too big to fit well, or they will argue the entire time. Any one of those three and "it's time".

Mine had their last shared bath when he was about 7 and she was 4. They usually bathed separately starting around 6 and 3, but occasionally I would let them go together..but I know their last bath together was when we were renting a townhouse during the construction of the home we are in now, and he was 7 and she was 4. They just were making too big of a mess in the bathroom--water was everywhere!
Not long after we made the full stop on that, I think HE started asking for more privacy in general (stopped running and using the toilet without closing the door.. lol).

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Denver on

My daughter is 4.5 and son is 3. They still sometimes bathe together. Now my daughter likes showers so it's easier - one in each : ). However, I would seperate them if they started to feel uncomfortable or want privacy. Right now they know how a boy looks is different from a girl and I see no shame in that. Take it as it comes and when you are uncomfortable with how they behave or your son begins to want privacy... then make the change!

1 mom found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Generally by the time they are potty trained or before they start kindergarten is about the right time to split them up. Maybe Dad can take over bath time with your older boy.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

I think about this too. My kids are 2 years apart and aren't ready to split up for the bath yet, but it does cross my mind! I think that your son will probably clue you in as to when he begins to get uncomfortable, but in my experience is at about 5-6 when they start getting modest and wishing to change, use the bathroom, bathe in private. Also, he's probably getting pretty close to being able to shower mostly unsupervised, although you'll probably need to help a little, especially at first.

I know it's going to bum me out when I have to separate them so hopefully you can keep it up this summer but the time might be near!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.F.

answers from San Francisco on

My son is five 1/2 and my daughter is 1 and as soon as he gets in the tub he asks if sissy is getting in too. They play well in the tub together and I am in no hurry to stop it. It isn't an issue yet, but since he starts school in the fall that may be when the sharing of the tub stops also or if he becomes uncomfortable with it before then.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

My daughter was about 7 when she decided she no longer wanted to bathe at the same time as her younger brothers (5 and 2).

My boys are now 9 and 6 and still occasionally bathe/shower together although not all the time.

Let it be for now, they will let you know when that time is over. But since they are boy/girl, probably put a stop in a couple years if your son hasn't decided for himself.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

It's too old when one of them gets uncomfortable with it.

M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

When my daughter was 5 and my sons were 3 and 1 we would bathe them all together (in a corner garden tub) but about 5.5 I moved my daughter to taking her own bath all on her own. I'd sit on my bed and fold clothes and leave the bathroom door open, but let her do it all. (My kids are mixed and my daughter got my husband's hair, so she can only wash it sometimes and I always do that - even still and she is almost 8). I'd say maybe at the end of summer (since every kid baths more in the summer) and teach him how to do it alone. All of my kids now take showers by themselve and it's wonderful!! Even my 4 year old :).

C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I have 2 girls, so it's a bit different, but my older daughter wanted to take baths/ showers by herself around 8 years old. My younger daughter is 6 and could care less if she shares a bath or not. I would say you can probably get away with bathing them together for a while longer - until your son starts telling you he doesn't want to take a bath with his sister anymore. At the age they are now, I bet they enjoy playing in the bath together, so I would just let them until it becomes a problem.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.P.

answers from New York on

As long as they are not being constantly inapropriate or asking for private time, then let it be for now. I remember bathing with my brother (he was 5 1/2 years younger than me) up until probably 7 or 8. I remember I liked it. I would say its ok for another year or 2 unless your children object. Then I would respect their wishes.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from Chicago on

This post makes me sad because I have a son who will be 5 in Oct and a daughter who turns 2 in June...they are growing up way too fast! I am keeping track of your answers though, I guess this will be me in a few months!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

My daughter was 7 and my son was 5 when they stopped taking baths together; we basically started having them both taking showers (separately), so that was the reason they stopped taking a bath together. I think that it's totally up to you when you think is the right time for them to take separate baths. At 5 and 2, they are still very innocent and I don't see any reason to separate them yet; but again, it is up to you and what you feel comfortable doing.

C.S.

answers from Kansas City on

I think now is the time.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.B.

answers from Houston on

My husband and I were just discussing this the other day. My daughter is 5 and will be going to kinder in the fall and my son just turned 3 a week ago. I think near the end of summer, we'll separate them. Neither of them have said anything, but it's probably time pretty soon.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions