Popular Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa has ignited a fiery debate among parents after sharing unconventional advice about newborn care. The celebrity, who welcomed her first child at 40, recently advised mothers against bathing their babies daily, claiming it could damage their delicate skin.
Controversial Parenting Stance
In a video shared across her social media platforms, Makinwa presented her perspective on infant hygiene that challenges traditional Nigerian parenting practices. The new mother revealed that she prefers wiping her baby clean rather than giving daily baths, insisting that newborns aren't naturally dirty creatures.
According to Makinwa, "I really think bathing babies actually causes problems. Babies are not dirty. They have been inside the womb for nine months. Inside the womb is not dirty." She emphasized that a baby's skin remains extremely fragile during the early weeks of life, making daily bathing potentially harmful rather than beneficial.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerian Parents
The advice immediately triggered divided responses from parents across social media platforms. Many questioned Makinwa's experience and qualifications to give such advice, while others applauded her for challenging conventional wisdom.
One parent, @emetega, strongly disagreed: "I bath my daughter everyday, twice a day if am not too tired. Even on my tired days, I clean her up at night. She doesn't skip morning bath. My daughter throws up and going a day without bathing her is something I can't imagine myself doing."
Another commenter, @mojas_foods, pointed out practical considerations: "Abeg do what work for you... U stayed in a fully conditioned house... So don't advise a woman that don't have fan not to bath her child twice, with this kind heat."
However, some parents supported Makinwa's approach. @ebereayoka suggested a middle ground: "You can bathe them if you feel like it, but don't use soap just water till they're like 6 weeks old."
Broader Context and Previous Controversy
This isn't the first time Makinwa has found herself at the center of public discussion regarding her parenting choices. Legit.ng previously reported that clergy members had commented on her pregnancy, challenging her decision to have a child outside marriage and warning about potential consequences.
The current bathing debate highlights the ongoing tension between traditional Nigerian parenting methods and modern approaches advocated by some celebrities. Many Nigerian parents maintain strict bathing routines for their infants, often twice daily, considering it essential for hygiene and comfort in the country's tropical climate.
As the discussion continues to unfold online, it's clear that parenting practices remain a deeply personal choice for Nigerian families, with cultural traditions, practical circumstances, and individual beliefs all playing significant roles in decision-making.
