The question of how often to bathe a newborn has ignited a major conversation among Nigerian parents, following a surprising revelation from media personality Toke Makinwa. The controversy highlights the clash between traditional practices, celebrity influence, and evidence-based paediatric guidance.
The Social Media Storm: Toke Makinwa's Routine
In early December 2025, Toke Makinwa shared a personal parenting detail that quickly went viral. She stated that she does not bathe her daughter, Yaya, every single day. Her reasoning was that babies are not inherently dirty. Instead of a full bath, she opts for gentle wiping on some days.
This perspective challenged a deeply held belief for many Nigerian families, where daily bathing is often seen as non-negotiable for hygiene and health. The backlash on social media was swift and critical. Many users questioned her authority on the matter, with one commenter, @Aybro, famously noting that a new mother was advising those with years of experience.
Expert Insight: A Paediatrician Cuts Through the Noise
Given the valid concerns and confusion, medical expertise was sought to provide clarity. Dr. Obaya Fisayo D, a resident paediatrician at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, offered evidence-based guidance to settle the debate.
Dr. Obaya confirmed that Toke Makinwa's controversial routine could indeed be safer under specific conditions, but with crucial caveats for the Nigerian context. He explained that there is no universal answer, as the frequency depends heavily on climate and environment.
In temperate regions with cool weather and clean air, daily bathing is unnecessary and can be harmful. Newborn skin is thinner, more sensitive, and loses moisture faster than adult skin. Daily soap and water can strip its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and a damaged skin barrier.
The Nigerian Reality: Why Climate Changes Everything
However, Dr. Obaya pointed out a critical factor for Nigerian parents: Nigeria's tropical climate. In this environment, heat, humidity, and higher germ prevalence make hygiene a significant challenge. Therefore, for the average Nigerian baby, daily bathing with a mild soap is generally recommended. This practice helps manage sweat, clean away germs, and can slow the spread of infectious diseases common in the region.
He clarified that parents like Toke Makinwa, whose children may be in cooler, cleaner, air-conditioned environments, might not face the same daily challenges. "Under normal circumstances, cool weather conditions, and hygienic environments, he advises that parents bathe newborns only two to three times per week," the report noted.
The paediatrician stressed that for newborns, true cleanliness is achieved through focused care: gentle cleaning of skin folds and proper moisturising, not daily scrubbing.
Practical Newborn Skin Care Guide for Nigerian Parents
So, how should parents navigate hot weather and the instinct to soothe a fussy baby with a cool bath without overbathing? Dr. Obaya provided essential, practical tips for a safe routine.
1. Daily Top-and-Tail Wiping: Instead of a full bath every day, perform a quick clean of key areas. Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water to gently wipe the face, neck folds, armpits, behind the ears, and the diaper area. Always pat the skin dry thoroughly, especially in folds, to prevent fungal infections.
2. Bath Time (2-3 Times Weekly) with Gentle Cleansers: When it's time for a proper bath, product choice is crucial. Avoid adult soaps. Opt for fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic, and pH-balanced baby cleansers that are free from harsh sulphates, parabens, and alcohol.
3. Moisturise Immediately After Bathing: To lock in hydration, apply a baby-safe moisturiser within three minutes of patting the skin dry. Look for thick, cream-based formulas containing ingredients like Ceramides, Glycerin, or Petrolatum.
The expert addressed a common local practice: using shea butter. While unrefined shea butter can be applied lightly, he warned that raw products may contain impurities, and refined versions may have harmful additives. His clear advice was, "when in doubt, DON'T APPLY ANYTHING, because the baby's skin will do fine without any of the lotions." A safe, neutral alternative is Vaseline Blue Seal Petroleum Jelly.
Other Essential Habits Include:
- Dressing babies in soft, breathable cotton.
- Using mild detergents and rinsing clothes thoroughly.
- Avoiding harsh perfumes, rough fabrics, and excessive powdering.
- Keeping the baby's room well-ventilated.
- Ensuring adequate breastfeeding for internal hydration.
Dr. Obaya also issued a strong warning against one particularly harmful practice: "applying herbal mixtures on a baby's skin."
The Final Verdict: Expertise Over Influence
The debate ultimately underscores the powerful influence of public figures and the importance of seeking professional medical advice. While Toke Makinwa's experience sparked a necessary conversation, she lacks the medical credentials to offer definitive guidance.
"In matters regarding your baby's health, always consult a paediatrician," the report concludes. For Nigerian parents, the key takeaway is to balance the need for hygiene in a tropical climate with the understanding that a newborn's delicate skin requires gentle, informed care, not necessarily daily rigorous bathing.
