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Binky revealed why letting her children India, Wolfie and Wilder play outside is a must
- Published: 11:30, 29 Oct 2024
A POLL of 1,000 people with kids aged 2-12, found 55 per cent fret about mud getting everywhere from the inside of the car, on floors or on their own clothes.
With 63 per cent admitting to, on occasion, making their kids strip off their muddy clothes at the house door, to avoid getting mud inside, while the clothes go straight into the wash.
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Other concerns about kids getting dirty include the laundry involved (50 per cent), having to clean up floors after traipsing in filth (46 per cent) and youngsters getting sick from their messy play (36 per cent).
But three-quarters accept it's important for youngsters to engage in messy activities - such as painting, crafts, and outdoor play - despite the untidiness.
While 92 per cent claim outdoor activities like running or rolling in the mud, improve their child's wellbeing.
And one in three encourage their kids to have fun in the mud - to help build a barrier against germs.
The research comes as Binky Felstead was spotted sliding down a bespoke mudslide measuring 2.5m high and 8.5m long at Mudchute Farm in London, to encourage families to embrace the mud this autumn.
Bosch commissioned the research as well as the quirky 'mudchute' to celebrate its Unlimited 7 Aqua - a 2in1 cordless vacuum and mop.
Binky said: "I'm determined to bring my kids up in a household that doesn't fear mud.
"I'm a country girl and I grew up playing outside, there's so much joy in playtime, and we shouldn't see mud as the enemy - letting my children have fun outdoors is a must.
"You only have to see their faces to know it's having a positive effect on India, Wolfie and Wilder.
"I know the 'clean-up fear' that comes with messy play - and it's often easier to say no than to make time for it - with all the other things we have to do as busy parents."
Inside Made In Chelsea star Binky Felstead chic London home
The study found one in 10 have no concerns whatsoever about their kids getting messy.
While the main reasons parents might rein in the kids' mucky mayhem would be inclement weather (53 per cent) and if there was not quite enough time (39 per cent).
Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of those polled, via OnePoll.com, think children who regularly engage in messy activities are more likely to develop independence.
And almost three-quarters (73 per cent) think messy play is a crucial part of a child's development.
As 78 per cent said getting dirty is part of the fun of childhood.
What do the experts say on bathing kids?
ACCORDING to experts, you might not need to wash your child every day.
The NHS recommends that you do not need to give a newborn and older babies a bath everyday - but if they really enjoy it, there's no reason why you shouldn't.
They suggest you may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom instead. This is often called "topping and tailing".
The NHS advises parents to choose a time when their baby is awake and content and to make sure the room is warm.
Then use a bowl of warm water, a towel, cotton wool, a fresh nappy and finish off with clean clothes.
If you’re still unsure, don’t worry, as we’ve spoken to the experts to get all the info on bathing your kids - including top tips and whether there’s such things as too many baths!
Joyce French, cleaning expert at HomeHow, revealed the average recommended time for bathing kids is around two to three times a week for young children aged 0 to 5.
She said: “Kids starting school may require a daily scrub; however, a thorough wash three times a week is still sufficient enough.”
Elsewhere parenting expert and qualified Early Years Practitioner Kirsty Ketley shared her advice on bathtime.
The mum-of-two, who shares her tips on her website, said: “Under 5's don't need to be bathed everyday, unless they are really mucky, and it's not necessary to use lots of products on them.
“Often kids with severe eczema, for instance, can be advised to bath in only water, two to three times a week.”
If you choose to bathe your child every day, and there are no medical reasons why you shouldn’t, a bath before bedtime is a great way to relax a child.
Plus it’s a great start to a bedtime ritual or routine.
But cleaning Expert Joyce said parents should be wary about giving their children too many baths.
She said: “Bathing or showering too often can actually disturb the skin’s natural protection barrier.
“This can lead to dry, irritated or infected skin, especially if you use harsh soaps or boiling hot water.”
While a disapproving 27 per cent have actually whipped their little darlings away from playing outside the second they got muddy.
And nearly a third (32 per cent) of parents admit they don't allow their little ones as many opportunities to play in the mud as they should - because of the mess involved.
A spokesperson for Bosch said: "Getting a bit dirty, within reason, is part of growing up.
"It's understandable that some parents want to keep kids tidy, but the truth is a mess can be cleaned up in no time, whilst the memories last a lifetime.
"It's tempting to say 'no' to mud but we're pleased to be able to bring a solution to parents across the UK that means saying 'yes' without the hassle of cleaning up."
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