Chrissy Teigen’s co-bathing photo with kids sparks debate—here’s why it’s more common than you think
Chrissy Teigen is no stranger to internet controversy, but this time, it’s bath time that has social media in a frenzy. Over the weekend, the 39-year-old model and cookbook author shared an Instagram post of herself in a bathtub with three of her children—Miles, 6, Esti, 2, and Wren, 20 months—captioned with a playful “BAHHHHHHHHHHH.”
While some fans gushed over the sweet family moment, others took issue with the post, calling it “weird” and “inappropriate.” The debate escalated quickly, with critics arguing that a six-year-old was too old for co-bathing, while supporters pointed out that many parents bathe with their young children for both practical reasons and bonding.
As with many viral moments, Teigen’s post raises a broader conversation about the privacy of family life in the digital age. While some may see this as an innocent sharing of a tender moment, others question whether posting intimate family moments, especially involving children, crosses a line. The internet’s open access can make parents more vulnerable to scrutiny, especially when it comes to moments that might once have remained private.
Teigen didn’t hesitate to clap back at one particularly snarky comment about the bathwater being “dirty,” explaining that it was a “coconut milk bath for sensitive skin” before signing off with a blunt, “go off!” But as the mom-shaming storm continues, it raises a bigger question: Why do some people find co-bathing controversial when, in many cultures, it’s completely normal?
Co-bathing around the world
While the idea of sharing a bath with young children sparks debate in some Western circles, communal bathing is a long-standing tradition in many cultures.
In South Korea, jjimjilbangs (public bathhouses) are a popular family activity where parents and children bathe together in mineral-rich hot tubs and saunas. Japanese onsen culture similarly embraces family bathing, with natural hot springs offering designated family baths for parents and kids to soak together. Even in Scandinavian countries, saunas are a family affair, with parents and children enjoying the heat together before cooling off in icy water.
Yet in the U.S. and other Western countries, attitudes toward bathing tend to be more private, with some parents preferring to separate their routines from their children’s as they grow older. The controversy around Teigen’s post highlights how personal—and cultural—these parenting choices can be.
Related: Chrissy Teigen shares son Miles’ diabetes diagnosis after fans spot his glucose monitor
Why some parents co-bathe
For many parents, co-bathing is about more than just convenience. For new moms managing multiple kids, sometimes it’s also just the easiest way to get everyone clean at once.
But at what age should kids start bathing separately? As for when kids should start bathing separately, parents often make decisions based on personal values and cultural norms. While American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn’t provide specific guidelines on co-bathing, it emphasizes that parenting decisions should child’s comfort level and developmental stage. Some families stop co-bathing when children express a preference for privacy, while others continue longer if it feels natural for their household.
The internet’s mom-shaming problem
If there’s one thing the internet loves, it’s a mom-shaming pile-on. From Kaley Cuoco being mom-shamed on a plane to Megan Fox facing criticism for allowing her son Noah to pick his own clothes, including dresses, celebrity moms face intense scrutiny for even the most mundane parenting choices.
Teigen has long been a lightning rod for online criticism, often pushing back against the trolls with her signature humor. And while every parent has their own boundaries around bathing, her post—and the backlash—highlight a bigger issue: the constant policing of motherhood in the digital age.
At the end of the day, what works for one family may not work for another. Some parents prefer co-bathing for practicality and closeness; others don’t. And that’s okay. Instead of turning every parenting decision into a debate, maybe it’s time to let moms—celebrity or not—make the choices that work best for their families.
Ultimately, co-bathing is a personal choice that varies from family to family. For parents unsure about when to transition to separate baths, consulting a pediatrician can offer helpful guidance based on your child’s developmental stage and comfort.
