In Jain Dharma, once a child takes dīkshā and becomes a sadhu / sadhvi, he or she follows the same rules as other monks and nuns. Age does not give a “lighter” rule for bathing.

Very simply:

1. Do Jain sadhus (including children) bathe every day?

• In many traditions, Jain sadhus do not take regular baths like householders.
• This is true for child sadhus also – they follow their guru’s maryādā (discipline).

Why?

• To reduce hiṁsā (killing tiny water‑living beings).
• To avoid comfort and luxury and stay focused on spiritual practice (vairāgya, tapas).
• To keep life very simple, with minimum concern for the body.

You can read a short, clear explanation here

2. Then how do they keep clean?

Child sadhus usually do, under guidance of their guru:

• Minimal washing with a little water when really needed (hands, feet, face, after toilet, etc.).
• Careful use of water – small quantity, slow, with attention to not harm insects.
• Clean clothes according to their order’s rules (for Śvetāmbars, very simple white cloth; Digambar munis have even stricter renunciation).
• Inner cleanliness – pratikraman, samayik, japa, which is considered more important than outer comfort.

3. Are there exceptions?

Yes, in special situations (for example, serious dirt, health reasons, illness, or guru’s instruction), a sadhu/sadhvi – even a child – may be allowed a bath:

• Done very rarely, with great care.
• Not for enjoyment, but only for necessity and health.

4. Differences in traditions

• Digambar sadhus (including young munis)

- Generally do not bathe as a rule. - Only in rare emergency cases may some form of washing happen, under Acharya’s instructions.

• Śvetāmbara sadhus/sādhvīs (including child sādhvīs / bal-sādhus)

- Also avoid normal “daily baths.” - May have very limited, simple snān according to their sangh’s rules, not like a householder’s comfortable bath.

Exact practice can vary by panth, gachchh, and guru‑maryādā, but the main point is:

> A child sadhu bathes (or more correctly, keeps clean) in the same restrained, ascetic way as adult sadhus, with maximum ahimsa and minimum bodily comfort, as per the guru’s rules.