The day is winding down, bedtime is nigh, and very soon, you’ll get to snuggle up with your squeaky-clean favorite little person: Bath time really can be one of the best times of the day.
On the surface, bath time is about getting clean, but baths stimulate children's development—it's an opportunity for learning, provide an excellent chance to talk with your kids and also help them become independent.
Of course, we also know that not all kids love baths all the time, but these tips will help ensure your infant or toddler stays safe, happy, and engaged in the tub—until he’s ready to sail on his own.
☛Safety first. Always remain in the bathroom and carefully watch your child while he’s in the bath. If you need to leave the room, even for a second, your child does too!
☛The ideal bath water temperature is the same as your child’s body temperature, so keep the water under 99°F.
☛Show your child how to wash himself and only provide help when needed. This will give your child a sense of accomplishment and encourages self-care.
☛Check water toys for signs of mold. (In fact, it’s best to avoid toys that hold water inside, like those that squirt water when squeezed.) Rinse all toys and allow them to air dry before storing them.
☛Talk with your child about why it’s important to keep her body clean in child-friendly language. Discuss the importance of washing away germs that could make her sick.
☛If your child has a hard time when her hair is rinsed (as many children do), show her how to hold a dry washcloth across her forehead, or allow her to wear a plastic visor or even a fun pair of goggles. Some children might want to do all three!
☛Water can sting scrapes and cuts. If your child has a boo-boo, try letting him use a spray bottle to mist the area before he immerses it in the water.
☛Bring non-breakable containers of various sizes into the bathtub. Encourage your child to pour water from one container to another. Use words like “full,” “empty,” and phrases like “too much” and “almost full” as your child learns about volume and capacity.
☛Bath time should be a “technology-free zone.” You can’t replace a bath with a cell phone or an iPad. It’s you and your child, and it’s a perfect time to connect.
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