One day, your child will be old enough to handle bathtime on their own. But today is not that day. Until they are mature enough, you need to help your child bathe and make sure they do it often enough to keep clean. A lot of parents find bathtime stressful, especially when their children are old enough to fight against it. However, it doesn’t need to cause stress, and can actually be a great way to wind down at the end of the day. If you want to make bathtime fun and relaxing, there are some things you can do to turn it into a bonding experience that you look forward to, instead of something you dread.
Take a look at these top tips for peaceful bathtime that both you and your child enjoy.
Create a Schedule
A schedule can make many things in your life so much easier. When your child has a regular routine, it provides them with comfort and reassurance. They know what to expect and when. It also makes things easier for you, helping you to manage your time better. Having bathtime on a schedule can make the experience much smoother. Your child probably doesn’t need a bath every day. Experts typically recommend two to three times per week at most, before puberty begins. Create a routine around bathtime so that you both know what to expect before, during, and after.
Use the Right Products
Your choice of products can make a difference to how smoothly bathtime can go. Children can be sensitive to the products that are used, and there are lots of things they can potentially dislike about certain products. By choosing brands like Gro-to that are formulated for children, you can be sure you’re using products that are suitable for sensitive skin. Gentle products can prevent tears and omit overwhelming scents or other sensory stimulation that your child might dislike. Carefully choosing the best products also allows you to be more conscious about which brands you give your money to.
Get Ready Before Bathtime
Being prepared will usually pay off, no matter what you’re doing. It’s definitely true for bathtime, which can be a lot easier to manage if you get everything ready in advance. There are several things you can organize, including setting out towels, something for your child to change into, any products you want to use, toys, or any other useful items. When you have everything that you need within reach, you won’t have to worry about finding or reaching for it when you’re trying to bathe your child. Getting all your (rubber) ducks in a row can save you time and stress.
Provide Distractions
Some children love bathtime, but there are plenty who aren’t so keen. If your child is fussier during their bath, you might want to think about how to distract them. Providing things to do that are both fun and soothing will help to make bathtime more relaxing. There are various bath toys or activities that could be fun for both of you. As well as toys, you can use the time to engage your child and enjoy some bonding time. Encourage them to use their senses for a full sensory experience that can provide a mindful way to wind down.
Make Bathtime Safe
Safety is key during bathtime, from babies that need to be held to older children who may just need to be supervised. To make bathtime safe, you might want to start with a few essential items. A non-slip bath mat will prevent slipping and sliding around. Some parents use bath chairs for little ones to make it easier to keep them sitting up during the bath. Checking the water temperature is essential too, as you don’t want it to be too hot or too cold. You can use a bath thermometer to make it easier to get the temperature right.
Encourage Independence
As your baby grows into a toddler, they will start wanting to do more things on their own. You can start to allow them to have some independence and do some things themselves, such as combing their hair. Of course, you will still be there to supervise and make sure they do a good job. Allowing them to be more independent can help with the development of different skills, from motor skills to confidence.
Bathtime doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right preparation and a few things to keep everyone calm, it can be a fun and enjoyable experience.
