Bath Time for Baby!

Bathing time can be a great way to bond with your baby. Apart from ensuring she is clean and comfortable, bathtime can be a fun-filled activity for both of you!

Float Like Boats

Prepare a few bath toys, plastic cooking utensils, balls and things that would sink or float. During bath time, let your toddler drop them in the water and ask her: “Will this float or sink in the water?” This is a fun activity to help your child learn the difference between heavy and light objects and how they are in water.

Splashing Good Time

Use a few waterproof items around the house and show your little one how to make splashing effects with them. For instance, let her tap a large plastic plate or ladle around the tub to make waves and splashes. Your toddler would love doing this, so get ready to be wet!

Fish and Dish

Float a few plastic toys in the water, then give your child a plastic sieve and challenge her to fish out the toys and drop them into a plastic bowl. Do the same with items that sink to the bottom; for instance you can use an orange or lemon and have her fish it out from the bottom.

Sing a Song

Kids love to sing and to be sung to. Bath time songs like “Rubber Ducky” and “Splish Splash I Was Taking A Bath” are great bath time songs. You can also sing songs that go with each bathing ritual. For instance, “Heads and Shoulders, Knees and Toes” can be sung when you apply soap on different parts of your baby’s body.

Animal Sponges

Cut animal shapes from new sponges; frogs, alligators, sharks, and fish are all popular bath choices. But really, the choices are endless; they don’t need to be animals – they can be shapes of fruits, flowers, cars – get creative! Use these sponges each time you bathe your little one and show her how to squeeze water out from them.

Hair Flair

Most toddlers do not like it when parents wash their hair. But you can turn it into a fun game. Use shampoo that’s safe for babies and after lathering their hair, sculpt your toddler’s hair into different shapes – Mohican style, a unicorn horn or even antlers – go crazy! Give them a plastic mirror and watch as they squeal with delight at the sight of their funny hairdos.

SMART TIP!

If your baby screams every time you try to put her into the water, take her into the bathtub with you. Get the water ready and undress yourself and your baby. Hold her close to you as you get into the water and then sit back and enjoy the warm skin-to-skin contact.

REMINDER…

Always take safety precautions when bathing your baby:

• Ensure water temperature is not too hot nor too cold. The ideal temperature should be between 35-37°C.
• Never leave your baby unattended in the bath even for a second.
• Don’t put your little one in the bath while water is still running.
• Use a good quality bath mat to help prevent slips and falls.