Simple Ideas to Make Bath Time a Blast!
Bath time can become a great way to bond with your child, and create precious memories you will look back on when they are older. A time of great fun with your little one, it can be simple, . (It takes less than 1 inch of water to drown, so never leave your baby or even a toddler alone in the bath for even a moment.) Break up the mundane routine, and bring some new joy to bath time try these games and activities and see which ones the two of you enjoy the most.
Sing While You Soap Up
The simple act of bathing is a big sensory experience for your little one. Add a song and some silly (or soothing) sounds. Don’t be shy — unleash your inner songstress and sing a mashup of made-for-the-tub tunes (like “Splish Splash” and “Rubber Ducky”) or your latest fave from your playlist. Create your own fun silly songs by changing the words to a favorite song or a true original masterpiece exclusively for you and your child! They will love it (even if you’re totally off-key), and you’ll expand her music and language skills. You can clap (and show her how to put her hands together) or tap her knee to teach her about rhythm.
Tickle Her Senses
Bath time is a great opportunity to encourage your little one to explore their senses. Your baby will get a kick out of touching different textures — a bath sponge, a wet washcloth, a dry towel, to name a few. Have different toys that make different sounds and have fun making sounds together as you bathe You can also give her an unbreakable mirror to gaze into — there are baby-friendly plastic ones especially made for bath time fun. Don’t forget to tickle and laugh while washing the belly, under the chin, or arms.
Jump In
Is your baby wary of the water or are you running low on time? Slide into the tub or shower with them. Babies relish skin-to-skin contact with their parents — it encourages bonding, and it’s just plain cuddly. Plus, being close to your baby will help her feel secure as she adjusts to the sensation of the water, and it will make it easier for you to clean otherwise hard-to-reach crevices. Just be sure to take extra care when getting out of the tub or shower so you don’t slip. This can also be a great way to include another parent giving them some special bonding time and give the primary caregiver a quick break.
Break Out the Toys
There are so many bath time toys that it’ll be easy to find ones your baby will like. The best ones add to bath time fun by building a baby’s skills. Rubber ducks and other water-loving creatures encourage imaginary play; plastic cups and sieves teach your child about filling and pouring; and letters and numbers that stick to tub tiles introduce her to ABCs and 123s. Boost the learning (without going overboard) with some play-by-play commentary (“That yellow ducky is having a great time swimming!”). Lulu and Buddy has the perfect Bath Toy Scoop to make storing all those toys a piece of cake, and it is fun!
http://luluandbuddy.com/store/
Bust Out the Bubbles
Is there a better place to pop bubbles than the bath? Your baby will love to watch the bubbles float in the air — and then feel them pop on her fingers or nose. Use a few different sized wands to expose your baby to the concepts of big and small (and high and low). Or try a battery-powered bubble blower — it’ll shower your baby with thousands of bubbles at once and really wow her. Once your baby is a toddler, you can teach her how to blow the bubbles on her own. Do be very careful of an actual bubble bath however, as most are full of toxic ingredients you do not want (check your labels or purchase from a company that you know is 100% natural ingredients.) For more info see links below. Bubble baths can also cause skin irritation or Urinary Tract Infections.
Spin a Tale
Toddlers and preschoolers love stories. To encourage their imagination, tell stories together while taking the bath. Young children love pretending, so indulge their creative side. Tell your tot that the tub is a pirate (or princess) ship sailing across the ocean. Toss a preschool-size plastic tea set, and have a tea party. Break out the washcloth puppets and get inventive with the dialogue — and don’t forget to ask your child to join in and tell you what happens next. Or tell a favorite bible story, the possibilities are only limited by your imaginations. Have fun and create memories!
Heads Up
Make sure your child enjoys bath time and does not become fearful by making sure you always communicate with them before doing the following:
Pouring water over their heads
Washing tender parts of their bodies
Picking them up
When you are going to pour water have them close their eyes and tilt their head back to minimize things going into the eye. This to can be part of your story telling by pretending you are under a waterfall.
Bath Time Doesn’t Have to be a Chore
The most important thing other than getting clean is to treasure this time with your little one, because all to soon they will outgrow this special time. Make memories, and have fun!
https://www.thrillist.com/health/nation/10-toxic-ingredients-in-personal-care-and-bathroom-products