Bath time doesn’t just get your baby squeaky clean, it’s also hugely beneficial for bonding and development – and it can end up being a really special part of your day.
So let us tell you why we love bath time - and it’s not just because it comes right before bed time!!
It creates a routine
There’s no reason why a bath time routine can’t be established from quite early on in your baby’s life. Our babies spent nine months growing and developing in water and having a bath can have a very calming effect on them. (Remember, always – always – check the water temperature before you put your child into the bath and never leave your baby alone).
Routines help make children feel secure – knowing what to expect from their day can help them regulate their emotions and behaviour. One of the key benefits of having consistent bath and bedtime rituals is that they help your child learn that it’s time to wind down at the end of the day and prepare them for sleep. And we’ll all give most things a try if it leads to more sleep, won’t we?!
Obviously if a poo explosion or mega vomit means an emergency daytime dunk is needed it’s fine for the routine to go out the window. And if you’re wiped out then leave it until tomorrow!
Bath time is fun
It’s not hard to make bath time fun — singing and splashing will have babies giggling in no time, especially if you’re in there with them.
The bath is a great place to make up fun stories, sing silly songs, use shampoo to make crazy hairstyles or create bubble beards. Squeezing sponges or rubber toys is also great for developing a baby’s fine motor skills.
Your child’s love of water will grow with them
Of course, a bath isn’t (usually) deep enough for a child to learn to swim. But it’s a great place to help your baby get used to the sensation of being in and under water. When the time comes for them to learn this important life skill, they’ll be better prepared for it.
Try gently pouring water over your child’s head and face. Teach them to blow bubbles in the water and lie back with their ears submerged. Let them kick and splash to get a sense of what moving through water feels like.
Feeling comfortable in the bath is the first step to making your child feel safe and comfortable in all bodies of water. Now, who’s for a soak?
