Bath time is a fundamental part of every little person’s evening routine. However we know it varies from tot to tot. If you’ve got a natural water babe they might happily take their time playing and splashing. But for lots of babies, experiencing bath time for the first time can be less enjoyable, calling for an in-out military style operation.
Help keep watery battlegrounds at bay and increase the enjoyment with our best-kept secrets for blissful bathtimes.
1. Change it up
Who said bathtime had to be in the bathroom? No, we haven’t gone mad, you just need a baby bath! Chilly bathroom? Switch to somewhere warmer. C-section means you can’t bend down? Put the baby bath on the kitchen table. (Just make sure you’ve got someone to help with the lifting.) Tight on space? Invest in a baby bath that folds out of the way, or that can be hung up in the bathroom.
2. Set the scene
We’re not talking scented candles and petals: thids ain't a cheesy romcom! However, softer lighting may help your baby feel more relaxed. And make sure you’ve got everything you need in the bathroom beforehand, to stop them from getting cold.
And, if they’ll let you, give them a little massage with a soothing lotion. It’s a perfect way to relax them before bedtime. Once you’ve got that nailed, your wine-down time isn’t far away #justsaying
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Make sure you’ve got everything you need in the bathroom beforehand.
3. The big bath adventure
Your little bather can test out the big bath from the minute they come home. Some parents may just decide to hold their little one in shallow water (brave!). But if you’re concerned about your little splasher getting a bit too wriggly, there are some great supports that can be used from birth and beyond.
4. Avoid hair washing hell
We’re not sure when this actually starts but, trust us, at one point your little one will decide that they hate having their hair washed. We know how tempting it is to leave it dirty. (Or is that just us!?)
However, making it a game could be the answer. Invest in a toy - a cup or boat - that doubles up as a rinsing aid. They won’t even realise their hair is being washed because they’ll be having lots of fun. Sneaky? No. Necessary. Totally.
5. Save yourself
Of course we love bathtime, it’s a great way to spend time with them. However, we also know that kneeling by the bath holding several wriggly kilos can be painful: that’s where kneeling mats come in handy. Or even a couple of thick towels folded to cushion your joints. (As for the splashing when you’ve just straightened your hair - may we suggest a rain coat?)
We hope that helps. And remember, if you need any more guidance, our Live Chat Team is here to help, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Just hit that purple button, bottom right.