For some families, bath time is a fun and enjoyable time of the morning or evening. For others, that time comes with a fight and a headache. With some changes to your routine, however, you can make bath time a fun and stress-free experience for both you and your children.
Set the Ground Rules
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When children are younger, you might find conveying rules for the tub difficult, but it’s up to you to make sure they stay safe. Place a bath mat in the tub to keep babies from slipping or sliding underneath the water. When babies and toddlers are older, be sure that rules for the bathtub are in place and well-known.
Prevent toddlers from standing while bathing in the tub or trying to push a sibling sister over. To keep your sanity and safety, remind your children that water must stay in the tub. State these rules the first few times your children take baths and always enforce them. Although rules aren’t always fun, they can help to prevent a stressful bath time.
Put Safety First
While your kids need to follow the ground rules to make sure everyone stays safe, keep safety a top priority during bath time by doing your part as well.
Check that the temperature of the bath water is never too hot for your children. Consider installing anti-scalding plumbing fixtures to prevent an accident. Never leave a child unattended in the bathtub. You may also want to consider getting a splash guard to shield your child’s eyes when washing hair.
Make the Experience Fun
Some children naturally love the water, while others are terrified of water. Don’t try to turn bath time into a necessary evil, especially if your child gets scared around water.
Try to turn bath time into a treat instead. Spend some money on water toys and let your child pick them out as a reward. Let your child play in the water for a few minutes instead of rushing through the experience. Although parents don’t have time for an extensive play session for every bath, use the first few opportunities to make the time fun for your child instead of a hassle.
Avoid Harsh Soaps and Detergents
Many kids have skin concerns such as eczema and psoriasis, and those children who don’t may have sensitive skin. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents that may irritate your children’s skin. You can apply lotion if the child’s skin tends to get dry after the bath. You may want to consider forgoing the soap altogether if you bathe your child every night. Warm water and a washcloth tend to work fine for many nights.
Bath time shouldn’t be something you dread. This time is a small part of your day where you get to spend time with your child or children and turn something necessary into something enjoyable. By making a few small changes to your routine, bath time can be a fun and stress-free time for everyone in your family.
