Tips for a splishing, splashing bath time for little ones

For many toddlers, having a bath and splashing around in the tub is a fun and relaxing part of their day. For other toddlers, bath time is not as appealing.

This is completely normal behaviour, but it can mean the whole affair is exhausting for some parents.

Use these tips and tricks, along with some great child-friendly products, to put the fun back into bath time for everyone.

Why don't some kids like baths?

It can be hard to understand what’s not to love about warm water, bubbles, and bath toys, not to mention having a parent’s undivided attention. Yet some young children have an aversion to bathing and bath time.

A few common reasons kids dislike taking baths include:

1. Being scared of water
2. Having had a bad experience with a previous bath (the water was too hot, or a slippage scare)
3. Not liking the sensory experience
4. Simply preferring that bath time not interrupt precious play time

If you’re encountering strong opposition at bath time, try and stay calm, be patient and know it's a phase that will pass.

Try letting your child pick their own bath washes, toys and other products in a bid to encourage them into the water with things they selected themselves.

The latest range from trusted French brand Corine de Farme reinvents bath time with its new formula.

All products are soap and sulfate free for the highest respect for baby's sensitive skin and the Ultra-Rich Hair & Body Wash is perfect everyday to gently cleanse your baby's skin and hair.

Enriched with Calendula extract known for its soothing and softening properties and with moiturising agents, it leaves the skin soothed, moisturised and lightly scented.

How to make bath time more fun

Introduce toys: When choosing bath toys, look for nontoxic, water-friendly varieties that are made with plastic and without holes.

Use bath books or plastic learning toys like letters or numbers to make bath time both fun and educational.

Let them take the lead: Giving your child some control over bath time may make it more enjoyable. Let your little one choose which bubbles to use, or squeeze the shampoo bottle, or use the washcloth without your help.

It will also boost their confidence and encourages their emerging self care skills and independence.

Include pretend play: Essential for your little one’s overall development, encourage pretend play in the tub.

Some ideas for pretend play in the bath include:

1. Using kitchen utensils and pretend to make dinner
2. Bathing a doll and pretend to be a parent or guardian
3. Acting out stories you and your child read the night before
4. Make up a story with the bath toys
5. Pretend the tub is the ocean and make scientific discoveries

Use bath paints: Harness the power of bath paints. Let your little one paint on their body or the tub, then wash everything off during the bath.

Make them yourself using water, food colouring, cornstarch, and soap.

Tackle concerns or needs early: Ask them what they don’t like or what could make it better.

Once you know what’s going on, you can start to address your toddler’s needs by adjusting the bath routine. If your little one hates being cold, check the water temperature often or use a towel heater to make sure it’s nice and cozy when out of the tub. If your child hates getting their hair washed, let them help you scrub or distract them with some toys.

Keep bath time part of the routine: Kids thrive with structure and order, so if you make bath time part of their daily or nightly bedtime on certain days, it may help your child embrace it.