For some families bath time is a joy, but for others it can be a real challenge. Here are expert and mom tips for making bath time more fun for your reluctant toddler.
Associate bath time with play
"Let them begin to associate the bath as another opportunity to play and explore. This is best achieved by allowing them to play with their favorite toys during bath time. Luckily, there are now many creative bath-safe crayons and paints and stick-on decals that often enhance the child’s bath-time experience."
— Dr. Matthew S. Cohen, pediatrician, Long Beach, New York
Let your child own the experience
"Bring favorite toys. Make it pleasurable through sensory games (e.g., 'paint' the tiles with food-colored shaving cream). Have music on. Have your child 'own' the experience by letting them do some of the cleaning."
— Erika Greenblatt-Torres,
19-year teacher veteran, social thinking clinical trainee, and mom of two
Some kids just hate baths
"I have four kids and I’ve just come to the conclusion that some kids love bath time and others don’t, no matter how many toys and stuff you throw in there with them."
— Jacalyn Wetzel, MSW, LCSW-A,
mom of four and author of Taming the Wild Child: A Practical Guide to Navigating the Early Years
Think of it as a 'contained playground'
"A 'contained playground' — that's how some have referred to the bath when it comes to toddlers and bath time. As long as they're always, always supervised, kiddos love that time when it's more about playing than actual bathing. So mix it up a little for them by having some fun water toys on hand, even bathtub paints that will make bath time their favorite time of the day."
— Johanna Torres, Mom.com editor and mom of three
Integrate their favorite things
"Integrate their favorite things. Do they love books? Get some bath-time books! Coloring? Bath crayons or paints."
— Bonnie Gonzalez, mom of two
Make it 'mommy and me' time
"Make it fun! Warm water, maybe some instrumental music and finger paints for the bathtub are amazing! Play with bubbles, transfer water from one bowl to another one. Make it a 'mommy and me' time!"
— Lina Arango, mom of one
Keep calm
"Make sure you are relaxed since your child will sense it. Make it a set-time ritual with a massage afterward."
— Shazia, mom of two
Make it quick
"Toys help a lot, but if they don't enjoy it, just do it quickly and get them out of there."
— Cathlene Yapyuco Wong, mom of two
Turn it over to your partner
"Lots of play in bath time! We love the bath crayons because it gives my toddler a chance to draw all over the tub walls and herself. Also lots of plastic cups, pitchers, etc. Bath time was also 'daddy time,' since I needed a break by the end of the day!"
— Nicole Coppola, mom of two
Embrace the mess
"Start them early and play with them. Make it a relaxing experience, and don't be afraid of the mess. Teach them to splash and pour water over their heads."
— Reba Nottingham, mom
