Bath Time Troubles?
When Jack was in the 6 month to 1 year phase, bath time was a constant struggle for us. My little mover and shaker did not want to sit still and wanted to stand up constantly (even though he was not very stable on his feet ... even out of the bath tub). My husband, Jason, and I dreaded every bath at that point and it always took both of us. But I'm happy to say that not long after his first birthday, bath time became fun for all of us! And now ... we look forward to it!
In her March 2010 Growth Spurt article "Fun in the Tub," Christi McGuire provides some great tips for making bath time safe and enjoyable. But what do you do if your baby hates bath time? Consider these possible bath-time troubles and simple solutions.
- My baby won’t sit down. Bathe your baby standing up! It’s easier to wash all the creases and crevices that way.
- My baby screams during bath time. Perhaps let your child sit in the bathtub with no water in it to get used to these surroundings. Gradually turn the water on so she can get used to the feel. Use only 1 inch of water for her bath instead of the typical 2 to 3 inches. Allow her to bathe in her swim suit or diaper if that gives her more security. Do not pour water over her, as this might scare her more. Rinse her with a wet cloth instead.
- My baby will take a bath, but is sensitive to water in her eyes. Refrain from pouring water over her head to rinse the soap. Instead, use a wet cloth. Allow her to wipe her eyes often with a dry towel.
- My baby always has a bowel movement in the bathtub. Bathe your baby in a baby tub placed inside the big tub. When she has a bowel movement, it is contained in the smaller tub, which is easier to clean and disinfect.
- My baby feels insecure in the big bathtub. Keep bathing her in the baby bath tub, or even the kitchen sink, until she feels secure in the big bathtub. Try using a bath ring; she may feel more secure.
- My baby gets active after a bath and not ready to go to sleep. You do not have to bathe your baby before bedtime. Choose a time that works for you. Bathe her in the morning when she is alert and ready to play. Or bathe her in the afternoon before the busy routines of the evening begin.
More Bath Time Fun
Everything is more fun with music! Try singing the following songs with your baby in the bathtub.
To the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” sing these words:
Wash, wash, wash your hair; wash your hair all clean. Scrubba-dubba-rubba-bubba, wash your hair all clean. (Continue with face, hands, body, etc.)
To the tune of “Rubber Duckie, You’re the One,” sing these words:
Baby Emma, you’re the one,
You make bathtime lots of fun,
Baby Emma, I’m awfully fond of you;
Woo woo be doo
Baby Emma, joy of joys,
When I kiss you, you giggle with noise!
Baby Emma, you’re the best baby in the world, it’s true!
Doo doo doo doo, doo doo
To the tune of “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush,” sing these words:
This is the way we wash our hair, wash our hair, wash our hair. This is the way we wash our hair, so early in the morning. (Continue with face, hands, baby, etc.)
To the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus,” sing these words:
The soap in the tub goes wash, wash, wash; wash, wash, wash; wash, wash, wash.
The soap in the tub goes wash, wash, wash; all over your body!
The wash cloth on your belly goes swish, swish, swish; swish, swish, swish; swish, swish, swish.
The wash cloth on your belly goes swish, swish, swish; all over your belly!
Tell us your favorite bath-time tips! We'd love to hear from you!
