Making the Most of Bathtime

Have fun and celebrate your child’s accomplishments, such as squeezing the water from the sponge or floating a toy.

Explore and play games like patting the water back-and-forth to make a splash.

Cuddle up together after bathtime and share a bonding moment

That they are smart and competent, and that sharing discoveries when you play together is lots of fun.

The skill of taking turns and that engaging with activities together is fun and rewarding.

That they are loved, which builds your baby’s self-esteem.

Connect and engage with your baby. For example, when your baby makes sounds and gestures, such as indicating they would like you to read a book, respond with praise and follow through on the ‘request’.

When bathing your baby, talk with them and explain what you are doing together. For instance, drop the ducky in the water and exclaim, ”Look, it floats!”

Make bathtime fun to help your child learn new skills. Show how to stick sponge letters to the wall of the tub or make the ducky squeak.

That they are communicating with you, and you understand. This reinforces that sounds and actions are a good way to show what you are thinking or feeling.

When you talk to your child like this during activities, it helps them to learn words and concepts like sinking and floating.

Your baby will learn to make things work by copying your actions, while bonding with you.

Make bathtime fun and educational by offering your baby a variety of toys so they can explore and discover with their hands.

Point out and talk about your baby’s different body parts as they use them. Praise your baby for using their hands to pop bubbles and tell them what body part they’re using.

How to have fun and explore in new ways from a seated position. Transferring objects from one hand to another and using their hands to make objects work, such as trying to get the bath stickers to stick to the tub, teaches your baby confidence.

To recognise their body parts and how they work to help reach their goals.