Splish splash who's taking a bath? Giving baby a bath can be the best part of the day. However bath time also comes with a multitude of hazards. From monsters in the drain to soap in baby's eyes, here a few ways to avoid the drawbacks of bath time.
Drain Monsters
I'm not sure if this is true of all children, but as a child I was always terrified that there were monsters in the bathtub drain. I thought that when the water drained it was being drunk by a crocodile that lived underneath the tub and that if I was in the tub and got too close to the drain, he would eat me too! If your kids share similar fears, or have ever tried to stick fingers or toes down the drain (which hurts even if they don't get stuck), then a nice big stopper may make bath time a little less traumatic for everyone.
There are a lot of tub stoppers out there, but I like this one from OXO because it is smooth, pretty, and will avoid any painful toe stubbing.
I'm not sure if this is true of all children, but as a child I was always terrified that there were monsters in the bathtub drain. I thought that when the water drained it was being drunk by a crocodile that lived underneath the tub and that if I was in the tub and got too close to the drain, he would eat me too! If your kids share similar fears, or have ever tried to stick fingers or toes down the drain (which hurts even if they don't get stuck), then a nice big stopper may make bath time a little less traumatic for everyone.
There are a lot of tub stoppers out there, but I like this one from OXO because it is smooth, pretty, and will avoid any painful toe stubbing.
Spout Bouts
While the faucet is wonderful for getting water into the tub, it's horrible when kids start playing and bump their heads or scrape their backs. There are several ways to make the faucet pain free. I found plenty of options for faucet covers. After doing some research, I've discovered that not all spouts are created equal. Some have a tendency to fall off, some begin to mildew, and some are made of plastic so hard that it still hurts when toddlers bump into them. The Skip Hop bath spout protector is both adorable and practical. The Skip Hop bath cover has a hole in the top for the shower diverter and the flippers let you adjust the tightness to ensure it doesn't fall off. It also is one of the few covers that doesn't have any complaints about mold or mildew build up; a major benefit when it's going to be near your baby. I prefer the whale - it also comes in a rubber ducky model (not shown).
While the faucet is wonderful for getting water into the tub, it's horrible when kids start playing and bump their heads or scrape their backs. There are several ways to make the faucet pain free. I found plenty of options for faucet covers. After doing some research, I've discovered that not all spouts are created equal. Some have a tendency to fall off, some begin to mildew, and some are made of plastic so hard that it still hurts when toddlers bump into them. The Skip Hop bath spout protector is both adorable and practical. The Skip Hop bath cover has a hole in the top for the shower diverter and the flippers let you adjust the tightness to ensure it doesn't fall off. It also is one of the few covers that doesn't have any complaints about mold or mildew build up; a major benefit when it's going to be near your baby. I prefer the whale - it also comes in a rubber ducky model (not shown).
Shampoo Accident Avoidance
One of the worst hazards of bath time is stinging eyes. It can be very difficult to avoid getting shampoo in a rambunctious child's eyes while washing her hair. There are now available a variety of tools to make it easier o avoid. Most parents know that any sort of pail or cup can be used to rinse out your toddler's hair if you hold her in a slightly reclined position, but there are now easier ways! There is a tool like a reverse visor made by Lil Rinser that makes it all but impossible to get suds into a child's eyes. Problem solved!
One of the worst hazards of bath time is stinging eyes. It can be very difficult to avoid getting shampoo in a rambunctious child's eyes while washing her hair. There are now available a variety of tools to make it easier o avoid. Most parents know that any sort of pail or cup can be used to rinse out your toddler's hair if you hold her in a slightly reclined position, but there are now easier ways! There is a tool like a reverse visor made by Lil Rinser that makes it all but impossible to get suds into a child's eyes. Problem solved!
Perfect Size
Washing a toddler in a full size bathtub not only wastes water and energy but also can be hazardous for small children. Babies can slip and fall as they explore a bigger tub. A smaller tub is also reassuring for babies because it is a space that fits them. You could buy a baby tub - and then a toddler tub - or you could simply purchase a tub divider. This allows the tub to be smaller for younger babies and then to expand as the baby grows. It is also easy to remove and install to minimize hassle - and it folds for each storage! This divider is flexible but sturdy and the rubber seal around the edges keeps the water securely within the boundaries you choose.
Washing a toddler in a full size bathtub not only wastes water and energy but also can be hazardous for small children. Babies can slip and fall as they explore a bigger tub. A smaller tub is also reassuring for babies because it is a space that fits them. You could buy a baby tub - and then a toddler tub - or you could simply purchase a tub divider. This allows the tub to be smaller for younger babies and then to expand as the baby grows. It is also easy to remove and install to minimize hassle - and it folds for each storage! This divider is flexible but sturdy and the rubber seal around the edges keeps the water securely within the boundaries you choose.
Mother's (and Father's) Little Helpers
Bath time with babies and toddlers can be hard on parents because it requires you to be down on the floor and to lean over (and on) the edge of the bathtub. This quickly becomes uncomfortable and makes it very hard for you to enjoy bath time. Luckily there are some very good options to make it more comfortable. Some of these unfortunately start to smell weird or are impossible to clean. However, the Skip Hop elbow rest does a good job of saving your elbows from pain and has a zip pocket on the outer side for when you forget to take off your jewelry but don't want to take your eyes of Junior just to put it away. The Skip Hop bath kneeler is very cute and also whale shaped, however, another great option is the Brica bath kneeler (bottom photo). It's shape is slightly more regular and may be easier for you to kneel on. Both kneelers feature straps so that they can be hung for easy storage.
Bath time with babies and toddlers can be hard on parents because it requires you to be down on the floor and to lean over (and on) the edge of the bathtub. This quickly becomes uncomfortable and makes it very hard for you to enjoy bath time. Luckily there are some very good options to make it more comfortable. Some of these unfortunately start to smell weird or are impossible to clean. However, the Skip Hop elbow rest does a good job of saving your elbows from pain and has a zip pocket on the outer side for when you forget to take off your jewelry but don't want to take your eyes of Junior just to put it away. The Skip Hop bath kneeler is very cute and also whale shaped, however, another great option is the Brica bath kneeler (bottom photo). It's shape is slightly more regular and may be easier for you to kneel on. Both kneelers feature straps so that they can be hung for easy storage.
Hopefully these products have given you some ideas on how to make bath time safe and fun for you and your little one!
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