Bubbles Galore

Are you having a difficult time convincing your child to head to the tub and have a bath? This is a common problem for moms, but here are some tried and tested ways to encourage your reluctant bathers to finally take the plunge:

• Raid the kitchen drawers – If your toddler is tired of all his or her old bath time toys, get the measuring cups and spoons out and let him or her play with them in the bath.
• Allow some splashing – Let your hair down every once in a while and have a splash contest with your toddler in the bath. The quality time and laughter you both will share will be good enough a reward for washing all the wet towels later.
• Have bath-only toys – Rotate a special selection of bath-only toys so that your toddler will think he or she has ‘new’ and exciting toys all the time.
• Try bath gadgets – Some companies sell toddler-friendly bath coloring drops, bath crayons and fragranced bath accessories. Experiment to see if these products will entice your toddler into the bath.
• Watch the temperature – As your toddler gets older, it is easy to forget how carefully you had measured the temperature of the water when he or she was a newborn! Make sure the water is warm instead of scalding hot, and remember that if your toddler’s feet are cold, he or she will perceive the water hotter than it really is.
• Watch out for the boogieman! – If in case you find your child feeling petrified at the noise the draining water makes in the plug hole, you may take him or her out of the bath before you drain the water to avoid any more of this instance. You may also try mimicking the noise in a funny way to try to change the way your child perceives the sound altogether.
• Get the right shampoo – Some children are very sensitive to some ingredients in shampoo. It doesn’t only burn their eyes and irritate their skin; the small can also irritate their nasal passages. Experiment until you find a shampoo that your child can tolerate. In general, cream-based formulas are better for babies and toddlers.
• Get in the bath with your child– Most toddlers love the intimacy created when you bathe with them. Enjoy a good cuddle with your child in the bath to ensure that his emotional tank is filled to the brim.