Bath Time Games and Safety Tips

Sure, they can amuse themselves. But these games can help entertain both of you.

Bath time might seem like a chore, but it can be the (calming) highlight of the evening if you know how to work it!

Bath time should be a wind-down of the child's chaotic day and an introduction to sleepy time. Keep safety in mind to get the most out of bath time for both you and your little mermaids and mermen.

SHIPS AHOY!

It might sound like a no-brainer, but don't forget to add bubble bath and make sure all the bath toys are in the tub. If there aren't any toys handy, most kids love to play with Tupperware bowls, measuring cups, etc. In a child's imagination, a Tupperware container easily becomes a pirate ship. Float those boats!

RUB A DUB DUB, SING SONGS IN THE TUB

Kids love singing and the bathroom acoustics can make their bathroom sound like an opera hall! "Rubber Ducky" and "Splish Splash" are great bathtub songs, but don't limit yourself to just songs about bathing. Try being creative, like singing "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" and pretending you're at the beach.

FROST THE SHAVING CREAM MAN

Try making foam sculptures out of shaving cream. The kids probably won't need any ideas about what to make, but if they do, choose something fun and easy like a snowman or a kitty cat.

HAIR-RAISING STYLES

Something as simple as shampoo can lead to tons of giggles and fun. Lather up the kids' heads and see what kinds of hair styles they can come up with. Boys love to see how they look with mohawks, and girls love to play with all sorts of different styles, from little buns to short pixie 'dos.

BARBIE BOAT

If you're sitting for a little princess who happens to love her fashion dolls, don't even bother excluding them from bath time. Instead, you can make a simple boat for the plastic ladies using little more than two plastic bottles. Remove the bottles' labels and put them next to each other on their sides, facing the same direction. Use rubber bands to hold the bottles in place as you wrap two strips of colored tape across both bottles closer to the top (around the wide part, not the skinny part). The wrap another strip of colored tape around the back end of the bottles and remove the rubber band. Cut an oval seat opening in each bottle between the tape strips with a craft knife, toss the dolls in their seats and watch them float around the tub!

BATH TIME SAFETY TIPS

• When running the water, never let the child run the tap. The water can easily be hotter than it seems. Double check the temperature of the water before anyone gets in.
• Make sure you have everything you need within reach before placing the child in the bath. NEVER leave the child unattended in the bath for even a second. Remember that a child can drown in only two inches of water.
• Be sure to use products that are safe for little bodies. Most parents will have an ample supply of tear-free shampoo and soaps. Don't substitute these with adult products. If there are any lavender children's products in the bathroom, these are great to use before bedtime because of their calming effect on little minds and bodies.
• Place a bath mat on the floor to avoid a slippery fall when the child enters or exits the bathtub.
• Place all grown-up products like razors, shampoo and soap up high and out of reach.
• Most importantly, don't get distracted. If the phone rings, let it ring. Never take your attention off the child for even a second. If it is imperative that you leave the bathroom, wrap the child in a towel and take them with you.