The complete guide to a child's bath time routine

You must have become proficient bathing your baby, but bath times become trickier when it comes to bathing your toddler who is more mobile and splashes full force. It is best that parents learn simple strategies to keep the toddler happy and also be successful in getting him/her absolutely clean.

Here is a complete guide to a child’s bath routine:

 Make bath time fun time: Coax and entice your toddler to take a bath by having lots of floating fun like boats, rubber ducks, mini water guns, waterproof books, and washcloth puppets; you could also add creative options like stick-to-the-tub decals and bath crayons and paints. Your toddler will be very busy and will not notice being cleaned. The possibilities of fun are endless; you could also throw in things like plastic measuring cups, Tupperware containers, funnels, and a sprite bottle. Rotate the toys so that they seem new and make sure to wash them periodically in a dishwasher. You could also save money.

Have a buddy or playmate in the tub:  You could have a tub playmate, an older sibling or even you to give company and ease your toddler off tub fears. If the bath tub is small you could also use a washable doll that your tot could wash while you wash him/her. You could always think and discover more creative ways to keep your tub wary toddler distracted.

Have a toddler’s seat or let your toddler rest on her/his butt: Some toddlers may resist it, but still you can show him/her how much fun it is by allowing one to splash around a bit. If your toddler is stubborn and will not sit, make sure you use a tub that is lined with a non-stick mat and shower him/her with a handheld sprayer or bucket as she/he holds on to the wall.   

 Clean your toddler head to toe: Start from the face using a wash cloth to gently wipe; pay close attention to crevices and folds like neck, ears, and sides of nose that turn very dirty. Make sure to give his/her hands a good soaping as they pick up a lot of dirt. Next stop for your washcloth on her/his genitals and bottom. Lastly shampoo his/her hair making sure he/she is not sitting in a tub of suds that could irritate a toddler’s vagina (if a girl).  Stand her/him up once her hair is sudsy and let the leftover soap and grime run down the drain with the bathwater as you rinse.

Keep the toddler’s bath time short and sweet: It should be a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes; this will prevent your toddler from getting a dry skin. End the session with a massage with a full-body fragrance-free-moisturizer.  

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