Splish splash fun time!
Daily routines are a great way to play and learn, can help your child become familiar with what is expected, and offer you both quality time together.
There is lots of exploring and learning that takes place in the bath, and sharing this with your child can be lots of fun!
Top tips:
- Play ‘sink or float’: allow your child to experiment with various toys/objects and find out for themselves that heavy objects sink, and lighter objects float
- Have a ‘squeezy’ bath: add different sponges, flannels and squeezy toys – this is good for children with sensory needs
- Experiment with pouring and scooping water: give your child different sized plastic containers and jugs
- Encourage language: introduce language to your child such as ’empty and full’ and ‘big and small’
- Sing water related songs: for example, ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’, ‘Five Little Ducks’ and ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ – you can use the matching toys such as boats, ducks and watering cans while you sing with your child
- Use words to match actions: for example ‘tip’, ‘squeeze’, ‘splash’ as your child plays
- Comment on what you and your child are doing: for example, ‘pouring the water’ and ‘floating a boat’ – this helps your child make connections between words and actions, and repeating this will support their development
Top tips for bathtime safety:
- Make sure the bath isn’t filled too deep with water
- Ensure the water is a safe and comfortable temperature for your child (between 37°C and 38°C) – you can test this by dipping in your elbow or using a bath thermometer
- Never leave a baby or toddler unattended in their bath
