Bath Time Routine

Bath times with young children can sometimes be challenging, but there are simple ways to overcome this and make bath time a relaxing routine for your child.

Babies don't need bathing everyday, but they do need their face, neck, hands and bottom washed daily, often referred to as 'topping and tailing'. Choose a time of day when your baby is contented and make sure the room is also warm. Babies need bathing two or three times a week but if your baby does really enjoy it, then there is no reason not to bath them more often. Bathing your baby before bed can help them to relax and become part of the bedtime routine.

Top Tips for a stress-free bath time routine:

Choose an appropriate time of day, when you are not in a rush.
Spend time with your child and try to ensure everything is prepared beforehand.
Set the heater ready, in the room your child will dress in, to reduce the chill they feel when coming out of the bath.
Make bath time fun for your baby or young child by having bath toys such as squirters, foam letters or bubble maker.
Incorporate an element of surprise into the regular bath time routine, by adding bath time tints to the water.
Use a thermometer to check the water is the perfect temperature, warm but not too hot.
Personalise bath time for your child, by providing a personalised bath robe or special bath towel.
Purchase some bath time accessories such as child friendly sponges and wash mitts.
Take time to teach your child about hygiene and washing.
Make washing as easy as possible by using a tear-free baby shampoo and body wash.
Provide a bath visor to ensure 'dry eyes, dry ears and no fears'. This will eliminate what is often one of a child’s main fears about bath time.
Never leave your baby or child in the water without adult supervision under any circumstances - it could be fatal.
Encourage your baby to play with the bath toys and enjoy splashing in the water. For a young child this could be made educational by using foam letters to spell their name or words.
After bathing your child, dry them thoroughly. With babies take extra care to dry the creases in their skin before massaging them with some baby oil, which aids relaxation and helps aid a restful sleep.
To complete the bath-time routine settle your child to sleep, with a favourite rhyme or a story.