We teamed up with former midwife, Jenny Smith, to explore how to make toddler bathtime a little less stressful. Check out her top tips on reducing bathtime frustrations and make plans for a more relaxing evening!
Creating a flexible bathtime routine
With the clocks going forward last weekend, bed and bathtime routines may have fallen out of sync.
And as school holidays are only expected to further this, we’re here to help parents re-settle their little ones with some simple tips, including a flexible approach.
We teamed up with retired NHS midwife, Jenny Smith, to provide advice that will be sure to make bath time easier and more enjoyable for both parents and youngsters alike.
From tying it in with bedtime, to encouraging play, see below four key things to consider when creating a toddler’s bathtime routine that fits.
1 – Tie it in with bedtime to help relax
An obvious but important tip is to tie bath time in with bedtime, especially if your child needs to feel more relaxed in order to sleep without stirring.
To make life easier, start drawing the bath around 20 minutes before to find the perfect temperature and set up any towels, shampoos or toys required.
After putting the child to sleep, take this opportunity to tidy the bathroom whilst being close enough to keep checking in on them before heading back downstairs.
“I’d recommend planning bath time for around 30 minutes before bedtime and then finishing with a cuddle and story before leaving then completely soothed.”
Jenny Smith – former midwife
2 – Don’t be scared of flexibility if your child requires it
Most parents feel that routine is imperative to success with bath and bedtime but Jenny advises that, it’s actually good to be flexible.
“Children do tend to like routine and stability however, it’s important to be flexible and give time to your child for the needs or feelings they’re experiencing in that moment. Children are adaptable and if distressed, they are likely to need comfort more than a strict 7pm bath time.”
Try creating cues that will familiarise the child with bath time so that they know when to expect it and avoid any distress.
For example, let them watch 10 minutes of the same TV show every time so they relate that programme with bath time.
3 – Bath after the evening meal for efficiency
“Although it’s not detrimental, I’d say to plan bath time for after a child has had their evening meal. Let them play for a while after eating to tire them a little before it’s time to wind down.”
To add even more efficiency to the routine, use this window of play time to get on with the bath prep as mentioned before.
If you are doing bath time alone, set up an area for both you and baby to be close in proximity so that you can be as productive as possible.
4 – Encourage and embrace bath time play
Bath time doesn’t need to be stressful.
“Making fun out of bathing is a good idea as it encourages the child to accept and enjoy it. Play can make it easier on both parent and child.”
Investing in a floor standing mixer tap and hand shower would offer more mobility for the parent when manoeuvring around the child to wash hair without disturbing their play.
An added bonus of this set up is that parents can check water pressure and temperature before tending to the child.
How do you make your toddler’s bathtime go smoothly?
We’d love to hear about your own tips and tricks, so if you’ve any amazing solutions that make your toddler’s bathtime a less stressful experience, let us know in the comments below.
John trained in journalism before joining the Big Bathroom Shop team. His exceptional journalism skills (and modesty) allow him to meticulously research bathroom topics and bring you the very latest news and views on all things bath and shower related. He’s a dab hand at Scrabble and is currently undertaking a domestic plumbing course to be sure he actually does know what he’s talking about!
