Bath time for toddlers: basics
By now, your toddler is probably a lot more active, so regular baths will help keep her clean and healthy.
Bathing your toddler 2-3 times a week is enough to keep him clean. But if your toddler gets dirty from playing, or enjoys bath time, you can bath him more often – once a day is fine. A bath at the end of the day can also be part of a relaxing and calming bedtime routine.
It’s best to avoid using soap, because soap can dry out your toddler’s skin. If needed, use a gentle non-soap cleanser.
Safety at toddler bath time
Even though your toddler is older and can sit up by herself in the bath, bath safety is still very important.
Here are some tips to keep your toddler safe at bath time:
- Make sure you’re within arm’s reach at all times, and never leave the bathroom.
- Get everything ready in advance – towel, face washer, cotton wool, clean nappy and clean clothes. This means you can stay with your child for bath time.
- Only fill the bath to your toddler’s belly-button height.
- Make sure the hot water tap is turned off hard. When the bath is ready, briefly run cold water through the tap so water in the tap won’t burn anyone.
- Check the water temperature is between 37°C and 38°C before you put your child in.
- Let the water out as soon as bath time is over. Remove bath plugs from the bath when they’re not in use.
Afraid of the bath
Some toddlers might be afraid of the bath. If this happens, take your toddler’s fears seriously, because they’re very real to her.
To help your child overcome a fear of the bath, you can try:
- taking a bath with your toddler
- allowing him to choose toys for the bath
- letting him sit or play in the bath without water in it
- getting him to leave the bathroom before you take the plug out – some toddlers are afraid of getting sucked down the plug hole
- having a shower with him
- letting him sit in the baby bath in the big tub (if he still fits).