Some kids love bathtime, but for others, it’s a struggle. For some, they simply don’t want to stop playing to get clean and prep for bedtime. For others, they may hate being wet or have an irrational fear of being sucked down the drain (if you’re old enough to remember that Rugrats episode, you know what I mean). In fact, bathtime can be a traumatic experience for kiddos and parents, leaving everyone soaking wet and screaming.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of creative and fun bathtime activities that will hopefully create a great experience for children. These are perfect sensory activities that can improve fine and gross motor skills while also helping to work through possible water phobias.
8 Ways to Improve Bathtime for Kids
Soap Bars
Buy a few cheap bars of soap and let your kids play with them any way they like. You might give them safety knives (like those in Play-Doh sets) to let them carve away pieces, or just let them use their fingernails. Let them wash the tub or run the bars under running water. You might help them practice washing their bodies if they are interested.
Bath Bombs
Kids nowadays love bath bombs, maybe even more than bubbles!! You can find them all over the place, from Target to the dollar store. Let your kids pick out colors they like and let them handle the bath bombs as they fizz and bubble. They will love they sensation as they hold it in their hands, and they are sure to delight in the crazy colors of their bath water!
Shaving Cream
Foam soap is the new bubble bath! Cute foaming bath soap does exist, but it can be a bit expensive. Get the same sensory experience with a cheap can of shaving cream. Simply shake the can and spray mountains of foam on the side of your tup, in cups, on your kiddos’ hands, etc. You might even mix in food coloring for an added bonus!
Towel Capes
Children who love superheroes will really get excited about this bathtime trick, and it’s so easy! Simply get out an extra towel (a hand towel or tea towel is usually a good size for a toddler), dunk it in the water to get it wet, and drape it over their shoulders like a cape!
Mold-Free Toys
You can always pick up traditional bath toys to entice your kids into the bath, and there are thousands of options, from rubber ducks and fishing poles to bath books boats of all shapes and sizes. However, make sure you are picking up mold-resistant toys. No-mold toys often are designed in a way to prevent water from getting trapped inside. These are harder to find, but worth looking for in order to keep your family safe and healthy. Amazon offers a few options, but make sure to read the descriptions carefully.
Treats
If you don’t mind bribing your kids with an occasional treat, consider popsicles and suckers! These are usually inexpensive to buy in large quantities. And, they are ideal for bathtime because they are easy for kids to hold and any drips or mess they create go straight into the bath water! No extra mess for parents to clean up, which is definitely a win!
Puffballs and Legos
Busy Mom is a longtime beloved mommy blogger who swears by this method: adding Legos or puffballs to the bath! This creates a hands-on activity that is vibrant, colorful, and open to all kinds of possibilities. Busy Mom suggests that puffballs (or pom poms, as they are also called) and Lego building blocks will keep children of any age independently engaged for a long time!
Bath Paint
If your kiddo is a budding artist, you might consider bath paint. These have been around for decades, but they are still worth mentioning. Amazon carries several varieties that you can choose from, all designed to let your child paint the tub without the porcelain getting unsightly stains! Plus, they are fun to mix with any generic bubble bath!
Create Your Own No-Tears Bathtime!
If your child already loves bathtime, great! Try these activities to create more interactive experiences. If your child hates bathtime, use one of these methods (or all of them) to create a routine that is fun and enjoyable.
And, if all else fails, make sure you have some luxurious bubble bath on hand for your own relaxing experience after the kids go to bed!
As always, safety first! Remember to watch your child carefully – even if they are playing happily – to prevent dangerous situations. Be safe and have fun!