There was a specific time in W’s young life where a nightly bath transitioned from a quick, easy (even optional) experience to a soggy, mandatory part of each day. As soon as he became mobile rolling around in any available dirt pile took over as his all-time favorite activity. Add to that his ongoing appreciation for eating—and wearing—a variety of foods and you have enough motivation to fill the tub each night, regardless of how damp you’ll end up at the end of the bath time experience.
There are a couple of key things I’ve learned about bathing my perpetually sticky, often grimy one and half year old son: 1) don’t wear anything that can’t handle getting wet; 2) hair washing requires speed and agility; 3) it’s all about the toys.
Now, about those toys . . . playing in the tub not only makes bath time way more fun for the one being bathed, but I’ve found that it also improves my life by maximizing the time that W actually spends in the water. The longer he stays in there, the better my chances are of having a clean, sweet-scented baby. At least until tomorrow.
The following toys would be a welcome addition to any tub:
I love modern spins on a classic and Boon has done it brilliantly with its series of Odd Ducks ($5.99). BPA and PVC-free, the boldly colored ducks—I’m digging the orange and white stripes—are also mold-resistant. And these ducks score extra points by being equally charming perched on a shelf or squeezed tightly in a damp toddler hand.
If you’re looking to add a carnival theme to bath time, check out Boon’s Splat Floating Ring Toss ($6.99). You and the little one can hone your aim by taking turns chucking BPA, PVC-free rings onto the floating base. Note: prepare for some serious splashing.
Let’s hear it for multi-use toys! Green Sprout’s colorful stacking cups ($5.99) are as fun in the water as they are in the living room or the back yard or in the car during the almost-too-long drive to grandma’s.
While not technically a toy, Little Twig’s bath mitt ($4.99), is certainly entertaining. A terry washcloth disguised as a ladybug or bumble bee, this mit is one of those trickster baby items that helps you do your job while entertaining the wee one. W loves to tug and chew on its little antennae while I scrub behind his hears and under his chin.
