Toddlers

• Always check the water temperature before putting your toddler in the bath. 
• Use a small amount of mild, tear-free soap and shampoo. 
• Keep one hand on your toddler at all times for safety. 
• Keep bath time short, around 5–10 minutes, to prevent chilling. 
• Dry your toddler thoroughly, paying attention to skin folds. 

By the time they've reached toddlerhood, your little one is probably well used to bathtime. And while time in the tub can be fun, it can also be a source of tantrums and upset from time to time. As they grow into an independent little tot, it's normal for toddlers to learn to say "no" and start to want to do things on their own.

If you're wondering how to adapt your bathtime routine as your toddler grows, we can help! We've gathered some top tips to keep toddler bathtime enjoyable and safe for everyone involved. Let's run through how often you should bathe your toddler, how to make bathtime fun, and answer some of the most common toddler bathtime FAQs. 

How often should you bathe a toddler?

You can bathe your toddler as frequently as you’d like, but just make sure you’re cleaning their face and genitals daily, whether this is in the bath or a quick wash with a soft soapy washcloth.  

It's a good idea to schedule bathtime on set days - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for example. Try to also stick to the same time (lots of parents find that just before bedtime works well), so that your toddler knows what to expect and when. 

How to bathe a toddler

Bathing a toddler is the next step up from bathing a baby. It's a little different, but some key points are the same. 

Let's run through the steps to a successful toddler bathtime... 

• First things first, it's a good idea to get prepared! You should gather all your bathtime supplies - towels, soap, sponges, toys, a fresh nappy, and clean clothes - and have them close by before you begin bathtime. 
• Next, fill the bath. You should stir the water as the bath fills to avoid hot spots and be sure to keep an eye on the temperature. Once full to the height of your toddler's belly button when they're sitting down, you can measure the bath water's temperature using your elbow, wrist, or a special bath thermometer before your little one gets in. The water should be between 37°C and 38°C.   
• Once you're sure the water is at a comfortable temperature, shut the bathroom door to stop any draughts, and pop your little one in the bath. 
• Now you can start to splash and play to help them settle. Bath toys can be a great distraction for toddlers who are a little apprehensive about bathtime. 
• Once they're feeling relaxed, it's time to wash. Start from their head and work your way down. 
• First, wash their hair using a suitable shampoo and rinse out any soapy suds using water. To stop the soap from going into their eyes, you can cup your hand over their forehead like a protective shield. 
• Then, it's time to clean their body gently using a soft washcloth or sponge. Pay close attention to any folds or crevices in their skin. 
• It's a good idea to monitor the bath water temperature as you go to make sure your toddler doesn't catch a chill. If your little one is happy and enjoying their bath, you can take your time and just enjoying playing and splashing together. Bathtime should be a relaxing experience that lasts for between 10 and 15 minutes. 
• Once it's time for them to get out of the bath, carefully lift them out, wrap them up warm and dry them off using a soft, absorbent towel. 
• Once they're dry, give them a soothing massage, and then dress them in some comfortable clothes or PJs if it's time for bed. 
• Once they're clean, dressed, and warm, you should drain the water out of the bath and make sure there's no standing water remaining in the bottom. 
• Finally, rinse any toys you played with and put them to one side to air dry. 

Tips for making toddler bathtime fun

There are lots of fun things parents and carers can do with a toddler in the bath to keep them happy and engaged. These include: 

• Choose toddler-appropriate bath toys that are nontoxic. Also, keep them clean to reduce the risk of them harbouring mould, fungus, and bacteria. Floating toys like boats and animals spark imagination, while cups encourage pouring, filling, and splashing and can help to develop your little one's hand-eye coordination. 
• Let them choose their own bath bubbles or a fun-themed sponge. 
• Talk, be silly and sing songs about life on the seven seas while you wash. Your toddler will find your voice reassuring, and after all, bathrooms usually have great acoustics! 
• Read a short story from plastic-coated bath books about fish, boats, pirates, or mermaids. 
• Use a child-safe and tear-free bubble bath to add an extra sensory element to bathtime. Foamy hairdos and beards galore! 
• If your toddler is unsure about bathtime, using a sticker chart to celebrate successful baths can help encourage them. 

Sensory-friendly bath ideas for toddlers   

To help make bathtime a calming and playful experience, especially for those little ones who are sensory sensitive or easily overwhelmed, here’s some ideas for you to follow: 

• Create a calm environment – dim the lighting if you can, make sure the temperature of the water is warm and consistent, and use slow transitions by letting your toddler put their hand in the water first to get used to it.  
• Use low stimulating sensory play – use cups and jugs for water pouring and perhaps empty shower gel or shampoo bottles (better if their squeezy!).  
• Choose scent-sensitive options – if fragrances are overwhelming for your little one, make sure you use unscented shampoo and soap, or if they like fragrances, go for something like mild lavender or chamomile as these can be calming.  
• Add white noise or quiet music – nature sounds tend to work well.  
• Warm towels – make sure you wrap them in a warm towel when getting out of the bath so the temperature change doesn’t overwhelm them.