Have you suddenly gone from having a bath loving baby to a toddler who hates bathtime overnight?
This sudden spanner in your routine can be stressful for both you and your toddler and you’re probably left wondering how to make bathtime fun again.
Well, look no further as we’ve shared 10 tips to (hopefully) reignite their love for the tub.
1. Try changing up your usual bathtime schedule
Although you might be desperate to get back to your usual routine, changing up your toddler’s bathtime could be the trick. If you normally give them a bath before bed, why not try before dinner instead?
2. Use imaginary play to distract and engage
If your toddler suddenly hates being in the bath, try turning it into something completely different with imaginary play. Use our Ice Cream Bubble Machine Bath Toy to turn bathtime into dessert time. Let them pretend to be an ice cream seller and serve up bubble bath cones. It’s a fun distraction from the whole getting clean bit.
3. Turn bathtime into a singalong
Does your toddler love music? If you’re not already doing this, try singing with them in the bath and turn it into a little sing-along session. If they already love music, this can help them feel more relaxed and even start to look forward to bathtime tunes.
4. Get in the bath with them for reassurance
Sometimes toddlers just need a bit of extra reassurance and that might mean you hopping in the bath too (if it’s safe to do so). Just make sure the water is at their usual comfy temperature, don’t be tempted to make it hotter just because you’re joining them.
5. Build positive water play outside the bath
If it’s the water that’s putting them off, try building positive vibes with water outside of bathtime. Think splashing in the garden, water tables or tubs of water with stacking cups like our Splish Splash Stacking Cups. Then bring those same cups into the bath with them later as the familiar fun might help them feel more at ease in the bath.
6. Take a break – toddlers don’t need daily baths
According to the NHS, toddlers only need a bath two or three times a week. So, if you’ve been doing it more often, try taking a couple of days off. A break might be just what you both need before trying again with a fresh mindset.
7. Let someone else take over bathtime
If the same person always does bathtime, try changing it up. If it’s usually you, ask another caregiver to take over for a night or two. If you’re already feeling tense, your toddler will pick up on that energy. A fresh pair of hands might be just the reset they need.
8. Bring in bath toys and turn it into a game
Bath toys can be a total game-changer when it comes to making bathtime exciting. We’ve already covered imaginary play, but toys like our Starfish Ring Toss Bath Toy add another layer of fun. Your toddler can practise tossing the rings onto the starfish’s legs (and forget they’re actually getting clean in the process).
9. Let them choose their own bubbles
Another way to mix things up is letting your toddler choose their own bathtime bubbles next time you’re out shopping. Giving them a say can make them more excited to jump in the bath tub and try them out.
10. Try a sticker reward chart for encouragement
If switching things up hasn’t worked, you could introduce a bathtime sticker reward chart. Each tantrum-free bath earns a sticker and you can celebrate every little win together.
Every toddler is different and it might take a bit of trial and error to find what works. If you're looking to bring the fun back to bathtime, our range of bath toys is a great place to start, shop the collection and let the splashing begin.