Every mum knows that, deep down, dirt is good. Whilst babies have very delicate immune systems, exposure to the smallest amount of simple germs can help them grow up stronger. A grubby baby is also one who has shown that they have actively engaged with their world around them, exploration and learning has happened, and they have had fun whilst doing so. One of the best things about dirt is that it allows us to enjoy bath time with our babies.
Baby baths are one of the most magical experiences that parents and grandparents can enjoy with their little ones. The array of bath toys available these days makes the experience that much more enjoyable for both baby and grown-up.
Bath toys obviously primarily allow play to happen. The range of toys these days is great in facilitating play. Classic bath toys like bath ducks and bath boats still never fail to please. Newer entrants can also add joy. Some of the most fun is to be found with squirters. These never fail to amuse budding comedians with their cheeky water sprays. Some, like Tomy Water Whistlers, also squeak as they squirt, delighting more than one sense.
Sensory play is also a great benefit gained from bath time. Musical toys delight the developing ears as well as the eyes. Some wind-up bath toys, such as Tomy Splashy the Penguin, allow for baby's favorite songs to entertain during baby baths. Others such as the Do Re Mi Dolphins allow baby to experiment with tones, emitting a different sound when tapped on each one's head.
This exploratory angle is also well served with the baby bath toys available nowadays. By the time a baby is three, 75% of their brain will be developed so baby bath time is a great opportunity to stimulate development. Given that 75% of the brain is also water, it seems like a great opportunity. For emerging scientists, pushing toys under the water and seeing them pop up will teach them displacement without knowing it. Filling toys with water and emptying out is science in action, seeing the volumes change. Of course, making a great splash is fantastic for hand-eye co-ordination as well as great fun. Bath activity islands and character toys are useful here. For Thomas the Tank Engine fans, there are Fisher Price Thomas Tub Tracks and otherwise the Sassy Pour and Explore entertains little physicists.
One of the best times of the day for parent and baby, bath time allows for all the excitement of the day to flow out, letting baby calm down towards bed time, parent and baby to bond, and everyone to relax. The right temperature water is however essential to this tranquil event. A bath thermometer is therefore a vital part of this routine. With this in place, baby can recognize that their end-of-the-day routine is taking place, can be soothed in preparation for bed, and can enjoy close moments bonding with mum and dad.
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