Bath time can be the very best time of the day for any baby. For some reason, almost all babies love water and will spend hours in it if they’re allowed to. Baths are not just about hygiene; they are a time for mother and baby to relax together and bond. Warm water can also be very soothing to a sick or cranky infant. Sometimes just putting a baby in the tub will solve all of her woes.

Bath time can also be a time for learning. Babies love to explore their environment, and there is so much to see and do in the tub. There is water to splash and bubbles to sculpt. There is shampoo to paint with. Even the washcloth is an interesting experience. It can be sucked on and dipped in the water and even draped over the faucet.

Bath time should always be relaxed and fun. Adding toys to the tub is a great way to accomplish that. Most stores that carry infant supplies will also have bathtub toys. Chose several different kinds but only offer a few at a time. Changing the toys around will keep your baby interested. Before giving them to your baby, make sure that they are age-appropriate and do not pose any kind of choking hazard. Don’t use toys that are not designed for water as they may come apart in the tub.

A plastic baby-doll is an especially nice bathtub toy. Babies love to imitate what they see their parents doing and will relish being able to bathe their own baby while they are in the tub. Afterward, while you dry off your baby, she can dry her baby, too. A washcloth makes a perfect sized doll-towel.

Bathtub toys don’t have to be purchased. Some of the best toys are right there in the kitchen. A funnel is especially fun with bubble bath. The bubbles can be loaded in the top of the funnel and squeezed out the spout in funny, bubbly lines. Cups, spoons, and bowls all work well. Just about anything that holds and moves water will fascinate a baby. A strainer is a nice addition; too, because, when baby is done playing, it’s a great place to store all the other toys. The strainer will keep them all in one place, but will allow excess water to drain away. Just remember; only use one-piece, plastic kitchenware in the bathtub, never metal or glass. Also be sure that anything that your baby will be touching has no sharp edges or removable parts.