Wouldn’t bathtime be great if the children remained calm, and allowed the warm water to soothe their itty bitty hearts? It would be great, but the reality is, sometimes it just doesn’t go like that.
When faced with multiples especially, it can quite honestly be another place for chaos to ensue. So here are some of the ways that I keep the chaos at bay.
Keep a routine
Children respond well to structure and routine. It’s important to create a bath time routine so that they become familiar. It regulates their internal clock, so that bath time doesn’t become a struggle.
Keep toys to a minimum
Sounds counterproductive, but it really works. If you have one child, this may apply, but works even better with multiples. Give them toys that are almost identical, case in point, the connectors above. I can’t tell you the number of times I put in too many differing toys and my girls were screaming and crying about who gets what. With less toys, I have found it sparks their creativity and they get along better.
Dim the lights
Since you’re setting the mood for sleep, it is actually a great idea to start at bath time. If you have a dimmer, make use of it. If not, use flameless candles with lights outside the bathroom door on. To make it even more fun, add glow sticks. That’s always a hit.
Play calming music
The perfect pairing of calm music and dim lights can do the trick. In our household, we love the Moshi app and the Relax Melodies app. Create your own special mix for bath time
Add color
Add a few drops of food coloring to the bath water toward the end of bath time. My girls love the fact that they can request what color the water is and even get a chance to mix colors. Since I have been doing this, I have had no staining and please confirm whether your child may be allergic to food coloring before doing this.
Provide grooming items
Hand them items such as hair brushes and wash cloths (or whatever is used to wash their bodies) if they’re old enough to use them. It’s also a great way for them to start learning to use it on their toys.
Create a safe space
Making bath time a safe space is extremely important. Both of my girls hate water being poured over their heads. For this reason, I really walk them through what I am doing and we do the lean back approach. Whatever your child’s fears may be, take it into consideration and find a method that works for both of you.
I wish all of us parents a happy and calm bath time.