Making him Spic and Span

Feeding and bath times are without a doubt some of the most daunting tasks a mother has to face when it comes to toddlers. Babies are much easier to clean compared to a slippery, messy toddler, who will run at the mention of the word ‘bath-time.’ What’s more, once in the tub, they are fussy; soap covered and move to the opposite side of the tub once it is time to rinse. Here is how to bath and cope with a fussy bather.

• Ensure your bath tub is clean and ready for warm water to be added. Remember that your hands are tough and accustomed to high temperatures unlike your toddler’s bottom. Place your child in the tub, or help him step into the bath. Ensure he sits on the tub and does not stand, to prevent him from falling
• Lather up a soft wash cloth with a mild soap and wash the important area first with light, gentle strokes. Concentrate on the face, hands, feet and between the legs.
• Rinse after each part has been washed
• Use mild shampoo and gently massage the hair, then rinse it
• Clean his ears with a cotton swab. Only clean the outer areas that are visible and avoid sticking the swab into the ear canal
• Finally brush his teeth before exiting the tab

Distraction tips

• Blow bubbles in the tab while bathing your child. He will be too busy popping the bubbles to realize that mom is bathing him
• Use different bath toys in the tab. You can buy safe toys or use plastic -spoons and containers, as kids love to pour water in and out of small bowls
• Take your clothes off and join your child if it makes bath time easier and less stressful.
• Draw pictures in the bath tub with coloured soap or crayons. You can start a picture and have your child finish drawing it while you wash them. Ensure the crayons will wash off your tab before you use them

7 Safety tips

• Never leave your child alone near any water. Infants and toddlers can drawn in small amounts of water
• Always keep your child within arm’s reach in the tub
• Never leave the child alone in the tub to get a towel, answer the phone or for any other reason. If you must leave, take the child with you
• Don’t leave a baby or a toddler in the tub under the care of another young child
• Collect all bathing materials (soap, shampoo, cloth, comb) before bringing the baby into the bathroom
• Don’t take your eyes off the baby
• Place bathing materials within hands’ reach of where you will be bathing the baby. Be sure the bottom of the tub is clean and free of any soap residue

“Remember that your hands are tough and accustomed to high temperatures unlike your toddler’s bottom.”

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