by Erin Medovich

Created on: February 26, 2010

Bathing a toddler can be quite a challenge, but as long as you make it fun it should be quite fun for both of you. First you will need to remember to never take your eyes off of your toddler for one second-safety first! Having the tub ready with about an inch or two of luke warm water, a body puff, soap, shampoo, a towel, and plenty of safe toys will save you time and energy in the long run.

After preparing the bath tub, it's a lot easier to let your toddler walk in and get ready safely then have help stepping into the tub, carefully as to not slip. I find it's much more fun and less stress for your tiny tot to use a body puff in the shape of animal then a regular washcloth. I found mine for one dollar in the local dollar store. Always remember that even though the selected shampoo says tear-free it is still stressful to get soap in his or her eyes. So using the body puff to get the hair and body wet and rinse off is much easier than a cup full of water/soap in the eyes.

Taking care not to get icky soap in the tot's eyes after rinsing him or her off, let your toddler have fun playing with all those fun toys for a few minutes while you do a little pre cleanup of the bathroom but not allowing the toddler out of your sight (of course). You can put all the bath supplies in a cady for easier access for future baths. Then when your toddler is ready to get out of the bath tub, let the warm water out first, then allow your toddler to grab your hand and safely step out of the slippery tub and into a fresh, clean towel. Dry of your toddler as soon as possible and apply powder, new diaper and clothes, and as much lotion as desired to his or her skin. After you clean up the tub you and put all the bath toys away, you will be finished with your toddler's bath.

Congratulations, you have just gotten through an easier and way more fun bath time with your adorable toddler! I hope this helps you out and let me know if you have any easier ways to bathe your child that you have found. Again, thank you for taking the time to read and recognize that it is never too late to learn new tricks when you are a new parent.

Learn more about this author, Erin Medovich.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.