Bath time can be a parent's saviour--tired rascals are penned in where they can have fun, get clean, and play out the rest of their energy before bed.
Here are some watery games for any time of day. Of course, please remain within arm's reach of your child while they are near or in water.
0 to 6 months
The sensation of being swished around in water is unique: temperature and pressure sensors across the skin's surface are all stimulated uniformly and gently. Try getting in the adult tub with your baby; this way, you can fill the tub a little higher and still keep a solid and safe grip on the baby. The extra water makes a difference--your baby will float a little and feel the gentle currents. It helps if you have a second adult present to whisk the baby into a warm towel at the end of the bath.
Even the sound of water can be soothing to babies. For some ideas on soothing your baby using water sounds, Danielle Schultz's article "Tips For Your New Baby" on Family.com is a good resource.
http://family2.go.com/raisingkids/child/...
6 to 12 months
A good old-fashioned bath is huge fun for older babies. Once babies can sit by themselves, they can take baths in the adult tub by themselves. Round up lots of good water toys: plastic cups and balls are not fancy, but they are perfect for the tub. Teething babies can suck on a wash cloth. It goes without saying that if your baby poops in the water or has a case of diarrhea, keep the wash cloth out of his mouth.
In the summer, bring bath time outside. Kiddie pools--plastic or inflatable pools that are about five feet in diameter and two feet tall--provide a cool place to play.
1 to 2 years
During the second year, toddlers' brains continue to lay down important connections, particularly in the cerebellum. The cerebellum controls coordination and timing, and water play is good practice for these skills.
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