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Rub-a-Dub-Dub, Fun in the Tub!

June 19, 2024 Children
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Bath time isn’t just about getting clean— it’s a chance to relax and have fun too! For many families, it’s part of the bedtime routine.

Making bath time fun is a great way to learn and play while getting clean. You can use simple toys like plastic cups and bowls or even kitchen items. Kids can pour water, mix it in a bowl, and see what floats. As they grow, they can practice putting their face in the water and blowing bubbles. It’s also a good time to learn body parts and how to wash themselves.

You can get creative with bath crayons, eating popsicles, or blowing bubbles—it’s a fun way to make a mess that’s easy to clean up. These activities are perfect for days when you can’t play outside due to bad weather.

If you’re short on time, you can make bath time a game to see how quickly they can get clean or even brush their teeth in the bath. This can help avoid tantrums if they want to stay in longer.

Making bath time fun is a great way to learn and play while getting clean.

baby in tub with mom playing

Safety is super important during bath time. Never leave kids alone in the tub, even for a second. Keep the water temperature low to prevent burns, use a non-slip mat, and make sure they don’t get too wild, especially if they’re bathing with a sibling.

baby playing

Keep bath toys clean and replace them if they start to get moldy. Some kids might find the water overwhelming and need extra help to get used to it. If you’re worried about your child, talk to WIC or a specialist who knows about sensory therapy.

Bath time is not just about staying clean—it’s also good for our mental health. So, even when life gets busy, try to make time for some bath time fun and learning.

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Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position