Bath time with a toddler can be more than just about getting clean; it can also be an opportunity for them to do things on their own and hone their self-care skills, among other things.
My little toddler is currently in the “curious explorer” stage where he’s always eager to watch and imitate everything I do, including during bath time. He was fascinated by how liquid comes out of the bottles and makes bubbles. He wanted to see what the soap does to his body and why it vanished when rinsed with water, and he wanted to try it himself. That’s when I realised that it would be a good idea to make changes to the bathroom setup to accommodate his curiosity while helping him to become more independence at the same time.
Why encourage toddlers to be independent in the bathroom?
As parents and caregivers, we play a vital role in teaching our little ones essential self-care skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. From mastering handwashing to eventually using the bathroom on their own, these early bath time experiences are about fostering confidence, responsibility, and self-sufficiency.
When we allow children to learn how to bathe themselves, we are not only nurturing a vital life skill that empowers them to care for their bodies but also providing them with an early opportunity to understand the benefit of good hygiene, which is important for their overall health and well-being.
How can we encourage toddler to be independent in a small bathroom?
When it comes to promoting independence in children, I’m adapting the approach of Montessori method which places a strong emphasis on fostering independence and self-reliance in children. This means providing opportunities for them to make choices, encouraging them to take responsibility for their learning, and creating an environment that supports their natural curiosity and desire to explore.
Encouraging your toddler to be independent doesn’t mean you need to have a big space or spend tons of money on expensive setups. With the right priority and a little creativity in mind, you can still offer them a chance to be independent even when the space is limited.
All you need is just some simple changes and you can instantly turn bath time into an opportunity for your child to thrive in the bathroom. The key here is to create an environment that promotes self-sufficiency, exploration, and learning while also making bath time more fun and enjoyable for both parents and children.
Here are 4 ideas to help your toddler develop self-care skills in the bathroom, even if you have a small bathroom:
1. Toddler-Friendly Showerhead Placement
For many toddlers, the typical placement of a showerhead can be intimidating as it is usually positioned high above their heads. Not to mention, the strong water stream that adults find enjoyable can be overwhelming for them too.
To make showers more enjoyable, consider lowering the showerhead by installing a holder at a toddler-friendly height. This adjustment allows your little one to have a better, less intimidating perspective of the water flow. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and confidence in the shower.
2. Easy-to-Access Storage for Bath Toys
Bath toys are a must for keeping your toddler entertained during bath time. However, they can quickly clutter your small bathroom if you don’t have a designated place to store them. When choosing a storage to keep bath toys, don’t go for a narrow mesh bag because it can be hard to reach toys at the bottom. Instead, choose a basket with a wide opening. This helps your toddler easily see and access their favourite bath buddies as they don’t have to search through a jumbled pile of toys.
Additionally, a hanging basket that has holes all over it is also a good choice because it doesn’t take up floor space, helps water drain, and allows bath toys to dry quickly.
3. Use Picture as Labels
For little kids who can’t read yet, using pictures as labels helps them understand what things are. To empower your child to take charge of their self-care routine, use pictures to label their shampoo and body wash bottles. This way, your child can easily identify which is which.
For my son, I created personalised drawings of him to label the bottles. I printed them on waterproof sticker paper and attached them on the bottles. I also added a pair of buckle hooks to the bottles so they can be hung on the wall and can easily be taken out during refilling. These drawings help him associate each item with the corresponding part of the body.
My reel on Instagram where I made a short video showing how I set up our small bathroom for my toddler has gained quite a bit of buzz recently with many viewers getting interested with the drawings that I created. I’m really glad to know that my tips are helpful and more than happy to provide my drawings for free. I also created some options with various hair colours and skin tones and the female versions too.
You can download them by clicking the download button below:
Feel free to resize and adjust them accordingly to fit your bottles. Please note that these illustrations can only be used for your personal purposes only. Unauthorised distribution and commercial uses are strictly prohibited.
Fyi, if you don’t have a waterproof sticker paper to print these on, use regular paper and seal with clear tape. It will do the trick just fine.
4. Kid-Safe Mirrors for Learning and Fun
A kid-safe mirror placed at your toddler’s eye level can transform bath time into an educational experience. Not only does it add an element of fun, but it also allows your child to explore their own reflection. They can learn about body parts and even observe cause-and-effect as they splash water and create soap bubbles on their mirror image. It’s a small addition that can keep your child engaged during bath time.
Important Things to Note
- Always supervise small children! It’s important to never leave them alone in the bathroom, especially when water is running and the floor is wet.
- Hang everything up to dry after bath time and avoid leaving items on the floor.
- Use suction hooks whenever possible for easy cleaning and to prevent mould growth.
Incorporating these ideas into your daily bath time routine can make a significant difference in your toddler’s self-care skills and overall enjoyment. Let’s make bath time not only educational but also enjoyable regardless of the size of your bathroom!
