Do you ever get so cold that no amount of blankets or fuzzy socks will warm you up? I do, and there is only one perfect way to chase the chills away- a nice, hot bath. Bath time was fun for me growing up. When my brothers and I were very young we would often share a bath and play silly games and splash each other, though splashing never lasted too long since mom was sitting right there. I remember getting to use bath crayons, in bright, rich colors, to draw on the bathtub and ourselves with. Mom would write words or draw faces and we would try and copy her, or just scribble right over what she created. Toys and items such as plastic cups were a staple of bath time, but bubble baths were the most special. When I would see the Mr. Bubble box, I knew we were in for fun!

Bubble baths offer so much for a child to do. There’s the classic bubble hat, bubble eyebrows, and bubble beard (with an inevitable Ho, Ho, Ho!). Bubbles can be loaded into cups and boats, and be endlessly blown out of the palm of your hand. Parents can point out different shapes. Hide and seek is also a bubble bath favorite when toys float away. When you look at all the child development happening (math, science, problem solving, language, social development) it’s hard to find anything against bubble baths.

Adult supervision is a must during bath time. During the colder months parents will often run a deeper bath for their child because the surrounding air is cooler. Children are not safe unsupervised around bodies of water and can drown in less than two inches of water. Water safety is usually revisited during the warmer months of the year because swimming increases, but it is important always. Never leave a child alone during bath time or near bodies or containers of water. Choosing appropriate items for play and learning during bath time will also help keep children safe. Choose items that are made for the water such as measuring cups and floating toys. Assisting your child when they stand is also a way to help keep them safe. Installing a non-slip mat will help those little feet from slipping and sliding.

There are several bubble bath products on the market, most of which contain chemicals that aren’t too gentle, especially for children. Talk with your child’s pediatrician about recommendations. Generally, if bubble bath is used occasionally and not every day, then many health care professionals say it’s safe. But if you’re not one to take chances, then do a little research. Chances are you won’t end up with mountains of bubbles, but you may find something that your child will enjoy just as much. Here are some recipes and considerations for alternatives to the classic: Homemade Honey and Vanilla Bubblebath; Organic Bubble Bath for Kids; Easy Homemade Bubble Bath Recipes; Baby Bee Bubble Bath.

How do you make bath time fun for your kids?