The Bathtub
A multisensory playground to nurture Baby’s development
From bath time to bedtime, favorite rituals bring parents and children closer together. These small acts provide a sense of security to little ones and serve as family bonding time. However, many parents do not realize these everyday moments can be more impactful than they seem.
A recent Johnson’s Global Bath Time Report found that 84 percent of parents say bath time is some of the best quality time they get with their child, yet many parents still underestimate its power and benefits. In fact, more than half of parents (58 percent) say bath time is not extremely important to their child’s brain development. Emerging and foundational science reveals bath time’s importance, indicating that multisensory experiences such as bathing can be critical to Baby's happy, healthy development.
During the first three years of life, 85 percent of Baby’s brain is formed. Researchers have found that during the formative first years of life every interaction—every moment—is an opportunity to help shape Baby’s developing brain.
Bath time is more than cleansing; it’s a ritual that allows parents to unlock the full power of Baby’s senses with opportunities to use smell, touch, sight and sound. Make bath time mean more with these fun ideas:
- Don’t leave out the bubbles. Playing with bubbles can help babies develop hand-eye coordination and discover objects exist even when they can’t be seen.
- Be a rock star for the night. Play music and sing songs during bath time, which can stimulate parts of the brain responsible for memory. Did you know that playing certain types of music stimulates parts of the brain responsible for visual imagery?
- Give a language lesson in the tub. Talk back and forth with Baby during this time. It can help with language development.
- Link smell with happy memories. Pleasant smells, like those from a fragranced bath product, can create long lasting memories for Baby when paired with the loving interaction of a parent.
Another big part of the after-bath routine is massage, and research shows that babies who receive routine touch and massage are more likely to make eye contact and have an overall positive expression.
Remember to think of the bath time routine as more than a simple task—it fosters development and a sense of well-being for a baby and parents alike.