Keep tears to a minimum during bath time with more than just tear-free soaps and shampoos. Outfitting your tub with tot-friendly gear will keep lil ones entertained while mama gets them clean. From kid-sized baths and showerheads to waterfall-inspired faucet-covers, your wee one will come out clean as a whistle with these products.
This question was submitted by member Betty Wayne in the The Mommy Club group.
So it's common knowledge that leaving a baby alone in the bath — even for a second — is a huge no-no. But, when is it safe? My little one is four-and-a-half, and I've been letting her bathe by herself. I'll stay nearby so I can hear her and I check in on her every couple of minuets. Is that safe? Should I wait even longer? She can wash herself and she's very mature (for four). What do you girls think? What age is safe?
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What family album doesn't include a bath photo? An Arizona family may be thinking twice before ever having such snapshots developed again. The couple's three children were taken from them and placed in foster care after a Wal-Mart employee discovered nude images of the kids while printing up the clan's vacation photos. Though the parents have since been cleared of any wrongdoing, investigators originally were tipped off when a store employee found pictures of the children, ages 5, 4, and 1½, in various states of undress while en route to the tub. Following the youngsters' removal from their home, the state launched an inquiry into the possibility of sexual assault which included thorough physical examinations of each child. The family is now suing Wal-Mart, the city, and the state for punitive damages for defamation and outrage.
Do you consider who will be viewing your family photos when having them printed?
Source: Flickr User Ernst Vikne
North doesn't mind a rub-a-dub in the tub every couple weeks, but even I couldn't lure my guy in the bath three times a week like this kitty! Five year-old Laifu from China can't get enough of the bubbly water of bath time, which is completely contrary to what many cat lovers can expect. I know my favorite cat gals use dry shampoo for their felines, and only attempt the water bath when absolutely necessary but maybe they're the exception, not the rule!
Baby might be in the tub, but inevitably mama gets wet! Bath time with a splish splashing tot can turn the bathroom into a site for full blown waterworks.
The Coocoose apron towel ($60) soaks up some of the wetness as it is worn as an apron by the bath-giver during tub time and then serves as a warm wrap once the child gets out of the tub. Made from 100 percent turkish cotton, the super-soft towel features a hood on one corner to ensure that the wet one is covered head-to-toe en route to his changing table.
Few activities involving a newborn frighten new parents as much as bath time. The idea of a non-cooperative child soaped up and slippery is enough to get parents begging the grandparents for help.
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Few scents scream "baby" more than Johnson and Johnson's pink lotion. If it weren't for reports of the brand giant using toxins in its products, I'd lather my tot in it. Wary of its effects, I have turned to a list of "safer" goods to keep my wee one clean. Check out the slideshow to see some high-quality cleansers.
Even soaps that claim to be "Tear Free" can cause a youngster to squeal when it hits their wee eyes. My sweet pea isn't such a fan of leaning back and letting me douse her with a bucket so I've found an easier way to avoid a teary tub.
Hand your child a rolled up or folded washcloth and have her hold it over her eyes. When the rinsing is complete, she can take the washcloth and wipe her face. Everyone is happy and the washcloth is now ready to dutifully clean the rest of the tiny tot.
Finding cute and fun toddler bath products that aren't connected with a television character is not an easy task. Tiny Tillia is an adorable line of paraben-free and earth-friendly bath, body and play products. Created by London-based designer Tiffany Lerman, novelist Jackie Collins's daughter, the line includes head to toe foam washes, shampoos, bubble baths and hand sanitizers ($16) featuring a cast of whimsical cartoon characters based on Lerman's family. Duncan Dog, Indy Sheep, Ben Giraffe and TT Cow each have their own traits and are packaged as stuffed animals or bath mitts with accompanying bubble baths ($15). The products' Tropical Blast and Flower Power scents have attracted a celebrity following, including Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez, and are sure to encourage your lil ones to spend a few more minutes cleaning behind their ears.
Rubba, dub, dub, it's time to get your newborn in the tub! This task can be pretty scary for first time mamas who either hunch over a bathtub or have their lil one slipping and sliding around the plastic tub in the kitchen sink. The Puj Baby Portable Bathtub ($98) is made from soft foam that folds to fit all standard bathroom sinks, creating a snug environment for your baby. The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial tub is available in six pastel colors and opens up to hang flat against a wall, alleviating the need to find a drying spot for the large plastic tub.
