A toddler’s bath time can be both fun and frustrating for parents. While many toddlers love to play and splash around in the tub, others think it’s more fun to try and climb out while you wash them because they don’t like taking a bath. Unfortunately, a toddler standing in a slippery tub is not safe at all, so parents need to know how to prevent their toddler from climbing out of the tub.
Don’t Leave Your Toddler Unattended
Toddlers frequently do things when we turn our backs or leave them unattended for a minute. This is true for nearly anything, but especially when it comes to bath time. For this reason, the parenting experts at NeoLittle say you shouldn’t leave your toddler unattended in the tub if you want to prevent them from climbing out.
As long as you’re right at the edge of the tub, sitting and talking to your child, they will be less likely to climb out. And, even if they start to stand or get out while you’re there, you can instantly intervene and get them to sit back down. This will help prevent it from becoming a habit, and it will prevent possible injuries that can happen when toddlers stand in the tub.
However, this will require you to make sure you have everything you need for your toddler’s bath time before you even start running the bath water. You’ll need to grab a washcloth, soap and shampoo, any bath toys you let your toddler use, a towel, and clothes or pajamas for after. By having all of this within reach, you can stay with your toddler the entire time and, with any luck, keep them from climbing out of the tub.
Be Firm & Consistent
If your toddler is old enough to understand basic rules, then they are old enough to receive consequences or discipline. When your child does something you’ve told them not to do, the team at Nemours Kids Health says your toddler will respond best to firm, consistent discipline.
When it comes to climbing out of the bathtub, one approach that can work is removing your child from the tub completely each time they stand up during bath time. You can even say, “I told you not to stand up in the bath. Now you have to get out.” It may take a few times for them to catch on, but eventually, your child will associate standing in the tub with being removed. If they like bath time, they will eventually change their ways.
However, this requires you to commit to removing the child from the tub at the first sign of them standing or trying to climb out. This can be hard, but it will help prevent your child from climbing out habitually.
Baby Proof The Tub
Unfortunately, you can’t always prevent your little one from trying to show off their new skills and take risks, even when they’re in the bath. For this reason, the team at Parent Guide highly recommends babyproofing your tubeven if you don’t let your child stand up or climb out on their own.
To thoroughly baby-proof the tub, you’ll want to install a non-slip bath mat and a spout cover. You’ll also want to make sure your toddler can’t make a run for it if they do get out of the tub completely, so consider closing the door to the bathroom or installing a baby gate to keep them in the room during bath time.
Keeping toddlers in the tub can be a difficult chore. However, if you stay with them the whole time, remain firm and consistent when they stand, and babyproof the tub, you can keep your toddler safe every time they take a bath.
Sources: NeoLittle, Nemours Kids Health, Parent Guide
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