Everything you need to know about bath toys for babies

Bath toys allow children to exercise their imagination whilst relaxing. But this moment, which is so commonplace, what benefits does it hold and how can we make the most of it more broadly? We tell you everything (or almost)!

Why put toys in the bath?

Bath time is the perfect moment for baby to relax. The liquid environment almost certainly reminds them of the inside of the womb when they were still a foetus. It also allows them to unwind and release the little tensions of the day. It is also a moment that encourages a peaceful night's sleep.

Making the most of this time to play is therefore important for baby. And beyond wellbeing, it works on motor skills. It is true that because toys float and move more freely than outside the bath, it encourages baby to be more precise and develop increasingly accurate movements.

What materials can bath toys be made from?

Most often, bath toys are made of plastic. But did you know that bath toys can be made from more eco-friendly materials such as wood? This is how you can start instilling eco-responsible attitudes in your child.

Beyond that, bath time is also a learning moment. It is therefore not necessary to have toys throughout the entire bath. Toilet training can itself be a game and make them more independent. The texture of water, the act of filling objects and emptying them, what sinks and what floats... In short, with very little, you can discover a great deal. It begins from the very first moments. Baby discovers that water splashes. These are the beginnings of discovery and bath play.

The age from which to introduce bath toys

From the moment baby can sit up properly in the water, you can start introducing small toys to keep them entertained. Indeed, they have recently mastered the sitting position, so you can continue supporting their development. The water will help them stabilise more easily. The fact is that when baby is sitting up, they can quickly become bored. So, with toys, bath time becomes one of their favourite moments.

Precautions not to forget whilst baby is having fun

We remind you that baby must never be left unsupervised in the bath. Indeed, it is essential that someone is constantly by their side watching them. Eyes away from the mobile phone, even if the Maman et Bébé Nature articles are irresistible, great vigilance is required! It is, after all, a wonderful moment to share together!

Also, the temperature of the bath water drops quickly and baby could catch a chill. So keep checking that it has not cooled down too much using a thermometer. Baby's mouth can also be an indicator. Indeed, sometimes baby's lips can turn purple.

Generally speaking, the duration of a baby's bath varies depending on their age. For example, for a baby under 10 months, 5 minutes is sufficient. After this age, 5 to 10 minutes is recommended. That said, always follow baby's lead. They will also let you know when they would like to stop!