Bath toys can be a great aid to the process of bathing a child. At about the age of six months, babies become more aware of their surroundings and start grasping and holding objects. Bath toys not only provide entertainment for the baby and toddler at bath time, but they help distract the child from the real purpose of the activity. While water is fun for the baby, parents have the, sometimes difficult, task of washing and cleaning the baby. This can be a tricky job to perform without the distraction of bath toys to keep the baby busy.
There are many types of bath toys to chose from. Options range from boats that float on the water, to rubber ducks that squeak, to numbers and letters that can be temporarily stuck on bath walls, to toys that suck in water to be squirted out. Washable crayons are another option for keeping a child busy during bath time.
Some things to consider when buying bath toys for a baby is the baby's age, safety issues, and the longevity of the toy itself. Get toys that are age appropriate. A ten month old, for example, will still put anything they can find in their mouths. Anything made of foam or with small detachable parts is a safety hazard as it poses a choking risk.
When considering longevity in bath toys, consider the fact that bath toys that can trap water will have to be replaced after only a couple of months of use. Black mold can develop in toys that collect moisture but cannot easily dry out. This can pose a health risk for your baby, especially babies who are still of the age to chew on objects.
Bath toys don't always have to be something that you have to go out and buy. Many babies and toddlers find wonderful entertainment in playing with plastic cups, plates, and bowls. Filling water from one cup or bowl to the other develops motor skills. It's also fun for them to try and balance the cups and bowls on top of floating plates.