Bathtime Activity: 4-8 Months

By this age, your baby may anticipate the nightly bathtime routine and will very likely love it! As you undress him, talk about what you're doing (e.g., "Mommy needs to take your shirt off…up and over your head!"). Toward the end of this age range, you may find that he likes to pull off his own socks. If he happens to do this as you're getting him ready for a bath, all the better! You can say, "Good job! Thanks for helping! You took off your own socks." While in the bathtub, partially hide one of his water toys under a washcloth. See if he'll grab the washcloth to uncover the toy! You may have to show him how to do this one time first. He'll also like it if you sing songs, such Splish Splash, I Was Taking a Bath, and make small splashes in the water around him.

Possible Intervention Strategies & Supports

• To help with getting her head and hands in front of her to play with bath toys and splash in the water, position your baby in a supported infant bathing seat (such as the one picture below).

• If your baby gets easily overstimulated by bathing (which is still quite common at this age), try soothing him afterward with a gentle baby massage. Infant massage can not only help him relax, but has also been found to improve sensory/body awareness and enhance brain development. Click here for more specifc suggestions from Parents Magazine (2012) on how to massage your baby,  but first talk with your pediatrician to make sure it's a safe activity for your little one.

• Exaggerating consonant sounds can help babies with imitation. Start with sounds that are more visible when you move your mouth, such as /m/, /p/, and /b/.

• Depending on the child's needs, bath time can be particularly tough for a lot of families, such as when the child has a medical device. Work with your early intervention team to establish a practical and doable routine.

• At this age, babies are really beginning to develop an awareness of the two sides and halves of their bodies. Encourage this exploration as you towel her off after bathing by doing things like bringing her hands to her feet and showing her how to play with her toes.

Tips

Your baby will most likely be able to sit up by 6 months or so. Even after he can sit on his own, it's still a good idea to bathe him sitting in an infant bathing seat. Again, this should be done in the regular bathtub with just a small amount of water (but enough to keep him warm). An infant bathing seat (such as the one shown in the picture to the right) will protect him in case he does slide about or fall backward. This safety precaution will also make you feel secure so that the bath time experience can be enjoyable for both of you!

Family Handout

Click here to download an editable one-page handout of this age range's bath time activity, interventions, and tips.