Bath time fun – how your baby’s gestures can signal they want to carry on

What you need 

• A variety of bath toys, something to pour, catch and squirt from 
• Time to play some games during bathtime 

What to try 

• Squirt or drip water onto your baby’s leg or tummy. If you get a giggle, this is a clear sign it’s fun.  
• Then do the same to their head or their fingers – but make sure to avoid their face, especially their eyes and mouth.  
• Push a ball or a duck towards your baby and see if they try to reach for it. If they do, give it another go.  
• Fill a container with water and gently pour it over your baby’s arms and shoulders. Watch to see if your baby shows that this feels nice. They may raise their arms when you lift the container back in the air – perhaps signalling that they want you to do it again.  

Good to know 

You could offer your baby a turn for them to pour water or push toys in the bath. 

If your baby shows signs of discomfort, it might not be the right activity for them on this day. Gently try again during another bathtime or when they’re a little older. 

Bathtime can be a great opportunity to develop gestures with your baby; they’ll be forming their own methods of initiating and keeping your attention through sound and gesture.