Bath time for little ones

Hold your baby in the bath as they "swim". Immerse your baby up to their shoulders, in warm water using a 'tub-shaped' bath. This will remind him of the secure atmosphere he experienced in the womb.

For very young babies limit bath time to a few minutes so there is no chance of getting too cold. Use a large soft cuddle towel for a lovely warm cuddle time following their dip. This is great bonding time with mummy or daddy.

Splashing is fun (although you may want to put some towels on the bathroom floor for this one!). Show your baby that they can make splashes by patting their hands on the surface of the water and watching the results! Try patting the water in different rhythms to keep your little one's attention.

Tipping and pouring are great ways to get your baby used to the feel of running water. Try putting plastic cups and bath toys into the water and pouring water from one to another.

If it's sunny and warm outside, why not take a portable bath tub into the shade and experience bath time in the fresh air. Talk to your baby about all the different things they can see; trees, birds, clouds, butterflies. They will be so busy looking round, they'll hardly notice they are in the bath!

Sounds 'n' splashes - fill the bath with loads of toys and household items that make a noise - wooden spoons, beakers, cups, mixing bowls are all perfect. Then show your baby how each "instrument" makes a different noise and make the same noise ie boom boom, splish splish.

Play "Dunk the duck". Hold a rubber duck at the bottom of the bath, underneath the water. Let it go and watch it fly when it surfaces. Your little one will love the element of surprise.

Play "Where's the toy?" Take some plastic toys into the bath and cover one over with a flannel. Ask your baby to find the missing toy and encourage them to look under the flannel.

Row your boat - sing along to the nursery rhyme and help your baby to act out the motions;
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream.