Water provides entertainment for infants and also helps them learn about the world around them. Go beyond the basic bath, and plan more in-depth activities to create an enriching sensory experience for your infant. Babies need constant supervision around water, though, as they can drown in a very small amount of liquid.
Water Tub
A shallow tub or bowl filled with water provides water play that's ideal for infants. This water activity works best outdoors so your infant may freely splash and pour the water without making a mess. Measuring cups, spoons and other kitchen utensils work well as water play toys for little hands. Add soap bubbles to the water tub for more entertainment. The bubbles capture your baby's attention and add a new sensation to the water play activity.
Hole-Filled Bottle
A plastic bottle with holes punched in it serves as a homemade water toy. A small plastic juice or soda bottle works best for infants because it is lightweight and easy for small hands to hold. The bottle with holes works well either in a kiddie pool in the backyard or in the tub during bath time. Help your baby fill the bottle by holding it under the water. Demonstrate how to pull the bottle up so the water runs out of the holes. If your baby has difficulty holding the bottle herself, hold it for her, allowing the water to pour onto her arms and legs.
Sinking and Floating
The bathtub or a kiddie pool also creates an ideal environment for a sinking and floating activity. While your infant won't understand the concept of sinking and floating, he may enjoy seeing how objects act differently in the water. Choose several infant-safe toys or objects, with some that float and some that sink. Place them in the water with your child. Point out the differences in what happens to the objects.
Swimming
An infant swimming class offers a more structured water activity for your baby. These classes typically involve the parent and child getting into the pool together for a variety of entertaining activities. The goal is to get your child accustomed to the water at an early age. Look for infant swimming classes through community education programs and at local pool facilities, particularly those indoors or with warm water pools. You can also take your infant to the pool and create your own activities, such as bobbing, splashing and reaching for pool toys a few feet away.
