Bathing toddlers

Between one and two years old, your happy little splasher may begin to assert his freedom of choice about bathing and hair washing! Try these tips to bring the enjoyment back, and to give him a sense of independence:

• Give him his own special bubble bath, novelty sponge and facecloth, and encourage him to clean himself while you 'help'

• Buy a bath activity centre. These attach to the bath side with suction cups, and are a fun way to teach your toddler how water can propel wheels and make things happen

• Buy a tub of blowing bubbles with a special wand, and keep them as a treat for bath time or hair washing days

• If he has any soft toys that are washable, let him give them a bath before you pop them in the washing machine

• Let him lather his own hair: you start him off, then he can have a good go at finishing the job. Show him how to make fun shapes with his hair and the foam: rabbit's ears or a pointy peak, then let him see himself in the mirror

• If he really hates hair washing, you can buy shampoo shields which look like the brim of a hat, and allow the soapy water to run off, without touching your child's face

See Bath accessories