Bathtime Toys

Bathtime Toys

Wooden toys are a refreshing change from pre-programmed electronic toys as they allow children to think for themselves and enjoy traditional creative play. This helps them to be active and develop their motor and co-ordination skills as they play with the pieces from the toys, as well as develop their dexterity and strength. The beautiful array of colours, shapes and themes used to create the wooden toy collection are inspiring and will be loved by little ones given the opportunity to play with them.

A Janod spokesperson comments, ‘we seek to stimulate their imagination and empower them to invent stories and make children HAPPY through the simple pleasure of play.’

Why are bathtime toys such good sellers?

Because bathtime is part of most children’s daily routine, from babyhood through to school years, there will always be parents looking for ways to make it a more fun experience for their children. In addition, as many bathtime toys are quite simple – such as squirters, cups and buckets – they are well priced, making them the perfect impulse buy. They also make fun, affordable gifts. However simple they may be, bathtime toys still make a huge contribution towards a child’s development.

Making bathtime fun

Bathtime is a favourite time of day for any parent who is at work all day. It’s a chance for them to enjoy some focused interaction with their baby or small child, so they want to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible. It’s also the ideal time for dads in particular to encourage physical play (research has shown that fathers tend to play in a more rough-and-tumble way than mothers) – splashing, blowing bubbles etc – and we have toys to help with that too. Parents also like to see toys that have an educational element, so bathtime toys that teach cause and effect as you pour the water in and out of them, letters and numbers that stick to the side of the bath and tiles all provide opportunities for some fun learning.

The importance of routine

The routine of bathtime is important, as it offers a sense of control and structure. Children who know what to expect throughout their day are better able to regulate behaviour and emotions. Bathtime, which offers an opportunity for communication between parent and child without interruption and other distractions, can be invaluable for language and communication development. So, it’s clear that making the most of this time is key. A toy that encourages interaction and makes bathtime a fun event rather than an onerous task, is invaluable in so many ways. And because bathtime can be a very different experience depending on a child’s mood – perhaps they are a little tired, a bit grumpy, or need another snack or bottle before bedtime – it’s always good to have a variety of toys to choose from to suit their mood. Janod’s bath books when they are tired, Munchkin Bath Toy Dunkers when they feel more active and Tomy’s Aquafun Octopals for fun.

Sensory and science play

Bathtime also offers a sensory experience for a baby, as the water touches the skin, as they learn about the different temperature of air and water, as they are patted dry. Toys such as the Munchkin Bath Float and Play Bubble Balls offer lots of movement and texture to add to a sensory experience. Fine motor development can be improved by squeezing water out of a squirter, like our Vital Baby Squirt and Splash Ducks and Frogs, fitting together the Boon Pipes before pouring water in and watching where it will come out. It’s also never too soon to discover scientific concepts such as volume, full, empty and displacement.