The bathtub offers a great learning environment for your child, one that will give him or her a unique opportunity to experiment and learn about water. Many parents enjoy bathing their baby, especially in the beginning when the infant is not quite ready to sit independently. In this setting your child is safe and can also enjoy the security of close physical contact with you. This will allow the infant the necessary security to explore water without any fear. Since all young children need to develop a sense of emotional security, using the bathtub for learning is an excellent way to help your child gain sensory experience and establish emotional bonds.

If you do not get into the bathtub with your baby, there are bath seats that have rubber suction cups that attach securely to the floor of the tub. You can kneel or sit beside the bathtub and make it into an enjoyable routine for yourself and your child. Providing some toys and plastic containers that float, even bath books, should increase the likelihood that your child will quickly adapt to the routine and experience. When patting and splashing the water with your child he or she will quickly respond and imitate you. The child will enjoy the sensory experience of hearing the sounds of water splashing and feeling the water on his body.