Bath time, how do they do it?

"A toddler and a baby make for quite the challenge. The sleepless nights and attention both of them need in combination with work, household tasks and trying to have a social life can be quite complicated. At our house, the evening routine is the moment where we all can take a step back and relax a little."

What does bath time look like at your house? "When Otis was a baby I always put on the same song. After the bath we also really took the time for a baby massage. Both him and I really enjoyed this moment. I really try to also recreate these moments with Féline, although it is a lot harder with the second baby because you need to split your attention between the two of them. It is really funny actually, at some point they start to remember and recognize the song from bath time. When they are sad I put on the same song while I cuddle with them and they immediately start to calm down!"

"Sometimes Féline and Otis take a bath together, those baths are a lot less zen. Although Otis likes taking a bath with his sister, it does have to go his way. He really doesn't like it when she tries to grab his toys or when she causes too much splashing. Then 'sitter' (sister) needs to get out of the tub. When both me and my partner are home, we often try to give them baths separately, this way it's quieter and more zen for Féline and they can both get the same amount of attention. I remember that I was really focussed on creating the 'perfect evening routine' with a bath, massage and some reading time when Otis was a baby. Now I don't feel the need for this anymore."

What products do you use for bath time? "At home we sometimes use bath oil, sometimes bath foam. I like to switch it up a little. As I said before I also try to make time for a massage after I get them out of bath and for this I use baby oil. Otis likes to help with his sisters bath ritual, although they do have a love/hate relationship and he finds it difficult to not always have all of our attention."

"When they take a bath together he often plays with an empty bottle and a bucket, he fills the bottle and empties it in the bucket again. It makes it easier for me to split my time between the two of them when he can also play individually. He always ends bath time by throwing ice cold water over himself. I really don't know why he likes it so much but he is really roaring with laughter while he yells: TOLD!!! HAHAHA' (cold)."

What do you treasure most about this moment with your kids? "Bath time is one of the few times where everyone can sit still after a long and hectic day. For us it is the perfect moment to spend some time together. During their time in the tub everyone can calm down en we have time to chat a little, which we all just really enjoy. Because everyone starts to relax it is also easier to get the kids to bed afterwards. They fall asleep faster that way (although there are some problems with sleeping through the night ;))."

Do you have tips for other parents? "As a part of the Naïf team I have obviously done some research on the musts and don'ts of parenthood, but to be honest, in reality things always go different. That is also what I would like to bring to the attention of other parents: just because the books or internet says one thing, doesn't mean that this is the only way. Every child is different and every family as well. Although bath time is usually a time of relaxation for me and my family it can definitely also get chaotic. Every day and every situation is different and that is okay. In the end the only thing that matters is if you and your kids are happy with your way of doing things."