Bathing with my little one is perfectly natural. What is strange, however, is the way some individuals tend to sexualize what is simply a routine activity. How did we reach a point in society where we can accept provocative images in public spaces while simultaneously judging a parent for sharing a bath with their child? Seriously, internet, what’s going on?
Taking a bath with infants or toddlers is often just more practical than trying to bend over the tub. Many parents happily share that it becomes a delightful opportunity to bond and play with their children. This routine is just as normal as breastfeeding or co-sleeping—an expression of love and care rather than anything inappropriate.
What Parents Are Saying
Don’t just take my word for it; here’s what some parents have shared:
“My partner and I regularly took baths with our son until he was about 4. We wanted him to feel comfortable with his body and understand that not everyone looks like the people on TV. Plus, it helped him learn about cleanliness.” — Mia
“We still shower with our nearly 6-year-old son. He needs to be cleaned, and whoever is showering at that time will take him along. My almost 9-year-old has been showering solo for about two years; he decided when he was ready.” — Jake
“My 4-year-old daughter sometimes wants to bath with me, but she also enjoys her personal space! Now with the arrival of our second daughter, we often have all three of us in the bath. My eldest loves helping wash her baby sister. I can see this going on for quite a while!” — Tessa
“I bathe with my 2-year-old daughter. We have a blast splashing around, and she’s even picked up washing her hair, which she always resisted before. It’s fun and educational!” — Laura
“My 4-year-old and 2-year-old join me in the shower whenever they want. I’ll know when it’s time to stop when they start feeling awkward about it!” — Brian
None of these parents indicated any concern about the appropriateness of bathing with their toddlers. Why? Because it’s just a natural part of parenting!
It seems that those with the loudest and most controversial opinions, often hidden behind anonymity, have made it hard for many of us to enjoy simple parenting moments without feeling judged. We have to defend basic choices like circumcision, breastfeeding, and yes, bathing with our little ones. When did these decisions become anyone else’s business?
Hats off to the parents who ignore the naysayers and focus on what truly matters—enjoying time with their kids. That’s the spirit of parenting!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, my 3-year-old is demanding bath time, which means we get to splash around together.
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In summary, sharing a bath with your toddler is a normal, loving part of parenthood that promotes bonding and learning. The stigma surrounding it often stems from a misunderstanding of what it means to nurture a child.