The Popsicle Bath is the Best Toddler Activity Ever
Not every day is going to be a great day in motherhood. Some days are just bad days. Kids get sick, moms get sick, or everyone is just in a mood.
I know because I have had my fair share of bad days in the Land of Motherhood.
With 3 kids under age 4, I have seen plenty of grumpy toddler days (which are often paired with the always popular “mom just needs a break” days). My kids have grown up! They’re now 8, 6, and 4 but guess what? This is still their favorite activity.
Thank goodness I have an ace in the hole.
The mother of all toddler activities.
The holy grail of kid fixes (if you will).
My Mom taught me this secret…
…and I’m so excited to share it with you because this activity is life changing. Ok that might be slight hyperbole so let’s say “This activity is day changing.”
It can fix any bad day.
Friends. Let me introduce you to The Popsicle Bath.
It is exactly as it sounds: a Popsicle in the bath tub.
Now let me sell you on why this is the best.
It keeps the Popsicle mess contained.
I know you feel me on this. I love a good Popsicle as much as the next person but yikes. Those guys are sticky and stainy. No thank you.
A Popsicle bath is the perfect place to enjoy a Popsicle. The mess literally has no chance.
The Popsicle makes baths calmer.
Baths are soothing. This is why we adults love them…
But if you’re a toddler screaming about being wet or having your hair washed, not so much. Add in a Popsicle to the bath and suddenly… suddenly the bath doesn’t seem that bad.
Suddenly, they’re willing to give in to the calm of the soak.
Suddenly, they’re quietly resetting their day or resting well while sick.
RELATED: Looking for other bath time activities? Try these bath ideas!
Popsicles make the bath last a little longer.
When you start a bath with a Popsicle, you now have a contained, calmed down toddler in a little bath tub play pen. And they will stay there and eat that Popsicle sweetly for a while.
And that’s a while that Mom can sit and watch. I call this “sittervising.”
A while that Mom doesn’t have to carry someone around or build blocks or entertain.
(Obviously supervising the bath, but you knew that.)
The beauty of the Popsicle bath is that it keeps the mess contained, lets toddlers soak, and keeps the bath going. These are all good thing.
It doesn’t get old.
I do this with my kids all the time. Like at least once a week and don’t worry, the novelty hasn’t worn off. It’s a bath with a Popsicle. It’s not a hard sell.
I use this when I have a sick toddler.
I use it when I have a grumpy toddler.
I use it when I’m sick or when we’re bored or when I don’t know if we are going to make it to nap time because time is ticking backwards.
The best trick I learned from my mom is also the easiest. The answer to every rough day is always the Popsicle bath. Trust me on this one.
SOME FAQS ON POPSICLE BATHS:
- No need to refill the tub once they finish – one popsicle in all that water is super diluted EVEN if they drop the whole popsicle into it.
- Kids are smart! A few times of losing their popsicle to the warm water and they get the memo on how to keep it safe.
- What if they dip it in the water and lick it?! Gross. BUT on the scale of gross things my kids do each day… that doesn’t even move the needle for me.
- Any popsicle is great! Try this recipe from Yummy Toddler Food!
Hailey says
This is so simple but absolutely genius! Thanks for sharing!
Savannah says
This is SUUUUCH a cute idea!! Keeping the mess contained, and refreshing those tough days with a relaxing bath – it’s absolutely perfect. My son already adores bathtime – throw a Popsicle in, and he’ll be in heaven. Thanks for sharing! <3