Open bath with baby is inspired by free movement and Montessori pedagogy. It involves allowing your child to move freely in the water without restraint. This approach to bathing is a wonderful way to build your little adventurer's confidence in the water and help them experience the sensations of their body. However, for you as parents, this practice may seem intimidating. In this article, we introduce you to this new way of giving your baby a bath.

What is free play?

When you give the bath to your little one in the traditional way, you support them with your arm, a bath seat, or even a bath chair when they are a bit older. The free bath technique promotes baby's autonomy in the bath . You can therefore do without bath accessories.

During free bathing, you can place your baby on their back directly in the bathtub, or even in the shower tray, with a shallow amount of water. Your little adventurer is then free to move and can become aware of their body without shame . Like motor skills free play, it involves allowing the child to follow the motor development that suits them.

What are the benefits of free bathing?

With your baby, free bathing allows them to discover new sensations in the water and develop their independence . This can help them feel more comfortable in an aquatic environment and can be a great start before beginning baby swimmers . Free bathing also helps your baby feel more secure, as they are in contact with the bathtub and can develop their own points of support. Your little one's psychomotor development can benefit greatly from this practice because it helps them become more aware of their body.

On your side, free bathing also has several advantages. This practice is economical, since just a few centimeters of water are enough. In addition, you don't need to buy accessories to support your baby in the bath. And since you don't have to hold your child in your arm, you'll enjoy this moment much more with them. Your hands will be free to play and to wash them much more easily. No more back pain from bending over the bathtub.

At what age should free play in the bath begin?

Free bathing can be practiced quite early with infants, around 2–3 months old . This period is very rich for children. They start to observe their surroundings and become aware of themselves . Their muscle tone also allows them to enjoy this moment of aquatic motor skills. The most important thing is to trust yourself and your little one; age is, of course, a guideline, not an obligation.

If you feel that your baby is not receptive, or if one day they are tired, don't insist. You can try again next time; the important thing is to respect your little adventurer's rhythm . Sometimes, a hand on their belly can reassure your baby, who still often needs contact with their parents.

How to set up the free bath with baby?

Free bathing may seem dangerous to some parents, but in fact, it isn't. There are, of course, some rules to follow so that you and your baby can enjoy it with complete peace of mind. We also share all the steps to follow so you can do it in a simple, calm, and safe way.

What are the safety rules to follow?

During free bathing, as with traditional bathing, it is essential to never leave your little one unattended in the bathroom, even if they are bathing in just a few centimeters of water. It's rule number 1 for a serene bath and safe one. You can also learn a few first aid gestures to feel more confident.

Do not force your baby. If you feel that they need more time or are simply a little tired, try this practice again another day. They will feel more confident and will benefit more (and so will you) from this moment.

Initially, position your little explorer on their back. Around 5 months, they will start to roll over. This is, of course, not a problem. We know it’s not always easy, but let them do it and trust them . And if you feel that they are having difficulties, you can step in. In general, your baby won't need you and will be able to manage on their own.

If you have an older child and want to bathe them at the same time, make sure the older one stays attentive and does not turn on the tap. We recommend giving them a special responsibility and taking advantage of their role as an older brother or sister to watch over the younger one.

What are the steps of the free swim?

To help you set up the free bath at home, here are some tips and all the steps to do it properly:

• First, choose the place where you will give the bath to your little one. Bathtub, shower tray, small pool/inflatable bath—the important thing is that the space is large enough for your baby to move around a bit.

• Fill with 5 or 6 centimeters of water (at the level of the baby's earlobes) at 37 degrees Celsius. Make sure the room temperature is between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius.

• For extra safety and comfort, you can place a non-slip mat or a towel at the bottom of the bathtub.

• Place the baby on their back . They will turn over onto their stomach when they have the ability to do so.

• Let your little adventurer have fun and enjoy this moment . They don't need toys or specific equipment.

• Take care of hygiene of the baby , lather them and rinse them .

• Don't forget to moisten your little one regularly with water at the right temperature, to prevent them from getting cold.

Baths are special moments with your baby. Free bathing can create an even more unique connection. It takes a bit of practice , but once you find your method, you'll see all the advantages of this bathing technique, especially in terms of sensory discovery and motor skills. So here’s a tip: go for it—you won’t regret it! ;)