Bathtime Baby Storytime
Let’s get squeaky clean! Choose one of the following bath-themed baby storytime books and pair it with a couple of these songs and playtime ideas for more engagement and fun in your next Baby Storytime. I recommend repeating many of your rhymes and movement songs each week (repetition is key for cognitive development!), but sprinkling in new thematic songs and activities like the ones below will keep things fresh and exciting. Visit The Youth Desk’s Baby Storytime page for more detailed guidance.
Bathtime Baby Storytime Books
Bathtime Baby Storytime Songs & Rhymes
Here are my favorite bathtime-themed movement songs and rhymes for babies.
Bubbles
Bubbles, bubbles all around. (roll baby’s arms)
Bubbles, bubbles on the ground. (lower baby to ground or touch baby’s hand to ground)
Bubbles, bubbles on my nose. (touch nose)
Bubbles, bubbles on my toes. (touch toes)
Bubbles, bubbles in my hair. (touch hair)
Bubbles, bubbles everywhere! (reach arms out wide)
Bubbles in the Tub
Sing to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus.” Use props, such as bubbles, a washcloth, and a rubber ducky, or make hand movements.
The bubbles in the tub go, (Blow actual bubbles or flutter fingers down like falling bubbles)
Pop, pop, pop! Pop, pop, pop! (Bounce baby)
Pop, pop, pop!
The bubbles in the tub go pop, pop, pop!
All through my bath time!
The washcloth in the tub goes scrub, scrub, scrub…(Pretend to scrub baby’s head or tummy)
The ducky in the tub goes quack, quack, quack…
Five Elephants (or Ducks!) in the Bathtub Flannel Board Rhyme
The beauty of this rhyme is that you can replace “elephant” with any flannel or magnet board critters you’ve got. I like to do this rhyme with rubber duckies, then get them back out for playtime.
One elephant in the bathtub (add elephant to flannel board)
Going for a swim
Knock, Knock, (Clap twice)
Splash, Splash, (Pat knees twice)
Come on in! (Motion with both hands to come in)
Two elephants in the bathtub…
Five elephants in the bathtub
Going for a swim.
Knock, Knock,
Splash, Splash,
They all fell in!
Wash Your Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes
Pass out soft sponges for caregivers/babies to scrub with as you sing (these sponges from Amazon work great) or pretend.
Wash your head, and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes. (Pretend to scrub each part)
Wash your head, and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose –
Wash your head, and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.
Bathtime Baby Playtime Activities
Ending storytime with free play is an excellent way for babies and caregivers to socialize and observe others. You don’t need anything fancy. Simply setting out blocks, musical instruments, or bean bags would suffice, but here are some bathtime-themed ideas to further enhance your program.
Sponge Play
Sponges make great storytime props and sensory play items! Set them in a bin for babies to explore, or add objects for scrubbing. See the post 10 Ways to Play with Sponges from Outside the Toy Box for more fun ideas.
Rubber Ducky Play
Set rubber duckies out in a bin with (or without!) a thin layer of water. Even a plain bucket of duckies are fun for little ones to carry, toss, and play.
Bubbles!
Play “Bubbles” from the album Everything Grows by Raffi and blow bubbles! Let babies pop, explore, and enjoy.
