The Savvy Five: Bath Gear

Stuck in a rut with your evening program? Dinner, bath, books, bed…dinner, bath, books, bed…(insert mild temper tantrum along the way here). Make bath time more fun with this month’s SavvyFive—great new finds for some slippery silliness.

Dreambaby Heat-Sensitive Bath Stickers
Good for: More fun and more safety
Why It Made the List: The tub can be a site of endless fun, but slipping and scalding are real hazards that account for many of the injuries that children suffer in the home. To decrease that risk, we love these cute, sea-creature shaped stickers from Dreambaby that apply easily to the bottom of your tub. Not only do they decrease the chance of slipping, but they change colour if the water gets too hot, which makes bath time less stressful for moms and more fun for kids. (Available at select Zellers nation-wide, $7.99)

Bath Cupcakes
Good for: Creating a kaleidoscope kiddy spa
Why It Made the List: Getting kids to do something with a smile is always easier when a treat is involved (we like to call it positive reinforcement, not bribery). If there are occasions when your child needs a little nudge into the tub, a bath cupcake might just be the thing. Handmade and “iced” to look just like the real thing, these delicious little cakes turn into fizzy, colourful, sweet smelling treats when dropped under a running tap. With yummy “flavours” like lemon meringue, apple strudel, orange chiffon, strawberry shortcake, blueberry cheesecake and toasted coconut, we might just sneak one for our own bath. (Available online at www.honey-bunch.com, package of six for $20)

Organic Wash Mitts
Good for: Decreasing dirt, increasing giggles
Why It Made the List: Getting a kid (especially a toddler) to cooperate is tough. Getting a slippery, wet kid to cooperate is almost impossible. If your little dirt devil doesn’t enjoy getting washed behind the ears and under the arms, than this adorable bath mitt is for you. Made of organic cotton and cuter than anything, it turns bath time into a puppet show and washing into part of the story. Just soap up the mitt and get scrubbing. (Available online from Baby on the Hip, $15)

Boon Scrubbles
Good for: Longer, safer soaking
Why It Made the List: While staying away from BpAs, Phthalates and PVCs has become pretty common in the world of baby bottles and food storage, it’s still something we don’t always think about when it comes to toys. As with bottles, the risk is highest when these compounds are used in items that are exposed to heat, can become worn or go into the mouth. So finding BpA-, Phthalate- and PVC-free bath toys sounds like a good idea. Boon makes an amazing and adorable line of clever bath toys that are free and clean, and our favourite is the Scrubbles. These cute little squeeze toys encourage kids to clean themselves. The interchangeable bulbs come unscrewed for easy cleaning helping avoid that mysterious black gunk build-up. (Available online from Organically Hatched, $14.99)

Tubby Bath Organizer
Good for: Tidy post-tub time
Why It Made the List: Because a tidy space makes you happier, we love the Tubby. Made of sturdy neoprene (yes, the wet suit stuff) it is tougher and better looking than the flimsy netting of most bath organizers. It’s cool design and not-so-kiddy esthetic also makes it a bit less conspicuous if the grown ups share their tub with the kids. The best part is that it allows bath toys to dry out between dips to prevent mildew growth. (Available online from Moms to be…and More, $25)

So now that you’re ready for some good clean products, don’t forget the fun.