Parenthood comes with a number of new responsibilities to add to one's repertoire. Feeding, clothing, burping, changing diapers, playing, reading and, of course, there’s also bath time. Many of us start by putting our little ones in small, plastic bathtubs (my son had a cute whale tub) while others just fill up a sink and go to town. Others opt to co-bathe. Co-bathing is exactly what it sounds like: bringing your kid into the bathtub or shower with you so you can both get clean simultaneously. While this may sound simple enough, there are actually many struggles that moms who co-bathe encounter.
Of course, there are also plenty of perks when it comes to co-bathing (and co-showering, which is also exactly what it sounds like). For some, it’s about convenience. You can’t very well leave a baby (much less a toddler) unattended for the amount of time it takes to get yourself cleaned up in the shower. So, as a means to an end for most, bathing simultaneously means you can keep an eye on your kid while doing what needs to be done. Of course, co-bathing can also save you some very precious time. Instead of cleaning yourself, then cleaning your kid (or visa versa) you kill two birds with one proverbial stone. Win-win, my friends.
Of course, it's also worth mentioning that co-bathing and co-showering can be lots of fun and a memorable experience you’ll look back on fondly, especially once your baby or toddler becomes a sweaty, smelly teenager. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though, as you’ll surely realize once you’re done reading the following co-bathing struggles.