Bath time: More than good clean fun

Bath time is a great opportunity for parents, siblings and infants to bond, play and develop relationships. Baths also provide babies with a rich sensory environment: the feel of the water and another person's touch; the smell of their surroundings; the sound of the parents' and siblings' voices, and splashing. However, bath time is more than good clean fun.

For example, a growing body of evidence suggests that tactile stimulation improves growth and encourages the child's social, cognitive and motor development (Pelaez-Nogueras et al, 1996; Okabe et al, 2012). Odours also seem to influence behaviour and emotions (Lagercrantz and Changeux, 2009). Indeed, olfaction's unique anatomical pathway means that smell seems to influence infants' acquisition (e.g. memory) of, and ability to use, information (Sullivan et al, 2015). However, a recent survey suggests that many parents do not appreciate these benefits. Midwives may need to emphasise the potential benefits of bath time—and sensory stimulation more generally—in the child's development.