For safety, ensure an adult is watching your toddler at all times during water play and bathtime. The adult can also play along with your toddler.
Children learn and develop symbolic thinking best through play. As children go through caregiving routines, such as bathtime, they can play with open-ended mediums like water to develop symbolic thinking.
Object substitutions in play, such as using a beaker to pretend it is a cup, are strongly linked to language learning.
Toys that are most likely to facilitate development are those played with most enjoyably and productively together with an engaged caregiver. In such contexts, play with toys is likely to include rich language experiences, reciprocal verbal interactions, and scaffolding. Garner AS & Shonkoff JP. (2012). Early childhood adversity, toxic stress, and the role of the paediatrician: translating developmental science into lifelong health. Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health; Committee on Early Childhood, Adoption, and Dependent Care; Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2012;129(1). Available at: www. pediatrics. org/cgi/content/full/129/1/e224 Healey, A., Mendelsohn, A., and Council on Early Childhood (2019). Selecting appropriate toys for young children in the digital era. Pediatrics, 143:e20183348.
Read more at CD-PLY-C03.