Bath toys are great for increasing baby’s confidence in water. From bath squirters to rubber ducks, boats to bubble makers and much more besides, in addition to being a necessity, bath time should be promoted as fun. With a number of bath tidies now available, you can encourage your customer to spend in this area regardless bathroom size or style, as when bath time is over they can change their temporary adventure water park back into the sanctuary most of us rely on after a hard day!

For many children, the main cause of tears at bath time is soapy water getting into the eyes, but with the advent of eye visors, this fear is removed, enabling babies and toddlers to enjoy the water and emerge relaxed and ready for bed.

There are, of course, a range of necessary items to be purchased  which go hand in hand with safety. “Whatever kind of baby bath, baby chair, or bath support you use, never, ever, leave your baby unattended in the bath,” says Babycentre, insisting that parents have everything they need ready in advance, including towels, toiletries, clean nappies and pyjamas. It is also advised that parents never put baby in the bath while the water is still running and that cold water be added to the bath first, then hot, to reduce the risk of scalding. The family bath should also be made safe, with a rubber bath matt and covered taps, it says.

In addition to bath thermometers, towels and baby bath aprons are both necessary purchases and great gifts. Displayed alongside baby and toddler toothpastes, toothbrushes and toiletries, you have the opportunity to increase customer spend per visit, by catering for every bath time requirement within a dedicated section of your store.

Water play can take place both indoors and out. There are a number of sand and water activity tables, for example, that allow baby to experiment with water in addition to paddling pools with water slides and sprinklers. How much you stock will depend upon the size of your store and your core target market, but certainly, bigger products like these can be displayed online or in your mail order catalogue so that you can cater to your customer's needs and make additional sales.

“Water play is a great way to build co-ordination and help your child  to get comfortable with his body, but it is important to take your cues from your child when introducing him to the water,” says Babycentre on the subject of swimming.

At the core of your swimming range should be a good selection of swimming aids from arm bands, to floats and rubber rings. Sunglasses, goggles, swimwear, jackets, float suits and waterproof nappies should also be made available. A lot of baby swimwear on the market nowadays also has built in sun protection, enabling you to deal with concerns about water and sun safety at the same time.

Swimming footwear is also popular with parents, as protecting a child’s feet from the sun, sharp edges and slippery surfaces, they are perfect for the swimming pool or on the beach.

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