I took Tristan into the bathtub and then the shower. It was his first experience with the shower. I got together his towel, washcloth, toys, baby soap, and rinsing containers and set them up by the bathtub, and then in we went.

I washed him up except for his hair while the water was still in the bathtub. He was happily playing with the three water toys we’d brought in, but he kept trying to lean down and crawl, which doesn’t quite work when the tub has a bit of water in it. I let the water out (pleased to note that SO FAR Tristan doesn’t mind the water being let out of the tub) and turned on the shower. It ended up being slightly cooler than I’d take myself, but it was quite comfortable. I let him crawl around the bottom of the tub (for some definition of “crawl around”) and he was quite content to play with his toys. I finished up my showering process, washed his hair, and got us all toweled off.

This is the first time I was ever sort of sorry that Tristan isn’t a girl.. but only because playing together in the shower will have to stop at some point. Perhaps during the tween year(s) (when it’s inappropriate for him to see me naked but parents play with their kids in the shower) James will get in there and splash around with him. Hey, if we end up with a large stall shower, there will be no excuse! But in any event, I suppose I could always wear a bathing suit into the shower.

And taking a baby into the shower is very convenient. You’re not rushing to squeeze a shower in while the baby is asleep. You can linger in the shower longer because if the baby is entertained, there’s no need to rush (but if the baby doesn’t like it, that’s a huge pain in the ass). No need to haul out the baby bathtub or kneel over the side of the adult bathtub. It’s OK if baby splashes because the mess is contained (well, we have doors on the shower.. it may not be as foolproof with a shower curtain). Point the shower head at baby’s head to rinse the shampoo instead of messing with cups.

I think Tristan and I might get more bathing in if I keep bringing him into the shower.