Showering with Toddler

[Isabelle728]

I have never taken a shower before while my 2 year old is awake, I ALWAYS do this when he naps or goes to bed, however today I need to shower before his nap because I need to go out while he naps today to run errands (my mum will be sitting in with him while he naps). Is it really bad for me to take a quick 5 minute shower while little one stays up? He will be occupied with tv. I have no stairs as I live in a bungalow and no hazards are around. The bathroom is also right next to the lounge. I feel guilty doing this but I'm desperate to use the time I have while he is asleep to do what I need to do today! I live in a completely new area so I'm not confident enough to bring him with me.

I think it’s completely fine. But if you’re worried why not see if he wants to have a shower with you? Or set up some toys for him in the bathroom whilst you shower?

It's fine :)

It’s fine! I have no choice about this most mornings when I’m getting ready for work. You know your two year old, no doubt some posters will say they’d never do it because they’d set fire to the house or climb the kitchen units but mine was always ok to do this in exchange for ten minutes in front of the tv. I left all doors open and used a 2 in one shampoo and conditioner and legs didn’t get shaved 🤣

If you think about it op, many people have 2 year olds AND newborns. Sometimes a couple more. Think bavk to when you were looking after your newborn and how much of your time they occupied. So, yes, it is completely and utterly fine to have a shower.

Completely fine. I don’t think people usually watch a 2YO every single second because siblings, household tasks, needing the toilet etc. Just leave the bathroom door ajar and be quick!

It's fine. I'd leave the door open so he can get in easily if he needs you.

If you're particularly worried just bring a couple of toys up and set him up just outside the door where you can see him. But I don't think you need to do this.

My DD is incredibly clumsy so i probably wouldnt, as she would inevitably hurt herself, but i know loads of people who would do this. If you are nervous, there are a few things you could do in future to give you a bit of flexibility in future. Keep all doors between the lounge and the shower open so your toddler can find you if needed. You could set up a playpen in one corner of the lounge with toys so they are safely contained. She loves to come in the shower with me so you could both shower at the same time. Toys on the bathroom floor for him to play with whilst you are showering.

What a strange post. Why can’t a 2 year old just come in and out of the bathroom while you’re having a shower?
Do you not go to the bathroom while they are awake?

Mine sits on the bed watching CBeebies while I shower. I leave bathroom door open and he knows where I am. He rarely leaves his spot on the bed.

Of course this is fine! I didn't do this with my kids until they were gone 3 purely because we don't live in a bungalow and until that age we had a baby gate on the stairs and didnt permit them to go up/downstairs alone. Our stairs are incredibly steep. I didn't feel comfortable to go in the shower and leave them until they could come and get me safely if they needed me. If I was in a bungalow though right next door as long as the rooms were safe then yes I would totally do this with the doors open at age 2 for a very quick shower.

@Completelyjo a 30 second quick and quiet wee is a bit different to a 5 minute inclosed and noisy shower. I'm just a bit worried to leave him for this duration unattended

He'll be fine!

You know your kid and what he's likely to get up to.

If you're worried, sit him in the bathroom with Peppa pig on a tablet or phone.

@Noodlesnotstrudels You could set up a playpen in one corner of the lounge with toys so they are safely contained.

A play pen for a two year old??

You don’t have to have a full 5 minute shower? I mean how long does it take if you’re just desperate for a quick wash?

OP HERE - I JUST HAD MY SHOWER AND HE SAT IN THE EXACT SAME SPOT AS I LEFT HIM. PANIC OVER. Thank you everyone I can now get what I need to get done while he goes down for his nap today x

If you are not jumping in the bath with them each night at bath time, then as long as the bungalow is toddler safe, a quick shower while CBeebies is on shouldn't to be problematic.

It's absolutely fine. If you're worried you could put him in his cot with some toys, but surely you're leaving him for a few minutes here and there anyway? Going to the loo, putting washing away etc?

Sit him in the bathroom on the floor with iPad or smartphone to watch iPlayer on your device while you shower.

Next time plan ahead - shower before you go to bed then night before or get up 10 mins before he wakes in the morning.

@Completelyjo I needed to wash my hair which is very long, a 5 minute shower is very quick for me. All done now and little one was fine. Thanks

Both of mine either used to sit engrossed in the TV or they used to wander in and ask where my willy was/why my bits were hairy/why my nipples were bigger than theirs.

This is what happens at our house too 😂

Woah mummy, why do you have all those lines on your tummy?!

You darling. You.

We only have a shower, no bath. But it's a very large shower. My 3 year old just showers with me in the morning and has done since he was tiny. As a baby he'd be in a baby bath and I'd sit down in the shower with the rinser and wash us both. From the age of 2 onwards he just stands and plays with his toys in the shower with me and I was him.

He doesn't need to be washed every morning but I never go without, so on those days he just plays while I shower with the door open. Everything is as safe as can be and rooms I don't want him going into are locked off while I'm showering.