Small paddling tub on the balcony for a 1 year old in this heat. Good idea or a worry?

sage_pool_7438

Daycare is shut for a week and he's home with us, cranky by 3 every afternoon. Our balcony gets shade after lunch. I'm thinking of a small inflatable tub with a few inches of water and some cups to pour with, me sitting right next to him. My partner worries about slipping on the tiles and the water heating up. Did anyone do this at this age? What did you keep in mind?

4 comments

  • maple_notebook_4926

    We did this with the second one, in a plastic tub rather than an inflatable, because the inflatable sides folded when she leant on them. A towel underneath stopped it sliding on the tiles. Empty it straight after, every time. A tub left full on the balcony becomes a mosquito problem within two days.

  • violet_sandal_1133

    Our baby is too small for this yet, so I'm taking notes. Did you find a time of day that worked, or only once the balcony was in full shade?

    • silver_quilt_337

      For our son it was always after four, when the sun had moved off the floor. Before that the tiles around the tub were too hot for small feet even if the water was fine. That was years ago, but the sun hasn't changed much.

  • teal_compass_4870

    Mine lived in a bucket of water on our balcony every summer till she was about three. As a teenager she still sits with her feet in a bucket when the power goes. Enjoy it.

  • orchid_piano_5174

    Fill it from a bucket you've left in the shade rather than straight from the overhead tank. The tank water on our terrace was hot enough by afternoon that I tested it on my wrist every time. And keep it shallower than you think. Ankle deep is plenty at that age.

    • amber_piano_8037

      The tank water point is a good one. Ours came out of the tap almost warm last week. How long did your son stay in before he got bored?

    • juniper_puzzle_7377

      Replying to @amber_piano_8037

      Ours lasted about twenty minutes at that age, then wanted to tip the water out more than sit in it. Keep a mop ready.

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