Bath Time

Connie - posted on 09/10/2009

Have his ears checked at his next routine check up. Kids with smaller eustacean tubes get water stuck in there, like after swimming, maybe he just doesn't want water in his ears. I have a grandson, now 6, that was like that. Problem was diagnosed in the course of swimming lessons. His uncle is the teacher and he knew to have us check it out. Apparently the Red Cross knows stuff!

Stina - posted on 09/10/2009

My son never liked laying back. even today at 5 yo, he hates laying back in the bathtub. When he was a baby he didn't like baths very much until he could sit up pretty well. Then he was ok.



You might try showering with him instead of giving him a bath. That way he feels safe in your arms, you get some extra cuddles and he gets clean. All three of my babies loved showers with me or Dad. Then, when he's able to sit well, you may find that he warms up to his baths.



If you don't want to shower with him, keep your body as close to his as you can as you lower him into the tub/sink whatever you are using. I actually prefer using sinks until they outgrow them because they are convenient for me to keep myself close. You'll get wetter perhaps, but it can help to keep as much of your arm around him as possible- sort of cradleing him in the water. I also always line the bottom of the sink with a towel so that it's not hard and uncomfortable for them to sit/lie on.

Singing and making funny noises as you wash them is also helpful because it distracts them and can sometimes stop the fussing.

Caitelyn - posted on 09/10/2009

Instead of a bath as such, have you tried having a shower with him? sometimes, the bath itself is abit scary, and it could also be that he doesnt like lying in that position, but wants to be upright, or sitting which is much easier in the shower...

Joy - posted on 09/10/2009

My son did not like the baby bath tub at. He would scream from the beginning of the bath to the end. It was a struggle and very heartbreaking. When he outgrew the baby tub I bought an inexpensive plastic dish pan and put in the kitchen sink and bathe him that way. He did not cry or squirm, he did very well in that sink.lol He bathe in the sink until he could no longer fit. Bathing has been a breeze since. Good luck

Kim - posted on 09/10/2009

Definitely taking a bath with them helps a lot. I would also breastfeed my daughter while we bathed. If you combine something soothing with something new, they will start to associate the new scary thing with the calming one and be more open to trying it without causing a big scene.

Also, make sure the water is the right temp. Too cold or too hot isn't going to help in getting your baby to enjoy bath time.

And don't stress. Babies can sense how mom is feeling. If you are tense and stressed, they will pick up on it and become it too. Be relaxed and take your time. He will soon grow out of it and learn to like it. :)

Crystal - posted on 09/10/2009

Thanks, I may try to bath with him and see how it goes. I thought at first maybe it was because he was cold but I checked the water and it was warm and I even tried putting a washcloth over him but that didn't work either. So hopefully bathing with him helps because I'm at my witts end up with this. I hate hearing him cry when I know there is nothing I can do for him.

Marihett - posted on 09/10/2009

Try & bath with him, I put him between my legs & he found my fingers to play with. My son loves to bath & cries when I take him out. He's got a bath chair now (he is 7 months) so it gives him the freedom to grab & play with his toys.
good luck

Rebecca - posted on 09/10/2009

We washed our newborn on our kitchen bench in a smaller tub and then moved it into our big bath when I could kneel and bend over the bath. The first time he was in the tub in the big bath he was ok and then the next time he screamed. This continued for a few days until I worked out that it was colder in the bathroom, the water also got colder quicker so I turned on the heat lamps and made the water hoter. He still didn't like it. I ended up filling up the big bath and getting in with him and he was a bit sooky but he was much better about it. The next time I put him in his tub he was ok again. Now he loves his bath time, he sits there and splashes and plays. I sing to him and play with squirty toys with him. I take him to swimming lessons and it's made him love his bath time even more.

Amber - posted on 09/10/2009

My youngest who is now 1 didn't like baths until just recently.When he was that age screamed and cried too,finally I just took a bath with him.I think it is a security thing.He loved it as long as he was right there in my arms.Maybe try that for now.Then just recently I got the blow up ducky,there is a lot of controversy with it cause babys have gotten hurt,but I think it's because parents aren't supervising the baby as they should be.My baby loves the bath now!!

Crystal - posted on 09/10/2009

Okay I'll try that and see how it works Thanks :)

Angela - posted on 09/10/2009

My daughter is 3 months as well and i make funny sounds and splash in the water to make her laugh. When i wash her, i tell her what part it is such as " im going to wash your hand" i also make up funny songs that don't make since lol it seems to work for me. Try it and let me kno

Crystal - posted on 09/10/2009

No that's a good idea, I thought about it, I just wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not because I don't want him to get used to that either.

Jennifer - posted on 09/10/2009

Have you tried taking a bath with him. Having you in the bath with him might help be a little less scared.

Crystal - posted on 09/10/2009

Thanks...I have tried playing music but that doesn't help. He could be laughing like crazy and as soon as he touches the water he starts screaming. I feel so bad. I hate bathing him because I know he hates it. I've tried blowing bubbles in the water and even playing with toys...none of it works. Hopefully he grows out of it sooner rather than later. :(

Jasmine - posted on 09/10/2009

My daughter was the same way. All I can say is that she grew out of it. She is 19 months now & loves the water! We started parent-child swim classes at 6 months & have done them ever since, which I think really helped. She realized as she got older that water was fun. When she was a lot younger I would sing to her or play calming music while she was in the bath, she seemed to like that. I tried to create a very soothing environment whenever it was bathtime. Good luck!