from loving to hating the bath...

Vernice - posted on 10/23/2009

It's a faze they will get over it. My granddaughter never liked to take bath and now you can't get out of water. She love the pool, she love to take bubble baths, and she ever love to go under the sprinklers. So this to shall pass nothing to worry about it's all about growing up!!!

Michelle - posted on 10/22/2009

I have a tweleve month old that has done the same thing. Do not know what started him hating the bath. I refuse to take him out as I believe that this would make the problem harder in the long run. He stands up and wont sit down in the water. I just play with bubbles and transfer water from cup to cup, things that he normally loves to do and finally in sits down and joins in the play and the bath becomes enjoyable again. Then we have the tears when it is time to get out. The upset period is getting less and less and we are starting to be easy again. Maybe something of the process with assist you.

Rachael - posted on 10/22/2009

My son went through the same thing when he was that age. It lasted about 2 mos and then it passed. Also run the water before they get in there so that they do not hear the water running. It can be a little loud and scary if they are already afraid.

Sonja - posted on 10/22/2009

I would also like the answer to this question because I have the same problem with my 3 year old! She also freaks out and shakes! and it's really scary...She's been like this for almost 2 years now, but i cant recall anything ever scaring her though!! She loves to swim in pools and the sea, but bath time is horrible!

Alot of people have told me that it was just a phase, and that it will stop soon but it hasn't happened yet. :(

Nikki - posted on 10/22/2009

This has actually happened with each and every one of my kids where they loved the bath and then hated it as soon as they were old enough to be scared of the water. Unfortunately there isn't a whole lot that can be done, but what has worked to calm them a bit is giving them a dry washcloth or hand towel to hold over their face when you try to dunk them to rinse their hair. For some reason, keeping their faces dry seems to take a little bit of the anxiety away. Also, when you dunk him back to rinse his hair, tell him first and hold the back of his head and neck firmly, letting him know that you have him and that you won't let him in any further than his hairline. I know it sounds a little silly, but this seems to help my little ones. Also, when he's a bit older, swimming lessons might be a good idea. Not only does it teach them the all important skill of swimming, but it also helps conquer fear of water. Sorry I don't have more to offer you. Good luck=)

Michelle - posted on 10/22/2009

my son dj, 18 mnths, also had the same ptoblem, and because of the shower aswell, and i had you same problem, i put him in the bath with me and everything, so what i did was make bath time more fun and exciting, i put in a few drops of food colering, blue and red r the best so far! and put in lots of bubbles and toys, i got dj to watch me run the bath, and was sayin to him that we were gonna have a magic bath, and played on the coler of the bath! the food colering wont stain him either as you only use a few drops, but hopefully, your son wil love the idea of a magik bath!! and eventualy, he will forget the shower incident and like his baths again, i now cant get dj out of the bathroom let alone the bath!!!

hope this helps xxx

Toni - posted on 10/22/2009

Getting into the bath with him was a good way to show him not to be scared of it. My three year old was affraid of the shower. Try getting into the tub and turning on the shower like he did and let him see you do it and show him that there is nothing to be affraid of. I had to with my three year old. Its going to take a few times to get him use to it. My son still is scared sometimes when the shower gets turned on. It probably scared him thats why he is scared of the tub now. Just show him that mommy did it to and it didnt hurt you. Make a game out of it and maybe that will help. Dont stress to much he will come around. Just keep telling him theres nothin to be affraid of and to trust mommy and mommy wouldnt do anything to harm him or let anything harm him. Thats what I did with my three year old. I hope you find something will help in your situation.