Scared of having a bath

[buster]

Hi
Just in the last week DS is scared of having a bath. He used to love it but now won't sit down and just tries to climb out while crying. I can't recall anything out of the ordinary happening to put him off. I have tried distractions like blowing bubbles and toys and will try and get some bath crayons today. I also got in with him but that didn't work.
Has anyone else been through this or have any ideas on what I can do.
Thanks

[tachi77]

Layla hated having a bath ever since she was born till about 6-7 months. Now, on some days I have noticed, when she is feeling average/crook, she will cry and want to climb out. On most days though she seems happy. I have heard/read that she may go thru this stage again: the screaming come bath time, something about going thru 'stages'. I hated the thought of giving her a bath, her screaming used to get me so stressed out, and she did it for months! Sorry, no real advise here, just hang in there!

[jembelina]

Hi,
This happened with my now 2.5yr old when he was about 15 months old(I think!). He just suddenly hated the bath, as though something had happened, like a bad fall, to put him off, but It hadn't. Ended up just showering him instead. We tried him in the bath every so often with no success. One day mil was lookinh after him adn gave him a bath and he was completely fine adn has been ever since - I have no clue what changed his mind!!
How old is your littel one? MAybe you could try teh laundry trough or kitchen sink if htey are too littel for the shower.
Good Luck!

[tru]

Have u tried hoping in with him? I've done that a couple of times when DS has been scared. I just put him on my lap and gradually ease him off in to the water by himself. It might take a few times. We just usually take DS for a shower as he prefers it. Best of luck to you :)

[Chickadee]

My DD has been through this stage, it's not easy. Showering with them is one idea we tried. I would let DD play in the bottom of the shower out of the direct line of the spray. Or you could try filling the tub with just an inch or two of water, put in a mat so he doesn't slip, and let him stand while you just use a washcloth on him.

[buster]

Thanks for your replies. DS is almost 20 months old. I have tried getting in the bath with him, didn 't work. I actually took him in the shower with me earlier today and although he was cautious and I had to hold him the whole time (not easy when 28 wks preg and he weighs over 16kg's) I did manage to get a smile from him before we got out.
I guess we'll just keep persisting and hope it gets over it soon.

[tru]

Is your shower over the bath? If so, perhaps put the plug in and start standing in the shower and then move to sitting down (may not be possible while preg, I dunno). As the water fills the bath, turn off the shower and just continue like nothings changed :)

[buster]

thanks for your replies. DH got into the bath with DS last night and we had bought some bath crayons which were an absolute hit. DH has gone away for a week now so it will be interseting if it all works tonight. I can't get in with him at the moment as I have been blessed with thrush throughout this preg and the last thing I would want is to pass it on.