Bath Tears

[debbrin]

My 9 week old daughter absolutely loves the bath but hates getting out of it. She has an inconsoliable crying fit everytime we take her out of the bath. It has been happening for about 3 weeks now. I have tried warming her towel in the dryer and giving her a bottle before dressing her, but it doesn't seem to work. My next move is to not give her a bath for a few days to see if that makes a difference. Does anyone have any ideas how we can stop the tears?

[JanetF]

Sounds like "one of those phases." My son was only bathed about once a week at that age since they're not getting dirty unless you have a poo accident ;) Why not hop in the big bath and have a lovely bath together? Very lovely and great for you both to have skin on skin time. I breastfed my son in the bath often so perhaps a lovely cuddly bottle together? And how about longer baths? She obviously loves it so maybe more bathing and a ritual around getting out so she knows it's coming? Some babies freak out with transitions from one state to another and need to be gently supported through it. Lots of cuddles together in a warm bed can be very calming too.
I hope she feels better about it soon but trust me, it will pass - everything does with babies!

[Supermum]

Yes my daughter has been going through the same phase for about 16 months now! She adores the bath and simply hates getting out. I hope your little girl's phase doesn't last quite so long. Maybe she's just a born water bub.

[Ky]

I think that when they are really little, being in the bath makes them feel warm and secure as they are surrounded by the water ... the same applies for when they have thier clothes on ... there is a security in knowing that you are wrapped up in something warm.

Often they hate having thier nappy changed or getting out of the bath ... it is as if thier security has fallen away from them and they don't settle until they have it back.

Neither of my kids liked getting out of the bath or shower (didn't have a bath at our house so showered my dd at least once a week from newborn) and still protest and try to stay in as long as they can.

It sometimes takes a while for babies to adjust to this big wide world and it can frighten them to have a big change in temperature (the air is usually cooler than the bath), textures and gravity!

This will just be something that will improve with time ... I know that it is really hard hearing your little one cry, but reassure yourself that it is only for a short time until she has learnt that she is completely safe. She is still so young and with a heap of new things to discover each day ... don't worry, she iwll be ok.

[debbrin]

Thanks to all for your great advice - I guess we will just have to wait it out & see if she grows out of it. In the meantime, it will be sponge baths so we don't have too many tears.