baby is liability in the bath- any experiences? Ideas?

[nachomama]

DS just turned 9 months. He has always loved bathtime, but recently he has developed the sudden onset of terrible tantrums when things don't go according to (his) plan. This involves digging in heels, arching his back and throwing himself backwards, or hanging his head on the floor in front of him and boo-hooing for the gallery's sympathy. This behaviour is usually short-lived, funny (though we don't acknowledge the humour to him) but just nerve-rackingly scary in the bath, when for instance we don't let him suck on the shampoo bottle. He is completely oblivious to the danger factor and will throw himself about regardless of being in the water. He is very strong which is even harder to deal with when wet and slippery. At the moment, we have him in one of those suctioned bath seats, but those are not appropriate for children who can pull to standing, which he can now. He has not tried this yet in his bath chair. Yet. I just don't know how to keep him safe: number one priority, but also to keep the fun in and love of bath-time/ water. Please help

[emkana]

Bath with him for a while?

[kiskidee]

get suction thingies for the floor of the bath. put about an inch of water in the bath. put him in the big bath. if necessary, have a bucket of water beside you to dip water out of the rinse him.

look out for buildup to tantrum, and splash water like crazy to distract him. those leaky cups can be fun too.

[Othersideofthechannel]

Has he got an empty bottle to play with? He might be happy with that as an alternative.

[nachomama]

Thanks so much everyone so far for your suggestions- will try! We do try the distraction techniques, but it is definitely worth trying some new ones.

[NannyL]

ok if you are with him he wont drown... you wont let him

if he gets a bit wet then perhaps he will larn that throwing himself back isnt the best idea in the bath.


My toddler charge is good at throwing super massive tantrums. he has thrown himsef backwards under water twice (and really didnt like it) He loves swimming pools etc but they soon learn from their own mistakes if you let them!

[tinkerbellhadpiles]

Put him bath of warm water. Put large bucket of cold water next to him. At first sign of tantrum point to bucket. At second sign dump cold water on head.

If he does it twice I'd be really surprised.

[Hathor]

LOL Tinks

[colditz]

Tinks! people treat this place as if it's Really Real, ytou know!

[tinkerbellhadpiles]

More fool them, it's hilarious!

[nachomama]

Fabulous idea Tinkerbell- (though I doubt MIL would agree
I might just adapt that strategy with DH too.

[Othersideofthechannel]

Why, does he have tantrums in the bath as well? :-)

[Nbg]

how about laying him in a shallow bath rather than sitting up?

[paulaplumpbottom]

You could bath with him or just bath him in very little water till his tantrums pass

[nachomama]

thanks everyone for keeping the ideas coming in. A good bath night tonight

[kbaby]

We give DS the sponge to suck on. Keeps him amused for long enough. Plus I would still use the bath seat I think the advice of not allowing them in it when they can pull themselves up is just in case they ever try it. If your with him youll be able to notice if he tries to do this and stop him early enough.