AIBU - The Baby Bath Incident

If SIL is actively using the baby bath and it is still part of her child’s bath time routine, she shouldn’t be expected to give it up regardless of whether it’s for two nights, two weeks or two years.

If she is no longer using it regularly, then of course she should let it be used, but I agree it is weird of MIL to buy things to be shared between babies of the same age.

I don’t think anyone is unreasonable here but your SIL. A baby bath is great for settling tiny babies. You don’t have to struggle to hold on to a slippery baby. You can keep hands free to rub their tummies etc. My babies fell asleep in them many times.

I don’t think it’s odd for MIL to buy shared things. I assume they were for when her grandchildren stayed the odd night. Not to take home.

You are making this way too complicated. Partner sucks it up and you use the sink. Support the baby with one hand, wash it with the other. Or have someone else hold the baby and one of you wash it. Jeez.

She’s probably got rid of it.

I always washed mine in a big plastic washing up bowl, you just support their head with your arm.

Yes your SIL is being difficult. I assume she has some resentment over something or other. Maybe getting presents to share ! You are being awkward as well, this bath is unlikely to make a jot of difference to colic. You’re too fixed on the idea that only this baby bath is the solution.

you’ll have to come up with something else and move on from it. It’s very difficult to deal with a cranky baby when you are away from home.

There have been so many simple solutions offered.

Use a plastic bowl/bucket and support the neck!!

If MIL wanted stuff to be shared, she shouldn’t have given it to SIL

Unless you're going to march up to SIL's house and demand it back, this isn't helping to solve the problem.

Just find another solution and put it out of your mind. It isn't worth a big song and dance number.

Honestly if I was your SIL I'd be reluctant to accept anymore of these gifts as it seems they they come with a lot of strings.

Your partner and his OCD don’t need to get involved! Just give the sink a good wash before and after use!

A two-year old wouldn't still be using a baby bath as it would be far too small. Your SIL is just being territorial and difficult for the sake of it.

Do they not have supermarkets there? Just buy the largest washing up bowl you can find, or even a plastic dog bed ( without a cushion!). The baby won’t know the difference.

Well the minute you said that your mil bought things to share, I thought what a bloody stupid idea, is she deliberately trying to stir up trouble. I am sorry but you can't insist that sil gives you the baby bath. It's fucking ridiculous and entitled of you and your dp's behaviour is absolutely awful and embarrassing.

So she bought you equipment to share with someone who lives in a different country?! That's sounds really thoughtful and hugely convenient. Not.

The whole thing sounds awkward. Also you say babies things are expensive but then in the same sentence that you expect someone to let you use something they say they are currently using themselves.

MIL bought the bath for use at her home. So if she needs it at her home it should be returned. It's not that it was bought for SIL.

You can surely buy some kind of cheap plastic bowl, bucket or box that will fit your baby. Put it on the floor, fold a towel in the bottom if you feel you need some kind of a support although it's perfectly easy to put one hand at back of baby's head/neck and wash with the other. It sounds as if the whole family are being a bit awkward, rather than looking for solutions.

Having had a baby with colic, I honestly doubt a bath will even help (sorry, it is really tough but my dd is now 18 and has been a joy minus her first year so hopefully that gives you hope). Sil is being ridiculous but probably has her reasons and just not worth falling out over. It’s mildly annoying but in sleep deprivation everything feels bigger than it is.

I’d clean the washing up bowl and use that on the floor on top of a towel. How is her toddler fitting into a baby bath still?! Do you think it outgrew it and she sold it?!!

She sold it before she moved...decluttering esp if DN doesn't like baths.... I'd put money on it.

Agree that if she's just moved the she's probably either sold it or passed it on or if she has it then it may not have been unpacked yet if she doesn't use it. This buying things to share wasn't a good idea.

Yes, I too suspect this baby bath has been sold on Italian EBay. The SIL doth protest too much.

Use a sink , washing up basket /bowl. You all sound ridiculous

MIL has let her go home with it years ago, so that ship has long sailed.

It makes no sense that your partner won’t allow a kitchen sink, which is either metal or ceramic and can obviously be very easily cleaned, but he’s fine with a shared well used baby bath, likely made of plastic.

Clean the kitchen sink and bath baby in there. Don't share still with SIL