16 month old suddenly hates bath

[lazzaroo]

Suddenyl my DD hates getting in the bath. She used to love it, has always resisted sitting down but happily gets in and plays while we give her a wash. Used to be part of her wind down time before bed. But, a few days ago when we attempted to get her in she screamed and clung to me, lifting her legs up as I tried to lower her down! We have tried an ealrier bath time and htought we'd cracked it as we had a couple of good baths (took a few lifts in and out first), where once she was finally in she sat and played for 20 mins. But the past 2 nights we haven't even been able to get her in. Is it just a phase? and do we actively do anything whle it passes or do we just keep trying! I can't think of anything in particular that could have caused it.

She has lots of toys, bath books, containers etc to play with, and I have tried getting in with her but it didn't make any difference. Any ideas?

Don't worry too much about it.
At that age children go through so many phases. Most of the them are short and many of them are completely irrational.
If she's really upset by the idea of having a bath, don't force it.
It won't hurt her to be cleaned with a cloth or sponge for a while.
On a really hot day, maybe you could offer her a play in a paddling pool or take her swimming if she enjoys that. Otherwise encourage her to play with a bucket or sink of water. Something to remind her how much fun water can be, even if she's not actually sitting in it.
Give her time. This will pass. Just don't let it stress you out.

What Ruthchan said, but DD1 went through this when we moved, and I bought a bottle of Matey bubble bath, a big bottle of cheapo baby shampoo for her to waste as she wanted and a fish bath sponge and it did the trick instantly!

My DS2 14months has been the same, loved bathing up until 2 weeks ago and now screams at the sight and if we try putting him in he clings and cries too... I was really worried that something had happened to scare him (although how as he is never alone)... thanks RuthChan for the swimming pool idea and the reassurance its a phase x

Hi all, we went through this as well with DD. It lasted a couple of months but now she loves the bath again. Definitely just a phase. It ended after she saw the 64 Zoo Lane episode involving Victor the Crocodile who splashes his tail. All of a sudden she decided she wanted to splash too (she was a bit older - about 22m). Anyway it will pass. In the meantime you can easily get away with sponging down and occasional bath for a hair wash if you want to avoid the battles.

DS did this. I continued to run the bath and put him in it, even if it meant taking him out 2 minutes later. I made no contact, did no coercion, but had to be quick with the sponge :). After just over a week, he started being happy to sit for ages again (cue having to take the plug out to get him out...)

It's annoying but just a phase. Don't let him see you're bothered and it will cut down the amount of time he is!

Thanks all. As always it was a phase and it seems to have now passed! we did go swimming on FRiday and she loved that. No fuss getting into the pool and lots of fun while we were there. I didn't force her into the bath. we tried just playing with bowl of water in the bathroom and had a little bit of water in the bath. On the secod night after a few minutes playing on the floor she went over to the bath and looked to get in so we tried it and hooray!

I always no deep down these things won't last forever but it's nice to come on her and get some re-assurance in the meantime!