9 month old suddenly screaming in bath

[Newmummy1212]

My 9 month DD has loved her bath from very early. At 6 months she moved from baby bath to normal bath with a non slip bath mat in and was no problem at all. She usually sits up and splashes/ plays with toys/ tries to grab handles etc. and smiles the whole time. One night over a wk ago, she totally freaked out getting into the bath and clung onto me as I lowered her in. By the time she was in, she was howling. We didn't keep her in long as it was so stressful. Every night since then (9 nights) its been the same. Now when she's in, if she's lying down with me holding her then she's fine, but as soon as you start to lift her to a sitting position, she freaks out again and cries. I just wondered if anyone had any ideas what to do as bath time used to be really enjoyable for her and us and we just cannot work out what's wrong. Thanks.

you could try having a bath with her to regain her confidence and make it fun with plenty of bath toys and bubbles

Have you checked there is no sore spots in skin creases or folds that might only come in contact with water in sitting position?
Just a thought.

We went through this with both DDs at various stages. When DD2 was a similar age we had the same thing (and again about a year later). I had to get in the bath with her between my legs, with her back to me. After a few days of this, lots if distraction with toys, etc. I gradually eased myself out, and she got over it. DD1 was a bit older but we discovered she was terrified of going down the plughole with the water. This too shall pass...

I think that little ones just go through all sorts of odd phases and I wouldn't worry about it. She'll suddenly start enjoying her baths again and you won't know what it was all about!

It's called water wobbles and it's a form of separation anxiety. Just a phase. I bath with DD when she gets funny about baths occasionally

My 9mo DS just went through this - if I get in the bath with him he's happy enough.

Thank you! Checked for sore bits/ nappy rash but no sign of either. I will try getting in with her and see if she becomes more confident.
Thanks again.

We had this with my son when he had his first ear infection.... We had no idea until abut 3-4 days later but obviously the water in his ear when washing his hair was painful :(

Just a though to check that as well,because it took us awhile to makes the connection and we had to switch to showers for quite awhile.....