Suddenly won't go in the bath

[suzi2]

My DS is nearly a year and for the last week, he has been screaming blue murder in the bath and trying to climb out. He's fine as soon as he's out. I usually go in with him, but I can't seem to calm him down. We have tried the shower too but he's going nuts in that. nothing has happened to make him like this. He will paddle in water at the local loch. He's never been that into his bath but he's always been well behaved. We've tried new toys to lure him but he's not tricked.

My mum thinks that it's because of 2 things - 1, it disturbs his mad half hour playtime and 2, he knows that after the bath it's eczema creams and bed.

Can anyone shed any light on this? And what do we do - persist with it or top and tail him for a few days until he's calmer?

DS is the same. We have a very large kitchen sink so I have taken to running the tap with tepid water and washing him with a flannel. He is entertained trying to catch the running water. Has worked for me this week (its been to hot to fight with him in the bath the last few days.)

I was going to start a similar thread!
My dd2 is just 2 and last week or so doesn't want to go in the bath.Tonight she managed to slip and bang her chin on the side.
She loves going in the pool though!
Will be looking out for suggestions too.
Hope your ds improves soon.

id be interested to see what this thread brings!my ds 21months, suddenly developed a hate ofthe bath 2weeks ago. he used to love his bath, not so much the hairwashing, but hed play and splash around. now he screams and like your ds tries to climb out! i have to wash him as quick as poss before he bursts my eardrums

my Dd is 2 and has just decide having her hair washed is scary! she has got really thick hair so it has to be done properly, its not a case of just sponging her head!
We are just perservering with lots of praise and hopefully it will pass soon!

DD got like this about 3 months ago and so I have taken to bathing with her. Not ideal but she seems reassured by me being in the bath too. She's 15 months. Am hoping to get her confidence back by going to the pool and getting her to enjoy the water again.

HTH.

Maybe he could do some of his washing or creams himself now - it could be frustration rather than fear.

DS did this a few months ago (aged 22m) -we just strip washed him for a while, progressed onto showers and now hes back in the bath. He had no problems with the paddling pool or swimming during this phase.

I'm afraid there was no magic cure (although the light-up, colour changing bath duck was the main thing that tempted him back in to the bath!!) but I just wanted to let you all know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and the phase will pass

Sounds very normal. Just remember it's only a phase and will pass as suddenly as it started.

Breakthrough! Must have been a phase. Tonight he went in no bother. We took the pressure off the last couple of days just giving him a wash over. Tonight I got in as usual and started playing with his toys and he was happy to join in. I did face a different way to normal but I can't see why that would make a difference! lets hope it continues.