16 month, suddenly Hates the bath

[saysap]

Just that really. DS always loved bath time and splashing around, he also goes swimming every week and has done since 9 months so no fear of water. He is refusing to sit down and just clings to me whimpering any ideas ?

We had this last year when DS was 1. In the end it turned out to be a mechanical toy (eg battery operated swimming frog) that triggered his fear. It took nearly 2 weeks and a new bath toy to get him back in and he loves his baths now. First bath DH had a bath and I stood DS in a large bucket and washed him but we let him see all the bubbles. Second bath I was in the tub and we washed DS as before but sat him on the bath edge and dangled his legs in the water. We had special bubbles to tempt him. Third bath he came in with me and sat on my lap. Finally we showed him the new toy, had lots of bubbles and he was in. He is still scared of any bath toys that move mechanically though.

My ds 2 did this. Had always loved baths but one day started screaming as soon as I mentioned the word 'bath '. This went on for about a month . Crying every bath time. Then in the end it was my dd 8 who convinced him and I said I will give him a bath but not wash his hair (he does not like the shower and washing hair) then he gradually got comfortable to have a bath again