7 week old DD hates baths / top and tailing / being dressed etc - any tips?

[ally2104]

Hello ,
I am desperately after some tips on keeping my DD clean! She absolutely freaks out if she's washed, wiped, undressed etc. I only bath her once a week, and top and tail or sponge bath on other days, but she has total meltdown whatever method I use. She is otherwise a happy baby, but very strong willed. I have tried everything I can think of - going very slowly so she doesn't get startled, going briskly so it's over more quickly, playing her music box etc. I always keep the room warm and peaceful- what else can I try? I just ended up in tears giving her a quick sponge down after she was sick because she wailed so much and looked genuinely terrified. My mother says I just have to get on with it and keep doing it so she gets used to it, but I'd like her to enjoy it! Any ideas? thanks.

My eldest dd was the same, so when i got her changed i made sure she had a clean nappy, whilst her vest was on, then changed her clothes so this way she was never naked iyswim. With bath time, she always bathed with dh or me and the other would get her out and dry, she hated being on her own and it was lovely for dh to help

hth x

To be perfectly honest, I agree with your mum. But I don't have any tips, sorry.
DS2 is hating it, but he's only 2 weeks old, he'll get used to it sooner or later.

My DD was like this and still has those tendencies at 12 weeks, although she is better now than she was. I bathe her everyday, but keep it really short - just a dip in, wash and then out again. I also time her baths for just before she is due a feed, as I find that if she is going to work herself up massively anyway, I might as well soothe her quickly afterwards with milk! I do sympathise . I hate to see my DD cry. She is a sensitive wee soul and hates to be fussed with or to be cold. But I do agree with your mum. She has to be washed and changed. Some babies are just like this. Best to be pragmatic about it and try not to get upset yourself.

My pfb didn't have a bath until he was nearly 3 months, or proper topping and tailing, just washed off grubby bits when changing his nappy.
Once he got to 12 weeks he got a lot happier about having clothes off, I started bathing him more often but he was terrified until someone suggested I splash him and get him wet before getting into the bath. He's 5 months and only had regular baths for the last couple weeks.

But up to the 12 week point I just tried to change him as fast as possible - was reassured that even the midwives and paeds in hospital couldn't change babies without them crying.

I used to like going in the bath with ours - obviously you have to be very careful it is not too hot and no adult soaps either.

Being close in warm water to a child is more like the womb I suppose.

If you are going to do this you must have someone with you outside the bath to take the baby off you before you get out. You might slip or drop the baby otherwise.

I used a Tummy Tub with my DS up until 9mths. They sell them in Mothercare. It is like a clear plastic bucket, it helps them to feel secure in the water. Baths were the only thing that DS didn't complain about. He too hated nappy change, being dressed etc. They do eventually get used to it though, then when they get more mobile it gets harder again as they would rather be off exploring! If I were you I wouldn't bath every day if she really hates it as they don't realy get dirty at that age.

[http://www.tummytub.co.uk/]

www.tummytub.co.uk/

Ds also hated being washed/changed until about 12 weeks. I only bathed him when he needed it. He's 8 months and loves it now.

Thanks for all your messages; it's reassuring to know she's quite normal! Some fab suggestions to try, and I will try to just relax and not get upset about it. Thanks again. xx

totally normal IME. both DSs hated being naked for the 1st couple of months. i used to bath with them (and with DS2 BFed him in the bath) and that was the only way they were settled.

DD didn't like being bathed but loves being showered. I think it is because she's being held. She doesn't even mind me sticking her head under the water. In fact, the first time I showered her she went very still and calm and fell asleep immediately afterwards.