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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

22mth DS suddenly hates his bath...

14 replies

Cherrypie32 · 20/10/2009 20:15

I am hoping someone might have some words of wisdom to help my DS start enjoying his bath again (he has had a bath pretty every night from birth and has always loved it).Suddenly he just hates it. He cries/screams, won't sit down, just wants to get out immediately. We have tried getting in with him, tempting him with favourite toys etc but to no avail. I don't know if I should persevere and ignore his protests (feels like I am forcing him though) or leave it for a while and then try again, just have washes at the sink. Need to wash his hair though!! Anyone experienced the same??

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

peggotty · 20/10/2009 20:21

just leave it for a while. Or try giving him a shower. Children don't need daily baths anyway. My ds is not a fan of the bath (although he's recently consented to stand in it ) He's 21 months. He has a bath and his hair washed once a week and looks (and smells!) fine....

chegirlknowswhereyoulive · 20/10/2009 20:25

All mine have gone through this at some stage. Best not to get into a battle about it. Keep trying him but if he screams dont force him to stay.

It might sound daft but a lot of kids suddenly develop a fear of going down the plughole. Do you think this could be why?

A quick in and out while you wash his hair. He will scream but if you need to do it just do it quick and no fuss.

I am dreading my DS3 getting to this stage - they all have so far!

mum2samandalex · 20/10/2009 21:06

we had this and had to buy a new bath toy which helped to distract him its heped with both of mine. If he gets really bad you could always try bathing with him.

maxybrown · 20/10/2009 21:39

Oh me too......he will now happily sit in the bath with his new bath toy my sister got him for his Birthday (just 2) but hair wash is now a nightmare!! I'm with peggotty in that we do it once a week, and you cerainly wouldn't know it if you saw him! Mind you I have never been a fan of washing them away - we are not manky by the way, at all. I know my Mum would certainly tell me if he smelt or anything. His hair is lovely too

Original poster

Cherrypie32 · 21/10/2009 08:02

Thanks for your replies all x Am not obsessive about washing lol! but it has been part of his bedtime routine for ever. Saying that it has not affected his sleep/bedtime at all so think will take advice and just relax about it, look out for a new toy and do hair once a week putting up with major protests! he does actually quite like standing on a stool at the sink to wash his hands and face, clean his teeth, so this will be fine until he like again. Always good to get some feedback on the matter x

OP posts:

maxybrown · 21/10/2009 08:12

Cherrypie, my sister bought DS this he is mad on vehicles though, but he does love it!!

BertieBotts · 21/10/2009 09:04

Have you seen the magic hair washing jug they have at mothercare? It has got a flexible bit which moulds to the forehead and stops water going in their eyes. Perhaps that would help?

maxybrown · 21/10/2009 09:07

I will look thanks! I reckon he will still go beserk,he is now at the age of no fussing thanks...hats on head etc etc. Although he will wear his flat cap I will look into it though, does it stop water going in their ears too? I think this is a problem for us...(I do not pamper him by the way, I still carry on regardless, but it is horrible when you get water in your ears)

mum2samandalex · 21/10/2009 13:24

johnsons foaming shampoo is alot easier to wash out of their hair i just used to wipe it out with a sponge and then a squeeze a little bit of water onto his head and wipe away towards the ends. You could even get him to massage it into his hair himself.

Original poster

Cherrypie32 · 21/10/2009 14:32

Maxy - thanks for link, as it has a 'copter' he might well go for it. Will add it to Xmas list for friends & family!

OP posts:

mammamia25 · 26/10/2009 16:13

My DD went through this stage too, at 23 mths, after loving her daily bath - she was absolutely hysterical if I even suggested going in it. I just washed her standing up, same for hairwashing (which she was fine about), and eventually, about 2 mths later, with some new bath toys we finally managed to get her back in. I now can't get her out again! Don't worry, it'll pass!

PotPourri · 26/10/2009 16:16

This reply has been deleted

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littleboyblue · 26/10/2009 16:16

My ds1 did that at about that age, so we switched to giving him a shower instead and he loves it. Is so much easier and quicker too

maxybrown · 26/10/2009 22:20

My DS HATES the shower even more!!!! he will happily sit in a bath, he just hates it on his head and face.......never used to though, always showered him and he never bothered

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