6 mo suddenly terrified of bath :(

[duende]

My DS has always loved his bath. Even during the first 3 months, when he screamed all day, he would calm down in the bath. He has enjoyed it so much, and it has made him so relaxed, that we went from bathing him every other day, to everyday.
Since Saturday however, everytime I've put him in the bath, he's screamed his head off. he looks absolutely terrified. He only calms down once out, dried and dressed.
I haven't changed anything about his bath time routine.
Any ideas what could have caused it and how to help him? It makes me sad that he now hates something that used to make him so happy

Duende. it's a shame but it will pass i wouldn't force him if he's screaming take him out immediately. you can always top and tail him till he changes his mind. Even small babies can change their habits.

ppf, thanks for replying. I hope it's only temporary. I don't force him and I take him out straight away if he screams.

My DS did exactly the same thing at the same age. I bathed with him for about 4 nights (I think). On the first night he as miserable getting in, but fine by the end and by the 4th was loving it once more. On the 5th day, I put him in on his own and he loved it.

He went through something similar at 12 months and I did the same thing again - think it only took two nights.

Good luck - I too was really sad that something he loved so much he suddenly hated.

My dd suddenly did this at 12 months. I topped and tailed her for a week and then got in the bath with her a couple of times, which did the trick.

Agree that you should sponge wash your DS outside the bath.

And remind yourself - what phase did he go through last week? And the week before? And the week before that? How many of those phases have lasted?

There, you see? You can breathe easier now. This week's problems will change in a flash.

lol, speedy, it is true that every phase so far, good or bad, has been just that - a phase. thanks for putting things in perspective. (you can tell he's my first, can't you? )

redllama and petisa, good advice, thanks! I will top and tail him for a couple of days and then get in the bath with him.

It's also a good reminder for me when I give birth to my second in a few months.

great! I will come on to one of your threads then (maybe it will be one of those "he/she's been feeding non stop for the last 17 hours, help! help!") all smug and tell you nice and calmly that this too shall pass

when is your LO due?

Yes, do! You forget so much as your first child grows, though people in the know tell me it's much easier so clearly you retain some information. But I will be very open to suggestions from mums with older babies. I'm due in April. Both excited and overwhelmed at the mo!

how old is your first one speedy?

My dd 6 months, done the same thing so i just get in the bath with her and she loves it now! x

He's three.

Gem, is your DD now happy to have a bath by herself as well?

I havent put her in by herself yet , she has learnt to sit up so doesnt like lying down, im going to get her an aquapod from mothercare they are really good and lets them sit up in the bath so she can play with her toys. Will let you know how it goes xx

My dd and my friend's dd did the same thing. It lasted a week or two then passed. I didn't bathe with her - could maybe have tried, though (although I DO hate a lukewarm bath!) I remember I was worried at the time as she really screamed, but she got over it.