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Parenting

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Original poster

Toddler suddenly terrified of the bath

14 replies

Justkeepswimming91 · 26/12/2022 22:30

My toddler used to love the bath but is now terrified of it!

I tried getting in with him but this didn't help.

Is it just a phase that'll pass? Have others had this?

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AnnieSnap · 26/12/2022 22:31

Is this a sudden change? Could something have happened to frighten him when you were not with him?

FangedFrisbee · 26/12/2022 22:31

Is it the plug when you take it out?

Original poster

Justkeepswimming91 · 26/12/2022 22:45

He did a poo in the bath a week or so a go which he wasn't happy about but apart from that nothing I can think of

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Original poster

Justkeepswimming91 · 26/12/2022 22:46

FangedFrisbee · 26/12/2022 22:31

Is it the plug when you take it out?

Currently it starts the moment we start to undress him

OP posts:

Fireyflies · 26/12/2022 22:52

You could try letting him play in the bath tub (fully clothed,) while empty, then work up from that

eczemamummy · 26/12/2022 23:08

We had this!!!! Started suddenly! She'd get in but wouldn't sit down! We just went with it and let her have a splash about and washed her standing up and like lots of other things it was a phase that eventually passed! X

stairgates · 26/12/2022 23:10

Mine have done this, if he's little enough try pop him in the kitchen sink, mine didn't put the 2 things together so wouldn't reject the sink.

Celloma · 26/12/2022 23:12

Really common. Bath crayons convinced my toddler to enjoy baths again.

Gonnagetacatwhenimovein · 26/12/2022 23:16

It’s a phase and second the kitchen sink

user1471427614 · 26/12/2022 23:16

I had this too. Mine would scream. Lasted a couple of months. I did sponge baths on the towel outside of the bath and put a little bowl next to her too encourage play. Then small steps standing in it etc. She loves it again now

tulipsunday · 27/12/2022 07:23

We had the same had to do stand up flannel wash. Some new toys eventually coaxed him back in after a few months.

WandaWonder · 27/12/2022 07:29

I think we eventually used the shower

Jingleoverthatway · 27/12/2022 07:34

Mine has been through this a couple of months ago. We stuck to flannel washes and then did a very quick bath once a week or so to do hair. My mum was regaling me with stories about how I hated the bath for about 2 years at Christmas!

I put some random spoons from the kitchen in one day and that was a big hit, as was reading a book to him in the bath. We also did baths at different times of the day, the novelty seemed to confuse him!

alark · 27/12/2022 07:39

My son did this too (although might be younger than your son, he was about 12mo) - I had to get in the bath with him and sit him on my legs first, then progressed to him sitting between my legs, then in the bath alone again. It was awful, he went from standing at the side of the bath desperate to get in, to wailing as we undressed him!

He's back to normal loving his bath toys now

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