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Help! 14 month old suddenly hates bath

6 replies

deliwoman1 · 17/08/2023 21:18

My DD is 14 months and has suddenly developed a real hatred of the bath. Every night before bed I put her in a smaller toddler bath inside the big bath, and until recently she’s loved it. But for the past week or so she’s started screaming whenever I try to put her in it. She has gotten upset at getting water/baby shampoo in her eyes a few times, but it’s not been a big deal at the time, as in she’s gotten over it quickly to play with her toys.

I’m worried because she’s seems to have developed a real fear of it but I’m not sure exactly why. It started with her refusing to be bathed by her dad but she’d be okay with me doing it, which we thought was separation anxiety, but now it’s happening with me too. She’s been ill lately and unsettled because of it, but she’s on the mend now.

Is this normal? Any ideas why she’s so distressed or tips to help her find it fun again? She gets so visibly filthy at nursery and has a big mop of hair for her age so I think she probably needs a bath at a few times a week at least!

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Ratfinkstinkypink · 17/08/2023 21:20

Completely normal. Have you tried bathing with her?

Helpmepleaseimbusy · 17/08/2023 21:28

I would just do babywipes or just a wet cloth wash for a couple of days to take the angst out and pressure off.

Then I would maybe get in the big bath with her (without the baby bath - just ditch it).

I would give fave snacks whilst in the bath and keep it short - then build up. If your child likes bubbles or anything like that, I would also do it.

deliwoman1 · 17/08/2023 21:28

phew! Thanks! Yes, I did and she was a bit better but only when I was holding her. Wouldn’t sit down in the bath by herself. ☹️

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Helpmepleaseimbusy · 17/08/2023 21:31

deliwoman1 · 17/08/2023 21:28

phew! Thanks! Yes, I did and she was a bit better but only when I was holding her. Wouldn’t sit down in the bath by herself. ☹️

Just don't try and make her sit. Keep as is and go at her pace. It will be fine

Ratfinkstinkypink · 17/08/2023 21:52

I would go with not forcing it too, I have fostered several babies and toddlers who have all gone through it at some point and I usually just ditch the bath until they are ready again.

Sunsetred · 17/08/2023 22:53

This was my DD. Like other posters have said give it a break for a couple of days. Then try again. Suggest she takes her toy cars into the bath for a pretend car wash or a dolly to wash her hair. That always worked with my DD. Keep it very short the first few times (unless she wants to stay in for longer) and don't wash her hair the first time. Try making the water a little less hot than normal. I have a bath thermometer and would keep the water at the recommended temperature but now my DD is talking like a pro she tells me it's too hot so I've cooled it down by a few degrees and she's much happier. Good luck

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