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Parenting

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Original poster

Getting toddler in and out of bath without lifting

14 replies

Blodwyn831 · 30/08/2023 15:02

I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or tools for getting an unwieldy and heavy 24 month old in and out of the bath tub without lifting? I've recently had a hernia repair op and the surgeon says I have very thin abdominal muscles from pregnancy so basically shouldn't be lifting anything heavy, definitely while I recover but actually ever again. DH has been doing all baths since my op but that's not sustainable long term.

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fearfuloffluff · 30/08/2023 15:19

Do you have a little toilet step thing? One on the floor side, another on the bath side if necessary, get DC to step out. If they won't voluntarily then take plug out, they'll get cold and come out willingly for a snuggly towel.

fearfuloffluff · 30/08/2023 15:20

Another option if you hvlave a shower cubicle is to use that, my dc hated it for a while but grew to like it - we start out doing their feet and legs holding the shower head and work up, they don't like it on their heads to begin with.

FlorenceTheFerocious · 30/08/2023 15:23

My dcs both loved showers from about 2yo. I'd do that as often as possible and then get your dh to do the baths. It's fine to explain that to a toddler I think. Or you can do bathtime and your dh can come and lift him out at the end

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trampoline123 · 30/08/2023 15:23

The suggestion of the little steps is a good idea!

I had major abdominal surgery and have to be careful of getting hernias. Could you order a hernia belt for times you do have to lift? Applying pressure on the weak area can help too.

I'd also reduce baths to every other day of toddler isn't totally rank and messy.

Cheeesus · 30/08/2023 15:24

I’d second a step. Maybe one with two steps?
https://amzn.to/3P00Knv

anunlikelyseahorse · 30/08/2023 15:26

Do you have a walk in shower, and would your toddle be happy to go in it? Otherwise for the moment drop the toddlers bath times, and go back to using a top and tail bowl, and just give toddler a bath when your dh can do it. Or You could try some caravan steps, or once he's finished his bath, pop a step in his bath (you'd need to hold his hand) and help him step over to another step outside the bath, make it a fun game of stepping stones.just make sure you or your husband are holding his hand when climbing from one step to the other, in case its slippery.

ViaRia01 · 30/08/2023 15:27

I once saw a “hack” for parents without a bath - squash a mini inflatable paddling pool into show cubicle and fill with water. Then toddler can step in easily and you can kneel outside the shower to help them wash/ play. Could that work for you?

Wellhellother · 30/08/2023 15:28

Use the shower - save the baths for a 'once a week playtime' that DH can do

Fluffycloudsblusky · 30/08/2023 15:34

Flannel washes for the foreseeable for the toddler? Or when DH isnt available for baths? It’s is perfectly ok for DH to be in charge of baths. Or a shower?
Pilates is really excellent for core strength generally. Not your question I know but it really is excellent.

Original poster

Blodwyn831 · 30/08/2023 15:46

Thanks everyone. Great ideas. No shower cubicle unfortunately but a step in the bath is a great idea, was looking for something like steps over and into the bath (they don't exist) but hadn't considered one either side duh. Yes flannel wash when necessary also a good idea. Dh happy to do most baths but he used to go to the gym every other night during that time and it's so important for his general wellbeing I want him to be able to continue. Good idea re hernia belt too for bath time. Thanks 👍

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FroodwithaKaren · 30/08/2023 15:55

If you can find a right size chair or stool for you to sit beside the bath, mine used to be able to stand up, hang on to my shoulders while I steadied them, and do the climb in and out themselves. A step would be a great help too.

Caspianberg · 30/08/2023 16:00

Ikea wooden double step is handy to have to sit on for you outside bath. Then like others said you can from sitting hold their arms and help them step out.

Get a towel poncho with hood so you can put it on them and then they walk to bedroom to get changed rather than you carrying ( and normal towel falling off them)

Also, if they are in cot, maybe time to take side off to cot bed so you aren’t lifting in and out of there

Original poster

Blodwyn831 · 30/08/2023 16:00

Ooh thanks, good tip too. I've just been looking for bath steps and came across this bath seat which has suction cups to keep it in place. Will give it a go https://amzn.eu/d/cLOdhlV plus a normal step to get in.

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Original poster

Blodwyn831 · 30/08/2023 16:02

Thankfully we've transitioned him to a floor bed knowing this was happening so bedtime itself is OK. Phew

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