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Baby won't sit in the bath

36 replies

BacktoUK889 · 18/06/2025 12:29

Baby is almost 10 months. For the last month, all he wants to do is stand. ALL the time. He still needs my help, so bath time is just exhausting now. Any tips? My back is killing me. I've put non slip thing at the bottom but I can't risk him falling and hitting himself on the side of the bath.

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timmers · 18/06/2025 12:30

Bathe with him?!

BacktoUK889 · 18/06/2025 12:33

@timmers Yep, doesn't change anything. Except he then also tries to use me as a climbing frame.

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BacktoUK889 · 18/06/2025 12:41

I've tried more water, less water, bath temp is perfect. A new toy each time helps but only for a minute.

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MrsSkylerWhite · 18/06/2025 12:42

Does he have a bath seat?

BacktoUK889 · 18/06/2025 12:44

@MrsSkylerWhite no, he used one for like a week around 7 months, he won't sit in it

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LaMadrilena · 18/06/2025 13:34

Mine did this! I tried toys, bribes, getting in with her... Nothing worked! She grew out of it after a while. But it went on for a few months... Sorry!

ClowningArounds · 18/06/2025 13:41

If you have a shower head I would sit with him in the bath and wash him with the shower head. It's quick and you don't have to bend over.

Needmorelego · 18/06/2025 13:42

Do you have a shower that isn't fixed to the wall?
Just get him wet, lather him up and then shower him clean.
Or stand him on the bathroom floor and sponge wash him.

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 18/06/2025 14:01

Try a straw so he can blow bubbles. Very difficult to do standing up.

But otherwise, keep it quick and either use the shower or take him in with you.

Rowen32 · 18/06/2025 14:02

I would do quick standing up wash and let that be the end of it, no point torturing yourself

Mulledjuice · 18/06/2025 14:30

I dont understand what the issue is? Get a small plastic jug or bowl and wash him while he is standing up. If it's more comfortable for you then sit on the floor next to the bath

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 18/06/2025 14:31

Ha mine was like that. Nightmare! I just used to use only an inch or two of water, quick wash all over then get him out.

Bitzee · 18/06/2025 14:35

Run an inch of water then let him stand on the non stick mat and either pour water over with a jug or use the shower attachment- whichever he’s most likely to tolerate and call it done. Don’t linger, get him clean and get him out to save your back! And every other day is fine unless he’s particularly grubby. Once he’s cracked standing the novelty will likely wear off and he’ll be back to enjoying a normal bath again so for now just be efficient!

Notupmyalley · 18/06/2025 14:37

Stop giving him a bath and shove the bath mat in the base of your shower along with a couple of favourite bath toys.

ForZanyAquaViewer · 18/06/2025 14:38

I’m not really seeing the issue. Get a bowl or small jug of some kind. Sit behind him in the tub, lather him up and rinse with bowl.

MrsSkylerWhite · 18/06/2025 14:39

BacktoUK889 · 18/06/2025 12:44

@MrsSkylerWhite no, he used one for like a week around 7 months, he won't sit in it

How was he in his baby bath? Perhaps he feels a bit insecure with the size? Maybe he could go back in his baby bath, inside the bath, until he’s comfortable?

BacktoUK889 · 18/06/2025 15:06

MrsSkylerWhite · 18/06/2025 14:39

How was he in his baby bath? Perhaps he feels a bit insecure with the size? Maybe he could go back in his baby bath, inside the bath, until he’s comfortable?

No, he spent the entire time trying to get out of it. He just wants to stand and walk the length of the bath the whole time 😅 he's not insecure, actually v content, but it is next to impossible for me to contain him.

He can't actually reliably stand by himself, he still throws himself backwards sometimes, slips, etc.

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MrsSkylerWhite · 18/06/2025 15:07

Can only suggest a no -slip bathmat and a good sponge down then.

Good luck 😁

BacktoUK889 · 18/06/2025 15:09

ForZanyAquaViewer · 18/06/2025 14:38

I’m not really seeing the issue. Get a bowl or small jug of some kind. Sit behind him in the tub, lather him up and rinse with bowl.

The issue is he loves it but it's next to impossible for me to do on my own safely (and DH travels a lot). It's also making bedtime pretty exhausting every single night. It used to be a lovely time.

I'm looking for tips, maybe there's something I've missed. Or at least some experiences as to when they grow out of this phase.

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Wavescrashingonthebeach · 18/06/2025 15:12

You dont need to bath him every night. Just keep it simple and little sponge wash as and when until he grows out of it. It all passes!

BacktoUK889 · 18/06/2025 15:12

Thanks everyone! Guess I need to wait it out, hoping he grows out of this soon 😂

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EvilDJ · 18/06/2025 15:18

DC3 was like this. I showered with him for a few months instead, it was much easier.

MrsSkylerWhite · 18/06/2025 15:23

BacktoUK889 · 18/06/2025 15:12

Thanks everyone! Guess I need to wait it out, hoping he grows out of this soon 😂

He will, when he discovers the window cills. We had one the same. When he’s not working, spends much time horizontal these days 😁

ForZanyAquaViewer · 18/06/2025 15:55

BacktoUK889 · 18/06/2025 15:09

The issue is he loves it but it's next to impossible for me to do on my own safely (and DH travels a lot). It's also making bedtime pretty exhausting every single night. It used to be a lovely time.

I'm looking for tips, maybe there's something I've missed. Or at least some experiences as to when they grow out of this phase.

Why is what I’ve described difficult for you to do safely? (Not being snarky, genuinely asking.)

Terrribletwos · 18/06/2025 16:00

@BacktoUK889 is there a reason you cannot just use the shower to wash him?