We read in several child books that if we force it, this will create trauma for her. Nothing traumatic or dramatic happened-- she just didn't want to be in tub anymore. She will go in paddling pool, but soon it will be too cool to bathe her there. We tried all the books many suggestions-- to make it fun, bubbles, etc., and zilch. The book said it is just a phase, but in the mean time...... what can we do?
2007-08-30 11:07:32 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Okay, but how much time before this phase goes away. 6 months? 12 months? 18 years? And what can we do to reintroduce the bath/shower before winter?
2007-08-30 11:13:31 · update #1
You'll get her in the bathtub before College, I promise. ;)
First, try coaxing. Never force. At this age, it's just a losing battle. How often are you giving baths? If it's once a day, it may not be necessary... babies don't have to have baths every day... unless they're getting dirty. ;)
Try doing bathtime with mom or dad. Draw a bath, have some bubbles, and let her sit in the bathroom with you. Have fun... it's probably the first time you've been able to play with toys in the tub yourself in years! If she gets curious, she may want to join in the fun. Let her lean over and play with the suds and the water.
Might take a few tries, but toddlers are insatiably curious.
You might also try a shower. May scare her, but it may also intrigue her. Make sure you use a towel or mesh sling... slippery wiggly babies + soap + water = potential for disaster.
Decide how clean is clean enough and enforce that standard gently. Maybe a wipedown with some wet wipes to get the food off her face. I've found my daughter really doesn't NEED a bath more than once every couple of days. Any more, and her skin gets dried out.
Also try swapping out her toys for new ones, special bath-time toys that only come out when the tub is full. You might get her some tub crayons... I bet she'll love those!
2007-08-30 18:51:34 · answer #1 · answered by Dragonchilde 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try bribery. Let her 'ask you' to do something she really loves to do, and tell her 'No, you didn't take a bath last night, so you can't do that today. If you take a bath tonight, you can do it tomorrow, okay?' Then stick to your guns. And it's that 'paddle pool' that is to blame for her not wanting to take a bath ... to her 'getting in water' is fun, and the pool is more fun than the tub, so why bother getting in the tub when the pool is outside? GET RID OF THE POOL and get it out again next summer 'only after she promises' to take a bath EVERY NIGHT, so she can 'wash off all of the dirt from the pool and it's area.' Then stick to your guns on that, and she'll be 'used to taking a bath' again very quickly.
2007-08-30 11:16:36 · answer #2 · answered by Kris L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm... I've never heard of a child permanently scarred by the trauma of being forced to take a bath. Sometimes I think we give kids options that they shouldn't have.
Like some have said, try the shower instead. You could have her stand in it while you wash her, or you could shower with her.
Or maybe it'll be as simple as saying, "Hey, let's go 'swimming' in the tub!!" Let her take a few pool toys or something. Act very excited and tell her to "SWIM!!!" Sometimes it's all about the spin you put on it.
2007-08-30 11:19:33 · answer #3 · answered by hoff_mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, try not to read too many books about parenthood, trust your own instincts. As a parent I found that if you relax and don't project your insecurities onto you child you will have a more relaxed relationship. get into a routine around bed time and and use Lavender oil (or bubble bath) or just get them to bathe with you. lastly use bath time as a fun time as you do in the paddling pool.
This will pass as does nappy changing. What next? Tantrums, there a barrel of laughs.
Good luck.
2007-08-30 11:21:40 · answer #4 · answered by flewinsj 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put some soap in the paddling pool. (smile) Take her over a close friend or relative or friend that has children. Ask them to tell her that she stinks, maybe then she'll see that it's not wise to walk around without taking a bath. While this may seem too mean, give her a trade off. No sweets or snacks until after she takes a bath.
2007-08-30 11:14:37 · answer #5 · answered by Christine H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know that they sell bathtub crayons that wipe right off. I know you said you tried to make it fun... if you haven't tried them maybe they will help. You may be able to get one of those shower head things that attaches to the faucet and try to give her a shower(they sell them for pets so that is where you would find one in a store). I wouldn't advise not to just turn on the regular shower head as that may scare her. Good luck with bath time.
2007-08-30 11:14:00 · answer #6 · answered by BumbleBee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask your daughters doctor...also maybe make the bath tub look fun maybe bring the paddling pool in the tub if you get what i mean. also id suggest making the tub kinda like the bottom of the sea fill it with bath toys and other fun stuff. good luck!
2007-08-30 11:11:52 · answer #7 · answered by dmeb14 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try holding her in the shower with you. If you feel uncomfortable with her being able too see you, put on a swim suit and bathe her while you are holding her. Maybe that will make her less frightened?
2007-08-30 11:13:42 · answer #8 · answered by chtnawy2dy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like a few others have already suggested, I would try a regular shower with a parent. My daughter hates her toddler tub suddenly, but she likes taking showers.
2007-08-30 11:13:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lol i garentee she'll take some kind of bath/shower by the shes 18 but in the meantime u might try a shower
2007-08-30 12:32:31 · answer #10 · answered by sammi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋