Not Wanting to Take a Bath!

[MomFromCanada]

Hi everyone,
I have a dilemma! My 16 month old dd does not like to take baths in our tub. She has done this since we moved to our new home 2 weeks ago. Is it just a phase or how do I get past this? She won't even go in kiddie pools either, she just stays on the outside and splashes the water. Thing is, she used to LOVE baths, could hardly get her out of them! Why such a change? Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks!

She might be starting to develop her sense of danger and feel insecure in the bath... I remember around that time my twins began to scream if I washed their hair when before they were fine.

Pretty sure it;s the age when they start to develop little worries etc

Have you tried going in with her? or taking her in the shower?

They do get over things!!!

My ds is the same way. BTW, he is also 16mos old. He will not get into the kiddie pool and he is ok in the tub for about 5-10 mins. Then when it is time to wash, he starts crying. Then screaming when I wash him hair. I tried the shower the other day because my older ds loved the shower at this age. Not this one!! He screamed to whole time. I think it's normal. Although I never went through it with my older. He loved the water from day 1. I think he was even putting his face under the water at this age. Anyway, I hope things will be getting better for you soon. I believe they will grow out of it as they realize that it's ok to be in the water.

[kanaclark]

my little ds, 10 months, will NOT take a bath, get into a kiddie pool, but he WILL get in the shower with me and take a shower, head wet and all, and he will get into the river with moving water and play for hours. It makes no sense, but i guess it is a stage, I don't know. Hope your dd settles into a better bath time routine for you soon.

I do genuinely think having water poured over their head tends to scare them from a certain age. I know of so many Mum's who have the problem!

With my kids, I used to be able to use this fantastic shower head that I attach to the bath tap, but when they began to go mental I started using DD's colourful disney tea pot and made it into a game - and said stuff like "I am watering your head!" and making silly sound effects.

THey really don't mind the bright yellow tea pot washing their hair now, I never have any problems :wink:

[7thHeaven]

Sam doesn't like water poured in her face (when we rinse her hair), other than that, she's fine. We used to have to get in the tub with her because for some reason she would get really scared. Now at 19 months, she will tell you to get out so she can have more room to play. :lol:

Have you tried distracting him with toys or bath books?

[MomFromCanada]

Yes, I have tried distracting her with toys. That doesn't seem to work either. And I've also tried the shower head idea too, still doesn't seem to work. I am stumped! Thanks for all your great suggestions!