Parenting Toddlers (1-3) Support Group

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/ Parenting Toddlers (1-3) Support Group

THE BATH a.k.a. HELP ME!

deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm sure that's how my daughter thinks of it, in capital letters. She screams her head off every time! She's never taken a bath that she enjoyed. I've tried everything I can think of other than not giving her a bath at all! I've tried changing the water temperatures, changing the water level, changing bath tubs, taking a shower instead (not good at all)...I just don't know what to do to get her to stop screaming. It emotionally drains me every time I give her a bath. And if she knows she's about to take a bath, she makes herself spit up all over the place! I just don't get it! I even tried getting her grandmother and her father to give her baths. Nothing doing. They can't stand to hear her heart-wrenching screams! I just don't know what to do. I used to cry, before I began to take medication for my "emotional" problems. I even told the doctor about this and he just laughs, like it's cute. Believe me...it's not cute.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Has she always been this way? Because I subscribe to this website that sends me emails weekly about developments at my daughter's age and stage....she's 13 months now, and the most recent one said that at her age they can suddenly develop irrational fears that they've never had before. They used the bath as an example and said just to try sponge bathing for a few days and see if that works....also, how do you wash her hair? Do you pour water over it? My daughter FREAKS when I do that, so I only use a wash cloth to rinse it....I don't know what I'm going to do when it gets longer...
Hope this helps...good luck to you!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was wondering if your child had a sensitivity to other textures or sensations? Do you think it is behavioral or something related to her sensory system? Is the temperature of the water okay? My DD hated bath time also, but it was mostly the washing of her hair that caused the most problems.
deleted_user
deleted_user
when my daughter was scared of the bathtub I always got in with her and we took a bath together I would let her sit on my lap. Then I let her pick out tub toys like her baby doll and othe littles things It always worked for me. Then one day she didn't need me in the tub with me.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I just want comment on taking a bath with her......around 1 yr to 15 months I had to beacuse my daughter would cry and scream during bath time and I was ready to pull my hair out also then I was soaking in the tub one night and daddy was watching her trying to let me relax and get rid of a headache but she came in anyway and started pulling at her clothes and diaper....so we put her in and she was OK....we played and had a good time ...this continued for a few months and she was OK to be alone again...every now and then if she sees me in the tub she wants in!!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I tried taking a bath with her, too. She likes to play in water, as long as she's not in it. She's always been terrified of taking a bath. She used to be terrified of me taking a bath! How do I wash her hair and get it clean without rinsing it by pouring water over it? I get her to lean back her head, so the soap doesn't get in her eyes. I've tried different shampoos, too. Do you think that this could be a serious psychological problem?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't think it's a psychological problem. It's either a learned behavior, a sensory issue or perhaps a phase. I would find another pediatrician to go to. If the doctor is not taking you seriously, then find another one who will. This is obviously causing major stress for you and your child.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Are you putting a lot of water in the tub? Maybe just put a small amount in there and get one of those detachable shower heads to rinse her hair and body? Alex LOVES soap crayons, they are $5 for a pack of 12...being able to draw on the walls is awesome for any kid I think. Other than that maybe she just doesn't like the feel of the tub, they sell these big rubber ducks that sit inside the bath tubs that are soft plastic...maybe she would enjoy sitting in there more? Well I hope something helps! Good luck!
deleted_user
deleted_user
"How do I wash her hair and get it clean without rinsing it by pouring water over it?"

Well if her hair is long, there's not many other options, but my daughter's is short, so I just get a facecloth sopping wet and sqeeze the water out over her head. I usually put my hand over her forehead too to prevent the water from going in her eyes.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am not sure how old your daughter is but, my daughter is 2 1/2. And sometimes I have to let her pour the water over her head. But, I am there with my own cup pouring water over it too. You could try that. But, if it's the whole taking a bath that she doesn't like I have no idea for that one.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Is your daughter also afraid of swimming? If she has a major aversion to water, I would speak to your pediatrician about it. He/she will be able to give you the best advice or refer you to a specialist.

In order to make bath time more fun for my kids, we do bubble baths, bath-time games and occasionally, I will put a few drops of food coloring in the water -- to give them "colored baths."

Please keep us posted.
deleted_user
deleted_user
One idea with the washing hair. I don't know how old I was when my mom started this with me, but.... I used to lay on my back on the kitchen counter and my mom would use the sprayer to wash my hair. Kind of like going to the salon. Although since she hated the shower, I don't know how that would work with her. You might call a pharmacy that rents medical equipment (hospital beds, etc), I know they have disposable washcloths that can be heated up in the microwave, they might have something for washing hair for people who are bedridden. I know it's a short term fix, but she'll be clean. I haven't helped you with the underlying problem at all.

I would also ask the doctor for a referral to a therapist who might be able to develop a type of desensitization program with you. I don't think your daughter has any serious problems, but that program might help you and her find a solution.

Good LUCK!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I use this bucket http://www.buybuybaby.com/EnlargeProduct.asp?SKU=15248106&ZMPHT=380/8116815248106P.JPG

and this looks really helpful http://www.buybuybaby.com/EnlargeProduct.asp?SKU=14866051&ZMPHT=380/6996214866051P.JPG
deleted_user
deleted_user
I went to bed thinking about you. Do you think she would stand or sit in a bathtub without water in it? You could have a bowl full of soap water and one of clean water next to the tub to give her a sponge bath. Then you could progress to the bowls in the tub. Then you could put a cup of water in the tub and gradually increase the water in the tub. This will take weeks if not months to progress her to a bath, but you might be able to get her clean without screams. And progress would be progress.

Going back to my idea of washing her hair on the kitchen counter. You might want to take her to a salon so she can see it done before you do it. You might be able to tell how willing she is to try it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
what I mean is, she does not like anything that's close to a bath, sponge-bath or anything. Here lately I've been giving her a bath without putting any water in the tub. She does a little better, but she's still scared. She HATES taking a bath, but she loves giving one! I don't get it.
sophie1053
sophie1053
hi

For moms, bath time can be the stuff of nightmares...,

If your kid has intense anxiety about getting into the tub, make it a gradual process. Give him a sponge bath for three nights, then a sponge bath in an empty tub for three more, then add just an inch of water, and so on. Give him a sense of control by letting him pick out his wash cloth and bath toys. Within a few weeks, he’ll be calmer—and hopefully, cleaner.


u can try these tips too

drop some out the box toys like ...,Glow bracelets, shaving cream, colored foam soap, bath crayons—any type of sensory play that add novelty to the routine.

give him colored bubble bath

sophie
https://www.sophielagirafe.ca
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