Okay, I am just thrown for a loop. My son, 19 months, just recently got this major aversion to the bath tub. It sort of came out of no where. Even as a tiny baby, like I'm talking a week old, he loved to be bathed! He would sit and play in the tub, would run over to it while you were filling it and try to climb in with his clothes on, etc. But then, about 2 weeks ago we were on vacation at my cousin's house. I gave my kids a bath, like normal, and they were fine. Two days later (still there) I gave them another bath and that's when my son started to freak. He just cried and clawed at me to get out of the tub, etc. I mean he was sobbing. I washed him quickly, calmed him down and he was fine. Since that night he has pretty much refused the tub. Won't go into the bathroom if the water is running, resists getting in it, refuses to sit down, cries, whines, the whole bit. We tried the shower and that was miserable too. A sponge bath isn't too much of an option since he's way too big to fit in our sinks any more and that's basically what we are reduced to doing anyway since he refuses to sit in the tub...we just do a quick wash of everything and get him out.
BUT, and here's the catch, he still loves the pool and did fine in the shower at the gym after we swam (we go to the indoor pool at least 1X/week). I will admit he was a bit hesitant to get in the pool at first, but once we were in there for a few minutes he resumed his old play style. In shower there was not one sign of fear or tears and we washed him like normal and went on our way. So...I guess I'm not really sure what my question is ...I mean I guess I'm concerned that I'm somehow traumatizing him by making him take a bath. He's too little to rationalize with him and explain that he just has to do it, but I don't really have other option than to throw him in the tub. I am confused as to why this happened and almost wonder if he's connected that bathtime means bedtime and he's resisting that? I don't find it likely that he's traumatized by the water being too hot or something like that b/c my daughter always bathes with him and hasn't complained. Besides, this is the same kid that falls down or off of things all the time and still gets up and tries again, so I'd be hesitant to believe he had some sort of bathtub incident that is making him feel this way. Could it be some sort of form of separation anxiety? He's been much clingier the last few weeks to me and is sort of entering that "mommy" stage that is pretty normal for his age. Anyway, I know this is long but I feel sort of lost and frustrated and now I absolutely dread bathtime!! Will it go away, is it a phase, should I call the pediatirican?? Help!!
It's a phase. Just keep plopping him in anwashing him up quickly. You can also put a favorite water proof toy in for him to play with after the washing.
Good luck - ugh!!!! :)
I say it's time to mix things up. Give him a bath in the middle of the day. Get in with him. Bring popcicles. Buy some new tub toys. Bring a set of bubbles. Make it totally different than what he had been used to.
My only idea is that perhaps he slipped in the tub and it scared him? Even without an accidental dunking, the simple loss of controll of his footing - or in this case, his 'bottom-ing' - could have startled him enough to be very wary of it. Perhaps a new textured non-slip mat?
Good luck with this!
My gut says it's a developmental thing linked with a surge in imagination. Generally I find travel to be very stimulating and often found my kids making leaps during and after trips. It's possible that brain development took a leap -- he noticed the drain and began to fear being "washed down" (which is very common) or some other connection in his mind. I would assume it's a phase and he'll get through it. Be calm, don't force, find whatever you can to make bath time exciting again -- crayons, toys, visors, pitchers, NEW things to attract him back into the tub. It'll pass.
they cycle thru.....it's up to you as to whether or not to force the issue. I will say upfront that forcing the issue is one of the most uncomfortable experiences around....one of my daycare families just went thru this with their 2yo & it broke all of their hearts. But it was happening with both the shower & tub....& it'd been 4 days since their DD was clean! What they learned was that she did not want to go to bed.....
I was very fortunate that battles of this type were not an issue with my sons. We battled over many other things, tho!
We just went through that at our house too! My daughter, 19 months, screamed, cried and sobbed for two weeks every bath time. I didn't give in to the crying and made her sit and wash and it was terrible. I finally took all the toys out of the bath and ran it before she was in the room then let her throw the toys in and make them splash and then after she tossed the toys in herself she was willing to splash like the toys. It has been working and we haven't had tears since. I am not sure what was going on in her head but the phase seems to have passed. I think it is totally normal! Hang in there Mommy!!
Hi T. - As I read through your question, I couldn't help but wonder if a shower might be an option? Could your son shower with Dad? I don't know if that would solve the problem or not, but maybe it would be worth a try. I have 4 grandsons who are now 6, 5, and twin almost 4-year olds. When my daughters have had issues with bathing, the little boys seemed to enjoy showering. And as others have pointed out, it is most likely just a phase that he'll outgrow - and of course, it could take awhile to get through it, but you will - I promise!! 8-)
Try morning bath instead of at night-Also maybe get a new toy that can only be played with in the bath.
Oh mama let me tell you - I go through the same thing with my daughter. It is a battle every other night. I can't give her a bath every night because she has very sensitive skin. I swear the neighbors must think we beat her. The one time I chased her around the house for about 5 minutes trying to get her. She was butt naked running around the house. She's three - soon to be four in June. She stomps her feet and yells at the top of her lungs. Sorry I can't give advice - but wanted to let you know, you're not the only one going through this.
