Often children are afraid of bathing, as well as other daily activities. It happens because they begin to develop self-awareness and, as a result, want to take control of their own life. Generally this fear arises in relation to the awareness of the surrounding environment. Thankfully, there are a few ways that help overcome it.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Helping Your Child Overcome Fear of Bathing
Step 1. Identify the cause of your child's fears
Some children have a real fear of bath time and feel anxious. Your child may not be able to openly tell you what is bothering him, so watch his behavior. Sometimes the cause of fear is water (is it too cold? Too hot?).
- Sometimes it can be the bathtub (is it too "empty" or too full of toys?).
- Other times it is the tub drain, which some children think is a small black hole that swallows them alive.
- It can also be the whole organization and environment for the baby bath (are they too quiet or too noisy and rushed?).
Step 2. Help your child overcome the fear of water
Once you understand what his fear or dread is, find a way to help overcome this anxiety. So, in order for her fears to overcome, you can make entering the water more inviting.
- Add a drop of food coloring to give it the impression that the water is magical or make a tub full of foam.
- If you are afraid of getting into a tub full of water, try soaking the baby in it and then fill the tub. Leave the tap running so that he feels like he can control the situation.
Step 3. Take a bath with your child
If he is terrified of the tub, wash the baby by bathing together. Your presence will comfort him and make him feel safe.
Tell him that washing is important. This is why mom or dad will take a bath with him
Step 4. Change the temperature
If you realize that your child is afraid of the water temperature, try to see if he reacts better by putting the water at a warmer or colder temperature.
Make sure you keep the temperature warm so that he won't shiver when he has to get out of the tub
Step 5. Eliminate the fear of draining
Some children are terrified of the exhaust. To be honest, it's a black hole that can look terrifying when underwater. Try explaining to the child that it is actually just a small hole that takes away the bathwater, but that it does not suck the children clean.
Show your child that the drain won't take it away by putting a toy on the hole. Point out that if the toy is not sucked down the drain, he will not be swallowed either
Method 2 of 4: Prepare for Bath Time
Step 1. Realize that managing time is everything
If you tell him he needs to wash, you will most likely not win the battle against a child who is enjoying playing. Therefore, establish habits so that he knows for himself when it is time to take a bath.
Stick to this schedule and bathe him at the same time every day. For example, you can arrange for them to play, have dinner, and then take a bath. If you change something by moving the bathroom before dinner, the child will be less likely to do so because he will have to interrupt the usual schedule
Step 2. Be aware that breaking a routine may discourage the baby from taking a bath
Once you've established certain habits, try to stick to them as much as possible. Babies are highly dependent on these rhythms, which means that if something comes out of a certain succession, they are very likely to feel discomfort in the things they need to do, such as bath time.
Of course, there will be days when a break from the rules is inevitable. In the next step you will be able to read how to behave in these situations
Step 3. Tell your child about the change in routine
If you absolutely can't avoid a change of plans, sit down with your child when he's in the right mood. Calmly explain to him why you need to change your habits and what the consequences are (for example, he has to take a bath immediately after dinner: in this case it is likely that he will no longer be able to play after dinner or before going to bed).
However, you should also point out that if he washes quickly, without fussing, he will still have time to play before bed
Step 4. Make it clear what your expectations are
Tell him that you expect him to be a clean baby all the time and that, therefore, he needs to bathe. By explaining your expectations, you will help him understand the importance of washing.
Step 5. Prepare for bath time
To ensure that it goes well, organize everything before the bath. Prepare the tub and supplies. The steps are:
- Fill the tub with hot water, at the right temperature for your child.
- Place a towel nearby, as well as shower gel and shampoo, but the latter two are out of the baby's reach.
- Hang your child's towel nearby so it's ready when you get out of the tub to dry it.
- Make sure his nappies, pajamas, or clothes are arranged and ready so he can be dressed immediately.
-
Place a mat that you can kneel on by the pool. This way you will avoid hurting your knees.
Deal with a Toddler Who Is Afraid of Baths Step 10Bullet5 - Place a non-slip mat on the bottom of the tub so your baby won't slip if standing inside.
Method 3 of 4: During the Bath
Step 1. Make the bath short, but pleasant
The purpose is to wash your child, giving him the opportunity to enjoy this moment, without wasting time playing. Play comes by itself if you can make this experience enjoyable, but the child must understand that he is not in the tub to play.
Let him play for a while, but let him know that the reason he is taking a bath is that he needs to wash
Step 2. Put some toys in the tub to help him distract himself from his fears
This can help your baby feel safer and more relaxed during bath time. The toys will also keep him distracted while you wash him. Some baby bath toys can be:
- A rubber duck.
- Letters and numbers to stick on the wall.
- Floating balls.
- Plastic toys in the shape of animals that do not get damaged in contact with water.
Step 3. Distract your child with the foam
If the child is wary of water, try to foam up a lot. It will enjoy playing with bubbles while you wash it. Make sure you use a bubble bath that doesn't irritate the skin.
If the product you use doesn't create a lot of foam, consider using soap bubbles while the baby is in the tub. This will distract him from the fear of bathing
Step 4. Keep your child busy with a song or story
While he's in the bathtub, sing him a song or tell him a story that will distract him while you wash him. You may even find a song or story about the bath to get the baby more involved.
You could make up the story of a child who went on a journey on the high seas in search of treasure. In the middle of the sea he discovered that the only way to access the treasure was to become a clean baby (if you use a story similar to this, consider buying a fake treasure that he can play with when he's finished bathing)
Step 5. Buy products for sensitive skin
One reason children are afraid to bathe is because they have probably had bad experiences with shampoo getting into their eyes or with soaps that irritated their skin. To prevent this from happening, make sure you buy products that are suitable for the baby's sensitive skin.
Do not vigorously rub the sponge or glove on the skin
Step 6. Try bathing or showering with your child
If the child categorically refuses to take a bath, try doing it with him. If you are in the tub together, she is less likely to be afraid.
Do not punish the child for his outright refusal to take a bath. Punishing him, you risk fueling his fears
Step 7. Explain what is going to happen as you rinse it off
Many children consider the time to rinse to be the most terrifying part of the bathroom, because they have to close their eyes and feel the water running over their heads. It could be scary for anyone, let alone a child. Explain each step of this operation so that you are aware of what is happening.
- Tell him he has to close his eyes, but that mom or dad will be right next to him all the time.
- Assure your child that water will not get into his eyes if he keeps them closed. Also, remind him that if he doesn't fidget excessively, he won't even get into his nose, ears, and mouth.
Method 4 of 4: After Bath
Step 1. Give him a round of applause for his skill
Praise can go a long way, even in a trivial activity like a bath. Tell him he was brave and acted like a little man in the bath. Your child will be proud of himself and with the right routine he will be much happier to bathe next time.
Step 2. Take him out of the tub slowly and carefully
Make sure it doesn't slip while trying to get out. Keep praising him as you dry him and then tell him what he will do soon (whether it's playing, eating, or going to sleep).
Step 3. Ask your child what worries him if he still has trouble bathing
When the child explains what is troubling him, he bypasses his worries. Don't judge him, even if the reasons are trivial. Instead, show your support and show him that you understand how he feels.
Let him know that you will always be next to him until he is ready to bathe alone
Advice
- Make bath time a playful adventure. You could pretend that you are both at the beach.
- Try bathroom crayons. They can be used to draw on the bathtub, but wash off easily.
- Try putting on his swimsuit before washing him to see if that way he is less wary of water.
