Fear of Baths

Has anyone else bathed her recently besides yourself?

I don't really have advice other than words of comfort - it will pass! My daughter has gone through a stage like this 2 or 3 times - for a week or so she will just scream throughout the bath for no apparent reason, and then a few days later she gets over it. And nothing we tried to do seemed to help, we just had to get through it! Definitely try the suggestions people have given but if nothing works, be assured it is a stage. Good luck and hang in there!

OK, I think I wrote this post about a month ago!! My daughter is a bit younger, but she did the very same thing! The good news..it has gone away completely! I did not do anything different, just get through it, and for whatever reason, she will now sit and play forever if I would let her. It was literally about 2 maybe 3 weeks, and then, nothing. I swear it was the craziest thing. But, we do have one of those bath mats in our tub, and so during that time, I let her stand, holding onto me, while I washed her off with a quick spray of the removable shower head. It was a bit of a wrestling match, but it was the quickest way for me. Hang in there, and know that it will pass! ~A.~

My DD goes through stages of this. I dont know if it is fear, but maybe control? I have gotten her new bath toys, new fun towels, I also got her bathtub paint. These things sometimes work. Sometimes I just put her in, wipe her down and get her out, while she cries the whole time. I know your DD is a bit young, but you could try a little reward. Like a sticker or popcycle. I am sorry, I know this is stressful

If you have a nice size kitchen sink I'd have a few baths in there to let your little girl catch her breath AND CALM DOWN. Next time I gave her a bath I would put as little water as possible in the tub, make sure the water is a perfect temp and that the bathroom is warm enough. I'd do that for about a week and then slowly start adding just a little water to the tub before each bath. SLOWLY, so that she doesn't really notice. If none of that works maybe it is time to switch to the shower!

My daughter was scared of the bathtub too at around 2 years. It lasted for about a week and passed. I tryed not to make a big deal out of it and just soaped and poured water over her body while she was standing in the tub. I think she was really scared of getting water in her vagina- she had just discovered it. Good luck to you.

Wow, that must be hard to deal with, and baffling since you can't determine a cause. I remember my oldest going through something similar, we never could figure it out. Did you check her over really well to be sure she doesn't have a sore bottom, or a little scratch or hangnail? These could sting when they're put in the water (think about washing dishes with a papercut) and that one time might have made an impression. Also, we've always been careful never to avoid saying that anything could accidentally go down the drain, but I know some kids (my sister's kids) go through that.

Some random ideas for you:
1. Time for some new tub toys.
2. Set her up to play next to the tub, while you get in and have a great time taking a bath by yourself. Don't pressure her to get in, leave her fully clothed while you do this. Really make it look like you're having so much fun, play with the new toys yourself. Kids learn by example, even really little ones.
3. Have her give her doll or teddy bear a bath. Use real soap and water.

My Abigail, who is 5 now, STILL hates having her hair washed. Its a battle every single time, some kids just don't like water. She doesn't like to get in the tub, but once she is there, she won't get out. Baths: the evil necessity.
Good luck!