for finacial and personal reasons me and my babys daddy are doing a one month split. He can handle everything about the baby except one he is scared to bath him. for this reason I have never made him do it. how do I get him over the fear of bathing the baby so he feels at ease while I am gone to do it? He will do absolutely everything else but that. I think he is afraid he is going to drown when he is bathing him. He is a very good daddy so dont criticize him it will not make him at ease. And I don't believe forcing him to do it without help is going to make him relax. I want to build his confidence doing it not force him. I will be in the room at first just in case to help daddy relax. any ideas.
btw the baby is 2.
well, depending on the age of the baby, he may not need to be bathed that often. When he has him, maybe he can just give him a bit of a sponge bath if he needs it?
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I completely understand this scenario. My hubby is terrified of this also. Our oldest is 5 yr old and our newborn is 3 m and I can honestly tell you he has NEVER bathed either of them. He is literally gripped with fear at the thought of it. I like the suggestion of just having him shower with the baby. My hubby has done this before with our sons (both in the infant stage and also the toddler stage). He somehow feels better in control of the entire situation (I don't quite understand it, what with a slippery surface and all, but hey, whatever works best for him). Can he ask for help from his mom or a sister...or someone else comfortable with doing it?? Or is there a chance you will have periodic visits during the month, at which time you can give the baby a quick bath?? No criticism here, let him know he's not the only dad to have this fear. Some guys (like mine) literally have never gotten over it. Tell him to keep up the good work in all the other areas.
It was always easier for my DH to just shower with the baby...this might be a good option for him. All he has to do is set the clothes out before he gets in...easy, easy!
I am sorry, just read that the baby is 2...if the baby can sit up by him/her self he should be fine...only a couple inches of water and stay with him/her the WHOLE time!
Daddys always have a hard time in this area. my experience has been put just enough water in the tub maybe and inch or two should be plenty and step back and allow them to splash and have fun. bath time for babies is fun if you relax just stress to him never leave the baby in the water on their own it only takes a second and and inch of water. or have him there when you give the baby a bath so he sees how it is done. that might help with the anxiety of doing it himself
