Suddenly hates baths. Can anyone help?

[Angelsrose12]

My 18 mo old DD has ALWAYS loved the water. She runs to the bathtub and loves to go swimming. She splashes in the sink and asks to wash hands. Recently, she has seemed suddenly afraid to get into the bathtub! The last 2 times I got in with her and she sat in my lap so I could wash her, but she was still ready to get out before we were even done rinsing her off. I am not sure it has anything to do with her night terrors (she started having these less than a week after the bathtub phobia).

Has anyone else had this happen to them?

What did you do to get them to bathe on their own again?

What did you do in mean time?

Do you think this and the night terrors have anything to do with each other?

Nothing traumatizing has happened that either of us know of in the bathtub or otherwise, (she does go to a public preschool but it is not like she ever takes baths or anything there) so I am stumped!

[Willbearsmom]

Hmmm my son went through a phase like this except without the night terrors. We bought him some new bath toys and that distracted him from being scared to being entertained.

But...In your case it sounds like she is actually scared of the water. Maybe she saw something in a movie or TV show and it really scared her. I guess the best way is that you need to show her that being in the tub is fun again! Like getting new toys or bath paints. Over time she will see that there is nothing to be scared about. Also you could get Dr. Harvey Karp's "The Happiest Toddler on the Block." I know he talks about the stage when kids start developing fears and it's around the 18 month mark and he has some steps for helping your child through them. That book has saved my life! And it's an entertaining read so it won't put you to sleep. I got mine at Border's in the parenting section. I highly HIGHLY suggest getting it!

You are doing great and I know it's tough. Just let your little girl know you are there to protect her and keep her safe!

[ltille20]

i just recently got this awesome bath toy, i dont know if it will help or hurt, if shes afraid of the water, but it might make the water fun again? the toy is from the munchkin brand, i got it from target, and it lights up and spins, and it shoots the water up in a mini fountain, my son LOVES it! his problem was that he wanted to stand and walk in the tub, he would not sit still, this toy keeps his attention the whole time, its been a lifesaver. good luck!!!


http://www.lullabylane.com/buy/5/161...0304-2734.aspx

[Willbearsmom]

We just got that for my son! He was a little nervous at first but he absolutely loves it now! How come we didn't have cool bath toys like that when we were younger?

[ltille20]

i know! they definatly have way cooler stuff... haha