I just recently put my 9 month old daughter in the 'big girl' bathtub for the first time the other day. I did it again tonight, as she still seems extremely frightened and scared, initially, upon me placing her above the water and bending her down in to the water slowly. Even before I did this, she seemed weary when I was getting her undressed in the bathroom (as we usually undress her on the kitchen counter, on top of a pad, prior to putting her in the 'sink' bath). After being placed in the water and some soft, encouraging and 'happy'-toned words, she seems to be fine, but am curious if this is normal behavior for a 9 month old or for a baby who's just getting used to being in a bigger body of water. I'm curious, too, because I eventually want to bring her in to our spa and swimming pool in the spring as the weather gets nicer, as well as swimming lessons as soons as she's (age) ready. My fear, or say concern, would be her developing a fear of the water. She even seems trepidatious and very weary to even move or lunge toward a toy that has floated away despite my proximity (I was practically in the tub w/ her the first time) and physical support. Any thoughts? Anyone else have this happen to her baby/ies? Thanks!
Hi G.,
My daughter hated baths no matter what we did with her baby bathtub. The only way it worked was for me to get in the big tub with her. But what we later found out was that she absolutely loved getting in the swimming pool when we were on vacation, now ever since then baths are soooo much fun. Hope for so nice weather and give it a try? Good luck, L. D
She may end up being a bit of a cautious child by nature, but that's ok. How about getting in and bathing with her? My daughter's now 15, and how I wish I could invent a time machine and go back and put her sweet little naked body on mine in the bathtub! Those were the days. And then one day it's the last time you'll ever get to do it. Take advantage of this time to have those sweet experiences with your daughter! It won't last forever.
Get in the bath with her. It's a great time for bonding and helping her feel safe and secure in the big tub.
I scanned the responces and did not see this...
My first freaked out when we moved to the big tub too...She freaked even worse the second night when I decided to get in with her...I think she thought me being in there too meant that she could not get out.
I ended up putting the baby tub into the big tub and then gradually over a few nights filling the baby tub and the big tub. Soon she was fine with sitting up in the big tub alone.
Also note how slippery the tub base is. Longs sells really awesome foam like tub matts that are machine washable and cover the whole base of the tub.
Bathing with the baby can be fun and bonding but upsafe if you are alone and do not have help watching the baby as you are getting out and drying off.
Also on the swimming...totally different feeling and sensation. They start out right up against you in your arms and their fears are slowly resolved as they become more comfortable. Just be sure if she shows fear in the pool this summer to take it slow.
Best luck to whatever you decide works best for you!!
My son is 15 months (almost) and is still in a "baby bath tub." We got the Primo Eurobath from Babies R Us and its supposed to work until the baby is 2 years, depending on the kid's size. He can lay down on one side and sit up on the other. He only sits up now. The thing is HUGE, so if your living situation won't allow for an extra thing, there are others that might work.
Also, do you have a tub mat on the bottom for extra grip?
If you want to stick to your tub, I would take a bath with your daughter until she shows signs of playfulness and wanting to explore the bath beyond your proximity. Think of yourself. Did you easily transition to anything with just one try? The sink is very different from the tub. Try to put yourself in her shoes.
When we travel, we don't have the luxury of a toddler/baby tub. Our husband takes a bath with him, straddling our son between his legs. He thinks of it as extra bonding time.
It may be helpful to get a space heater, since you won't be fully submerged as if you were taking an "adult" bath.
They do get frightened because its so big. Try getting into the tub with her. Also why make her get into a large bath tub anyway. What it the rush? Get into your bathing suits and get into the bath tub with her. Make it fun.
Hi G.,
I had sort of the opposite problem - my little one had no fear at all and if I took my hand off her for a second, she'd dive face-first into the water. Scary for me! The solution that worked for me may also work for you. I got one of those baby bath seats that attaches to the side of the tub. So she was sort of corralled in place! She could still play with her toys and I could get her clean, but she was held securely the whole time. Maybe that feeling of having something firm and secure all the way around her would help your baby. Good luck to you!
Hi G.,
First of all, go back to the kitchen for a week or two!Then go to Target or a baby store and purchase one of the bigger size baby tubs,I think Ikea may have a good sized one. Put it with her toys and let her get in and out of it so she is familiar with it. Put a few bath toys and her wash cloth in it just to make friends with it. In a couple of weeks put it in the big tub and let her watch you fill it with water and add a few toys. You could have her sitting on your lap while you do this. The larger size baby bath will work for quite awhile and maybe you can try transitioning her in a few more months. I did this with a foster baby who was terrified of the big tub, bathing and having her hair washed. Walmart carries a little pitcher with a soft side to hold up to their forehead so water does not run down in their eyes.
Give this a try....good luck!
E.
One of our now-6YO twins went through a stage where she was scared of the bathtub but she *did* get over it. Sometimes I think babies and toddlers go through what I call "cognitive growth spurts" where their ability to notice things around them leaps ahead of their ability to process the input and panic sets in. I've known other parents who got through this stage by putting on their swimsuits and getting into the tub with their babies.
we used a large plastic baby tub until our kids were practically preschoolers LOL, there are also inflatable tubs you can put in your regular bathtub that might help. On the few times that we travelled when our girls were toddlers, we brought along one of their swimming pool floaties and used it like a bathtub insert and I think that helped them feel like the tub wasn't so huge and they had a bit of cushioning around them.
Hi G.,
My daughter is almost 8 months..and I have been taking a bath with her for past 2 months..b/c it was hurting my back leaning over the tub. I would recommend taking a bath with her...I put one of her bath towels in the tub...I get it wet and place it over my legs....like a hammock...and she sits on it while I support her with one hand...I find that then she is not slippery. I also try to encourage her to play...like kick her feet...play with some water toys. You might want to try this for a while...its a good bonding time and she'll feel more secure...with you holding her and you'll worry less.
good luck bye K.
My daughter did this when she was a baby and just recently my 12 month old son. How we solved it: we purchased a blow up duck tub from Target and put them in that first. I think it's the size of the tub that freaks them out after being is such a small intimate space like they were before. After a few months in the duck (which took some getting used to as well) I got in the tub with them a few times and held them in the big tub. The second time I put them down next to me and then the next time I did the same thing and then got out and sat at the side. They were both fine after that. It does take a few times before they aren't scared anymore. I do think it's pretty normal.
Good luck!
