Getting Your Toddler Over His Fear of Baths

Is your toddler afraid of the bath? If your little one freaks out when he hears the word "bath" and only cries in the tub, you might wonder if it is worth the hassle to bathe him! However there are few things you can do to get your toddler over his fear.

Could the size of the tub be a problem? Some little kids are afraid of being in the big tub, the slippery floor and walls, along with the fact that their parents are so far away can be frightening. Your toddler might benefit from being in a baby tub, even if he no longer fits lying down. Set the tub on the bathroom floor and crouch beside it, this provides a sense of security for your child.

Toddlers might also find the depth of the water disturbing, so try to keep the bath level to just a couple of inches. This is usually a big help in alleviating bath fears. You can also make the water more interesting with a drop or two of food coloring.

Small children are easily distracted and this is probably your best bet in helping your little one get over his fears. Try introducing new bath toys, mixing up some major bubbles in the tub and then show him how to dab them on your nose. You can also play music while your child is in the tub or even try reading a book to him if he enjoys that. There are special plastic bath books available that won't get ruined in the water. Wind up toys are also a popular distraction.

Using special no tears shampoo is a good way to eliminate problems in the bath. If your toddler has ever had soap in his eyes, he might be afraid that it will happen again. Even bar soap can cause stinging if your baby splashes the soapy water into his eyes, so try using baby shampoo for washing as well, or wash him up just before getting him out of the tub to lower the risk of his getting soap in his eyes.

One way that has proven effective for many children is to bathe them daily. While you might have to put up with tears and tantrums for a week or so, eventually, your child will realize that this is part of his daily routine and won't fight it as much. You can also make it a pleasant time where he spends time with Mommy or Daddy and afterwards, give him a body massage with lotion as a reward. You will likely see a great improvement shortly.

With patience and persistence, your toddler will eventually come to accept his baths, albeit grudgingly! And in time, he will outgrow the fear, even if none of the tips above work. So hang in there and do your best to distract your little one from the fact that he is getting clean!