Fear of bathing

"Newborn babies sometimes don't like to bathe. Slightly older children may be afraid of bathing. It is, therefore, important that the newborn is introduced to bathing slowly, gently, as an opportunity to enjoy and relax. Play, let the water caress the baby's body, allow the baby to feel those light touches of water and the ripples that form as you slowly bubble the water around the baby. Offer a variety of games to relax, enjoy with your baby and encourage pleasant feelings. Always be careful and carefully monitor how your baby behaves and plays while bathing. "

How does the fear of bathing arise?

  • A newborn baby may be afraid of losing control.
  • Slightly older babies/children may be frightened by the sound of water, their hair and head getting wet, being wiped/rubbed with a towel after bathing

How to prevent discomfort and fear of bathing:

  • Follow the baby's cues carefully and don't push it if you see that the baby feels insecure
  • Provide a sense of security:
    • choose a smaller tub and don’t pour too much water in the beginning
    • adjust water temperature,
    • support the back of his/her neck and head, keep eye contact
    • gradually introduce skin contact with water, wait for the baby to feel and accept the warmth,  
    • massage/wash the tummy to keep the body warm
    • do not pour water over his/her face and nose, but rather wash them with your hand
  • Talk to the baby, sing, pour water over his/her body with light movements  

What if the baby outgrows the tub?

  • Gradually introduce independent sitting in a larger tub - water should be added slowly.
  • Put the tub in a large tub (shower unit), let the child get used to the new sizes.
  • Bathe together with the child, put the child on your lap or between your legs to make him/her feel safe.
  • Stick rubber stickers on the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping.
  • Take the child out of the bathtub/even out of the bathroom before spilling water, so that he/she is not frightened by the noise created by spilling water.
  • If the child is afraid that shampoo will get into his/her eyes, wash his/her head carefully and put protection over his eyes (your other palm or a plastic splash guard) or use baby shampoo that will not hurt his/her eyes.

Make bathing fun, play together!

You can reduce or eliminate the fear of bathing if you make bathing fun for the child and for you:

  • Get special toys for water games (natural water colors, toys for spraying, pouring, immersion). Let your toddler choose a new bubble bath or a special toy.
  • Bathing with siblings especially fun; playing and enjoying the play together will reduce the fear of bathing.
  • Let bathing be your time together. Sing, tell stories...
  • Bathing is an opportunity for the child to bathe his/her favorite toys or dolls. It helps to understand the meaning and importance of bathing.
  • The child can choose the scent and smoothness of the cream to be applied on the skin after bathing, or the color or pattern of the towel.
  • Change the bathing time during the day. Discover the part of the day when your child likes to bathe most.

Never leave the bathroom while your baby/young child is bathing. Children easily slip under the water. Make sure you bring everything you need before you put your child in the bathtub.

Praise and encourage all of the child's independent actions towards bathing. If the time for bathing is full of positive feelings, useful, cheerful and fulfilled, the fear will surely decrease and eventually disappear.