Water Issues

[flea]

Okay veteran Moms or if any of you have read anything about this...please tell me this is a phase! Laney is getting terrified of baths and wants to get out as soon as she gets in!

Let's review...

* She has gotten a nightly bath EVERY NIGHT since we brought her home form the hospital - I have never skipped - not once!
* She used the blue infant tub for 10+ months and would play even when we were done
* She was bathed up high on a sink in front of a mirror
* One time when she was 3 months old, I put the blue tub in a bathtub at my sister's and she FREAKED
* I switched her to the huge Euro Tub (thanks again Jen!)...in the bathtub - she's scared and not happy - even with toys
* She took a bath in the big bathtub with the triplets AND Mommy - wanted OUT!
* Again, last night with Cami...HATED IT!

She's not liking her feet in the water at the beach and has never been in a swimming pool. Tried at the Union - but it was too cold and I didn't want the first time in a pool to be a negative experience so we didn't go in.

Has anyone experienced this? Is it a phase? Or is she really terrified of the water. I decided to see if I switched her back to the blue tub up high tonight. She was standing and CLENTCHING/GRABBING my chest and shirt in terror???

What is going on???

[mcavy]

Oh no! I haven't had to deal with a fear of the water, but it sure sounds like that's what is going on. Hopefully it's just a phase? They seem to go through these weird phases all the time, one minute loving something and the next hating it and being afraid. Today, Alex was afraid of the grass again! We were at a graduation party and I couldn't put him down, just like at the Union with the sand hopefully it will pass soon? Have you tried just in the kitchen sink? With maybe an inch or 2 of water? That is Alex's favorite way to take a bath lately, he likes to play with a little water running slowly from the faucet. Maybe it won't be so scary if there isn't much water...

[RiTay]

oh i hope little laney gets over her fear soon! that must be so hard! i'm sorry that i don't really have any advise for you but michele gave you some good ideas.

hugs

[AtoZduo]

I've heard that this is the age that babies start getting scared of things..like water... they understand much more..
What about bathing with her so she feels safe, singing songs and making it fun? Also, we are about to do swimming lessons...
good luck sweetie.

[hbby]

Oh poor little Laney! I had a friend that her little girl did the same thing. For a short time she took baths with her to show her that it was ok. She tried to focus her attention on toys and splashing and cuddled her when she needed comfort. After that she was fine. Q was scared to death when we switched from the tub to the bath seats. Although he did have his brother to watch and see that it was ok. Maybe have Cam over more I am sure it is hard to see her so scared. Hope she starts loving her baths soon!

[tanjalalie]

Flea, yes, increased awareness of the world and the possible dangers in this reinforces her worry.

I would say desensitisation is probably the key. Get her near fun water as often as possible in small increments. And for a few nights while you work on this, do not give her a bath in a body of water, spongebathe her instead.

For a few days try all these maybe:

Lift her up to the kitchen and bathroom sinks and trickle a tiny trickle of water on her hands, singing and laughing and such. "wash" her hands.

Do lots of water stuff outside. undress her and find a toy watering can with the head with tiny holes in it so you can pour out a little rain shower. Do it away from her and have her watch, then move over to hands, then feet, she might like that as it would be gentle and tickle, and let her play with the thing herself. Go "water" the plants and things. Put water in sparkey's bowl this way, etc etc

Get a low plastic dishwashing bucket, fill half, put in toys, put on the grass, her next to it. splash and play together.

When she gets tired of these things or fussy or tense, stop, and do something else for a bit, when she's calm again, go back to water play.

When all this successful, and she is starting to enjoy longer increments, move on to sitting togetehr in DRY kiddie pool. Have the plastic dishbucket with some luke warm water in it sit in the middle. Have the watering can and some toys.

Start sprinkling water from the watering can into the kiddie pool. Play around with the bucket and can. Water will spill and you guys will end up sitting in it.
Spill more water next time. Spill and spill. Eventually start out with some water in the kiddie pool to begin with.
Play and splash
When she is comfy in play outside, move on to the evening baths in big tub.

Crucial: USE THE SAME PROPS HERE:
You and she get in dry tub, for a few minutes, with the bucket of water and the watering can and toys. Spill and play. Don't let her get out right away, entice her if you can, get her interested.

Next night add some water to the tub, just a few inches, again, in there together, tub and play.
Man I want to do this myself now it sounds fun.

Anyway. Just my therapy brain thinking. This would be a plan I'd set up with a fam if the kid was severely phobic, so for Laney she'll probably be a mermaid in NO time. Sweet lil darling.

Just some thoughts for you. And I will still love you when you call 'em hogwash, I promise



T

[Blue]

wow way to go Tanja ..

I was also going to suggest maybe a shower with you so she i in your arms the entire time and not in the tub sitting. Griffin Lovers showers ...

Hope you find out what's going on soon!

's laney

[tanjalalie]

Watering cans:

http://www.greatbabyproducts.com/Pro...3&Click=862226

http://www.toadsandtulips.com/bebusetwiwac.html

http://www.funbabytoys.com/i-play-g02301.html

T

[flea]

OMG Tanja...you are amazing! We will certainly try all those things this weekend! Thank you soooo much!

We both grew up in and around water so I definitely don't want her to be scared!

[flicka7]

I think she's sick of getting a bath EVERY NIGHT!!!!

Just kidding... I'm not that regular with Luke's baths, so just had to tease you a bit.