Baby doesn’t want to get out of the bath?
Here’s what you can do
Most babies love taking a bath. It is a special moment for relaxation, tenderness, and play. But as babies grow older, they often no longer want to get out of the bath. Every night the same scenario is replayed: bath time can be enjoyable, but the baby starts to scream once it’s over.
What can you do?
First, let’s try to understand why Baby does not want to get out of the bath.
If the baby is playing and does not want to abandon toys in the water, the caregiver can allow Baby to take a bath toy along while Baby is dried and dressed on the changing table. This compromise is then acceptable to everyone and prevents any “drama” from occurring once bath time is over.
However, if the baby wants to stay in the water, the caregiver must then explain why bath time is over. It may be because the water temperature is now too low, dinner is ready, the need to take care of Baby’s siblings.
While this explanation often does not suffice to convince the baby to get out of the bath, it is, however, necessary. It is a justification for the need to put an end to the bath, and the parent needs to convince if the baby is to accept it. To make this a more positive experience for the baby: start by warning them that bath time will soon be over by counting loud from one to three. And telling on three, they will come out of the bath. If this does not work, you can add a little bit of theatre effect associated with getting out of the bathtub. For example, tell the baby that on the count of three, the airplane will take off. You can then imitate through actions, gestures, and noises, an imaginary mini airplane flight for the baby to take off from the bath and land at the changing table. Our final tip is to discreetly pull the plug and drain the bathwater!
Baby will certainly no longer express much interest in staying in the bathtub if there’s no water.
As you find yourself challenged by your child’s desire to linger in the bath, keep in mind that you may one day look back nostalgically upon this time – in a few years, it will be harder to convince your child to take a bath than to get out of one 😀
