Your child may be crying and begging not to bathe and this is something that all parents don't want to happen. There are a lot of reasons why they fear bathing. It actually varies per child.
Young babies may be afraid of the sudden change of temperature making them cry according to Raising Children page. In older babies or toddlers, they are afraid of water getting into their eyes or water flowing over their face making them feel like drowning.
This might not be easy to overcome for them so as a parent, you have a big role to help them overcome their fear. You need to find ways to make their bathing time fun and exciting. Here are tips coming from experts and experienced parents.
For new born babies:
1. You must have a baby bath tub with a bath bed net for a comfortable bathing for the baby and also for you to make it easier in bathing your baby.
2. Try to use a lukewarm water which is closer to the baby's body temperature. The ideal temperature would be 37 to 38 degrees C as suggested by Baby Centre. This will avoid any sudden temperature change that might frightened the baby causing them cry.
3. Gently wash your baby giving them an extra soft massage to make them feel relaxed.
For older babies and toddlers:
1. This time, you need to use a bigger bath tub if available wherein you can fill a small amount of water to look like a mini pool for them.
2. If possible, keep the water temperature closer to 37 degrees C.
3. For older babies, they would be enticed to go bathing if there are floating toys for them to play.
4. Play with your child while bathing to make them feel comfortable.
5. As pointed out in Raising Children page, using a bathing cap would be helpful to prevent bubbles going into their eyes. If you can find a baby shampoo that's very mild and safe for the eyes, it would be best.
6. Make it a daily routine so that they will get used to it.
