Ask Dr Mom

Q: How do I make bath time more fun for my 13 month old daughter who has become restless and fussy at the sight of water?

A: Turn bath time into playtime. Get a kids or baby bathtub, set it in an empty bathtub and fill it with warm water. Don't even mention taking a bath.

Instead suggest. that it is time to wash some of their favorite plastic toys. Be it a baby doll or a little truck, everything needs cleaning now and then.

This is really fun for kids, and it keeps the mess contained for mom. Have them climb in the tub to get the job done, they will get themselves soaked in the process, so suggest they wear shorts or a bathing suit, or go naked if they want to. In no time they will be asking you to get out the little tub that goes inside the big tub and before you know it, you won't be needing the little tub anymore. Bathing can and should be fun.

Another suggestion would be to invite your child to join you in the tub, when you are bathing. At first just welcome them into the bathroom when you are bathing and they just might want to join you on their own. Offer to hold them while in the tub so they feel safe and secure. Again suggest that they bring a favorite toy into the tub.

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