If you are a parent and you have a baby suddenly hates bath 3 months old, this is not a rare case. Even though the baby loved bathing before, now he or she doesn’t.
That’s because the baby is becoming aware of its environment. At this stage, the baby’s awareness is higher thus they might be in fear of getting into the drain just like when water is running.
Newborns are notoriously difficult to care for, so when their behavior changes without giving you any warning, it can be a bit confusing. One of the most common behaviors that 3-month-old babies have is refusing baths.
If your baby refuses to take a bath one day and then decides to the next – there’s more than likely not some sort of dental procedure that needs to be done.
It sounds like this is just part of their normal development, so parents needn’t worry too much about them being uncomfortable or otherwise in danger.
How do I get my 3 month old to like baths?
If you notice that your baby is not liking bath time, there are a few things you can try to do to make this process more pleasant. For example, distract their attention, use bath pillows, bathe with them together, and a few more.
When the time comes, it’s important to show your toddler love and support. Make their situation easier and joyful. Therefore, try to do things to help your baby when the time for bathing comes.
- First of all, make sure your baby is well rested and nicely fed, before taking him/her to take a bath. If it’s otherwise, they can be grumpy which can complicate the whole process.
- Use a washcloth. Even though it’s hard for an adult to understand the fear of bathing, babies are really scared. So, using a washcloth can help them alleviate baby’s stress.
- Bath pillow is your friend. They can be very useful, and comfortable, making this time more pleasurable for the newborn.
- Use a baby tub. Don’t put your toddler directly in a tub for adults, because it can be even more scary for them, then it already is. Instead, use a baby tub, where you can slowly adapt the baby to the water and the temperature.
- Putting yourself in the tub can be a big pulse. When you decide to bath your baby in a tub, it would be preferable to put yourself inside of it, too. Put them in your lap, blow bubbles, play with toys, and make this whole situation bearable for the newborn. This way they will have fun, they will feel secure, thus slowly adapt to the water.
- Talk to your toddler. To distract themselves from such scary things like water, sing to them or distract themselves with conversation.
- Stick to a routine. Kids don’t like sudden changes, so sticking to a routine might be the best thing. If they had a nice experience the last time they were bathing, it would associate them with that enjoyable moment, and would gladly repeat it.
Why does my toddler hate baths all of a sudden?
If you think your baby is afraid of baths, it’s because they probably developed the fear of water and the bathing itself. Baby suddenly hates bath 3 months old, is not a rare case.
This is called ablutophobia, and it’s very common among kids between the age of one and two. This happens because babies at this stage develop rapid cognitive development, and experience a sense of hyperawareness.
Bath time, once a cherished ritual for both children and parents alike, can suddenly turn into a struggle for toddlers.
Things like water and all the things that can drain down can look scary to babies. They have a feeling like they are going to be sucked down the drain as well.
So, treat this terrifying process with love, care, and support. It will take some time, but the baby will eventually stop being scared of baths. So, don’t worry, this will also pass, just like the fear of sleeping in a dark room.
How much should you bathe a 3-month-old?
Baby suddenly hates bath 3 months old can be a reason why parents are considerate about everything that the bathing time requires. There goes the length of the bath that the baby is having.
You should bathe your baby one or two times per week during the first three months of their life. After the baby’s umbilical stump is removed, it is safe to begin giving them more traditional baths.
Babies might be small, but they need the same amount of bathing as grownups. How much is that? It can vary depending on their size, surface area, and how often they go to the bathroom. But on average, kids under two years old should get around 15 minutes of bathing time per week – about two 5-minute baths or one 10-minute bath.
The first time you bathe your baby usually takes longer than subsequent times. That’s because it’s best to wash off all of the vernix only once your baby is less likely to pee or poop during bath time (usually within two weeks).
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It all depends on your baby’s needs, whether he or she is healthy, and what the weather is like. There are a few rules of thumb that can help guide you, but don’t be afraid to ask your pediatrician for more specific advice.
Why does my baby scream in the bath?
The temperature of the water is either too hot or too cold. That is usually the most common reason why the baby is crying during the bath-time.
Toddlers are extremely sensitive especially when it comes to temperature, so, if the water is not suitable for them, it will cause a great deal of discomfort.
Summary
The first bath, first feeding, first time home, all these things are very scary especially for the first-time parents. When it comes to bath-time, there are things to be cautious about.
Because babies are sensitive, especially in the first three months of their life, some situations can be really stressful for them. And this refers to the bathing time.
Even though your newborn loved bathing before, a baby suddenly hates bath 3 months old. Now parents wonder if they did something bad or maybe there’s something wrong with the toddler, but it’s nothing.
At this stage babies are becoming more aware of their environment thus they can get scared easily when they see water running, or anything that is not so pleasant for them at that moment.
That’s why parents need to take small steps and make the bathing time as joyful as it can be. Set perfect water temperature, use a baby tub, put some toys inside, or even get yourself in the tub and have a bonding time with your newborn.
There’s nothing wrong with your beloved toddler when a baby suddenly hates bath 3 months old. After some time, the fear will go away, and bathing will become more bearable.
