Fear of the bath: babies and toddlers

Why do babies and toddlers fear baths?

Newborns might feel insecure in the bath. They might not like the change of temperature or the feeling of floating.

Older babies and toddlers might be afraid of the noise of the water draining or of slipping under the water. They might not like having their hair washed or getting water or soap in their eyes.

How to help babies and toddlers with fear of the bath

If your child has a strong fear of the bath, it’s best to be understanding. There’s no need to force them into the bath if they’re upset.

Instead, you can help your child feel safe by being gentle. Your hand or a face washer on your child’s tummy or chest can help them feel secure in the bath. This also keeps their temperature even and keeps them warm.

A routine for bath time can make things easier because it lets your child know what to expect. For example, you could try singing a special bath song or saying a silly rhyme when you dry your child in a towel.

Sharing storybooks about fun bath times might help your toddler overcome fear of the bath and feel more confident at their bath time.

How to make baths easier for newborns: tips

Here are ways to make baths easier for your newborn:

Use a small baby bath – this can help your baby feel more secure.
Use a baby thermometer to check that the water temperature is safe – between 37°C and 38°C.
Maintain eye contact with your baby.
Talk to your baby about what’s happening during bath time.
Check out our illustrated guide to bathing a newborn.

How to get babies and toddlers to like baths: tips

These ideas might help older babies and toddlers get used to the bath or even start to like it:

Slowly introduce baths. For example, sit your child in the empty tub and give them a sponge bath. Once your child is OK with this, you could sit them in the tub with a small amount of water.
Put the baby bath inside the big bath for a while, until your child gets used to the idea.
Have a bath with your child. You can put your child between your legs or on your lap so they feel safe.
Use a nonslip mat or stickers on the bottom of the bath. This might help with your child’s worries about sliding under the water.
Take your child out of the bath (and maybe out of the bathroom) before you pull the plug. The sound of the water going down the drain can be scary for some children.
If your child is worried about getting shampoo in their eyes, try a specially designed bath cap (available from chemists). These keep bubbles and water away from children’s eyes. Some children even like to wear swimming goggles! It’s also a good idea to use baby or children’s shampoo, which is less likely to hurt little eyes.

If baths just aren’t working, try showering with your child. Either hold your child in your arms or sit them on the shower floor with the water spraying away from them.

Never leave the room while your baby or toddler is having a bath. Children can quickly and silently drown in the bath. Make sure you have everything you need before your child gets in. Read more about bath safety.

Tips to make baths fun for babies and toddlers

You might be able to help with fear of the bath by making bath time fun:

Use bath time as a chance to spend time with your child. Sing songs, read stories and play games while you wash.
Let your child practise bathing a toy or a doll as part of their play. This is fun and can also help them understand the concept of bath time.
Have special toys just for bath time – bath crayons, squirty toys, plastic jugs and funnels are all great fun.
Bath younger and older siblings together. For example, put your toddler and preschooler in at the same time. This way, your children can play together and a fearful child can see that siblings enjoy the bath.
If your child is old enough, let them choose a soft, colourful towel. Or use child-friendly soaps or shampoos with a fragrance your child likes.
Try changing the time of day that you bath your child. Some children enjoy a bath more in the morning, when they’re not tired and cranky.

Praise and encourage all the steps that babies and toddlers take towards bathing. If you make bath time a positive and rewarding time, this will help to reduce children’s fear of baths.