Scared of water

Soo my baby girl (7.5mo) was taking a bath a couple days ago and decided it was a great time to try to flip onto her belly.. I pulled her right out and she calmed down and settled back into the tub but then decided to do it again! She swallowed some water and even though I quickly got her and was right there, she’s now afraid of bath time and even washing her hands. Ive tried to bathe her twice since then and both times she was very upset. Has this happened to anyone before? How can I make bath time fun again?

Show your support

I want to preface when she started to try to flip I had my hands on her the whole time and tried to prevent it but she had a mission and got her face submerged 😮‍💨

I would let her play with small amounts of water, a cup, then a bowl. Gradually get her used to it again. Use some water toys to help make it fun. Kids feed off of our reactions, so as hard as it is especially in a safety situation like the bath, we have to try not to show our anxiety or panic because they take on those feelings they see from us. ❤️

You could also try bathing in the shower with her... you on the floor playing with her and maybe even covering the drain so there is an inch of water. Then when she's comfortable be in the bath with her again

Id get in the bath with her. Also babies feed off our emotions. If you are worried she will be too. So try to make it relaxing for you both. Shallower water perhaps. Play in the bath. Or even some foam messy play and work back up to water

Have you done swimming lessons with her? It helps with water familiarity

Maybe try putting her back in a baby tub or not filling the tub so much

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌