miserable during baths - sensory issues?

thishappyhouse

My daughter was a micropreemie and is now 28 months.  She has never loved baths but more recently it has gotten borderline miserable.  We are unsure if it is sensory related or just the anticipation of bedtime.  Special new toys, bubble machines, and lush's $8 a pop bath play doh has only provided temporary relief,  Does anyone have any strategies or tip for making this easier?

Rdmaggie

Did you recently switch to a full size tub? Does she seem afraid of taking a bath or is it more of a reaction to the disruption of a preferred activity? My DD had issues with bathing for quite some time, it eventually got the point where I was practically hosing her off with the shower while she screamed (fantastic visual right?). This was around 24 months for us and shortly after the switch to a full size tub. One day I decided to climb in with her, it took about 6 weeks but eventually she grew to love the bath. These days she requests baths ( a touch over 3 yrs) and any resistance is usually related to her not wanting to stop whatever it is she is currently doing.

thishappyhouse

She was switched to a full size bath about a year ago, so I dont think it has anything to do with a recent change.  She does startle when the water is poured over her head but that isnt what sets her off.  If I can get her to sit down immediately when she gets in usually everything is fine, but more than 50% of the time she goes in and refuses to sit down and just cries the whole time.  

I haven't tried a shower yet because I think she is still too young and physically too unstable for that.  Getting in and taking a bath with her is a good suggestion! 

kcisthebombdotcom

Dd had this issue for a good 6+ months. Dh and i took dd in the shower with us for a while while one of us held dd and the other cleaned her. preschool helped--they play with a water table that seemed to help. oddly enough she's been in swim since 1.5 which she always loved so it was weird she went through a phase of hating the tub.

hopanka

I would change the hair washing teqnique. Many people hate water being poured over their head. I remember my mom supported my head in a semi reclined position until the hair was comfortably touching the water. Or use a bowl, where the hair would fall in, if the tub is not full. The top of the head was rinsed with a bit of water at a time, just what you can hold in the palm of your hand at one time. Bathing with your child could help, too.

hopanka

If she doesnt sit down, i would wash her body with a sponge standing up.