How do I get my 20 mth. old to take baths again?

Maybe he's had nightmares, it seems too big, or he knows bedtime is right around the corner. They can't really understand and communicate their feelings but obviously there's some reason. Get him a new bath toy or spout cover and get in their with him for a few nights. He'll probably be more likely to give it a chance then.

You take him, put him in the tub with soapy warm water and maybe some toys to distract him, and then quickly wash his hair and all the high spots and get him out. If he screams he screams, but he needs to be clean and there is no reason to let him have the upper hand by exercising what is basically defiant behavior. You've never tried to drown him, he's never been hurt, I am sure the water is a comfortable tempature, so he'll have to deal while you wash him.

Prepare him a few minutes ahead of time by saying, "After supper, you are taking a bath. Let's go pick out your pajamas now for afterward." No asking if he wants to, no begging him to be good. Just a firm and resolute, "this is happening" no nonesense attitude.

Let him pick out bubble bath ( I actually just use a cheap shampoo in the bath water. Works good) and what toys he'd like to add, and then take his clothes off and put him in. If he kicks and fights you, smack his little bottom once and tell him that he will NOT kick you. Then stick him in the tub and get him clean. Don't make him stay if he doesn't want to beyond that.

Also, having the shampoo already in the water, with a kid 20 months old, is usually enough to get the hair clean without actually having to soap it up. You can just lie him down, get his hair good and wet, swish it around good in the water, and just skip the actual sudsing. That might be an issue if he's worried about his eyes stinging.

Just be down to business, matter of fact and get it done. He'll get over it.

There are some really good answers on here - GL!

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