Toddler bath time dilemna?

Question

Our 20 month old is getting progressively worse at bathtime.  She screams whenever it's time to rinse the shampoo out of her hair.  After she started hating water being poured on her head while she's standing up, I started laying her down and holding her head up so the water doesn't get in her eyes.  She used to have a 10 second limit and then she started panicking.  Now she panicks right away.  What are some other methods we can try to rinse the shampoo out?

kristi · Accepted Answer

My son is the same way so while I'm in with him I take a washcloth and use that to rinse

Mom to 3 under 10 · Answer

What about having her hold a washcloth over her eyes?  That's what I used to do as a kid, and my kids have done that from time to time.  

Or have you tried taking her in the shower with you?  Maybe she'll be happier to rinse that way.

Slickterp · Answer

Can she communicate WHY she is scared?  Try asking, just to see.

They make special things for the tub to pour, so she won't get water in her face.  Don't dump it over her head, tilt her head up and pour it from front to back.

Kukana · Answer

You don't need to use shampoo with a toddler at all - just water is all that's needed.  Shampoo can damage hair, even when it's gentle shampoo, and if she's ever had it in her eyes, of course she will panic (even if it's pain-free baby shampoo). 

The best thing is to use a shower unit to wash a baby's hair (or rinse out shampoo, if you really want to use it).  Never force your daughter to do anything, or it will get worse.  I would panic too if I were held down in the bath! :-(  Perhaps she would be happier taking a shower with you, rather than being in a bath?

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Toddler bath time dilemna?

4 Answers