Lifestyle

7 Reasons Why Your Baby Hates Bath Time And Tips To Handle It

Sudeshna Chakravarti | Oct 18, 2022

A regular bath routine is essential for babies as it helps keep them clean and hygienic. However, while some babies may become used to bathtime and enjoy it, others may consistently dislike it to the point, that their parents begin to wonder, “Why does my baby hate bathtime so much?” Well, the answer is simple: there is something concerning them, such as the water temperature is too cold, or your little one dislikes their hair getting shampooed.

Another reason could be that your munchkin is finding it difficult to transition from a sponge bath (which is given to babies during the first months of their life) to bathtime in a tub.

While your baby crying during bathtime may seem like a constant struggle to you, the good news is that there are many ways you can keep them comfortable and happy during the bath. Try out different methods to figure out what works in keeping your munchkin smiling and giggling, and use that to keep away their bathtime blues.

7 Reasons Why Your Baby Cries During A Bath

Babies may cry due to various reasons during their bath, such as discomfort due to skincare products or cold bath water / Image credit: Freepik

Your little one could go cranky during a bath due to various reasons. Some of the most common ones include:

There is water or soap in their eyes: Rubbing soap around your baby’s eyes, or placing the water faucet close to them can lead to discomfort in your munchkin’s eyes, and cause them to act fussy.
A change in the water temperature: If you place your baby in a bathtub with cold water, it can startle them and make them cry. Cold water is also not healthy for your baby’s body, as it is still developing adequate body temperature regulation. Hence, you should pay special attention to your little one’s bath water temperature, and ensure that it isn’t too cold to make them uncomfortable.
Tiredness before bathing: If your baby is tired or exhausted before bath, or if their bathtime is too close to their naptime, they are likely to cry due to tiredness.
The bathtub is uncomfortable: Some bathtubs may not have a comfortable base. This may make it difficult for your baby to sit comfortably, making them wail, and turning them cranky.
Your baby is hungry: You may know this very well, a hungry baby is a cranky baby, and bathing could worsen this situation even more. Therefore, ensure that your little one’s bath and feed time do not overlap.
Certain skin problems: If your baby suffers from skin issues such as eczema, they may find contact with water uncomfortable. This might make them cry and wail in discomfort. However, in some cases, it could be the skincare product irritating your little one’s skin, so be careful while choosing baby skincare products.
Cooling off quickly: Bathing for too long or not covering your baby with a towel right after a bath can cause them to lose body heat quickly. This can cause discomfort in your baby and make them cry soon after the bath.

How To Stop Your Baby From Hating Bathtime

Set an ideal bathroom temperature and check the water temperature before placing your baby in it Image credit: Freepik

You may check the possible reasons behind your baby hating a bath. Observe the surroundings during their baths or check the time your baby usually begins to cry while bathing. Identifying the underlying cause will help you address it effectively and make bathing a comfortable experience for your little one.

You can also observe the following essential points to prevent your baby’s fussiness during baths and make it a safe experience for them.

Set The Right Bathroom Temperature

The bathroom’s ambient temperature should be comfortable and warm for your baby. Hence, you should pre-warm the bathroom by closing all the windows or ventilators before your baby’s bath. You may also consider placing a heater in the bathroom to warm it before the bath.

Maintain The Right Water Temperature

Fill the bathtub with warm water and ensure that it is not too hot. You may place your elbow to determine the water temperature before placing your baby in it. If the water feels hot, adjust the temperature by adding more cold water. Also, once you undress your baby, immediately place them in the tub, to prevent them from feeling cold.

Select The Right Time To Bathe Your Baby

Bathe your baby when they are well-rested and not hungry. This will prevent any discomfort or crankiness in them due to hunger or fatigue. Another thing that you should do is avoid bathing your baby right after they’ve fed. This can make them super uncomfortable. Instead, wait for at least 30 minutes after a feed to bathe them.

Choose The Right Baby Skincare Products

Use mild and plant-based baby skincare products to prevent irritation in your little one’s skin / Image credit: Freepik

Opt for baby skincare products that are gentle and made with plant-based ingredients. A good choice will be using a moisturising baby wash formulated with plant-based ingredients like moringa seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, strawberry oil, and rose oil, that cleanse your baby’s skin gently, moisturise it, and treat and prevent dry skin conditions such as eczema. Also, ensure that the products are tear-free so that they do not irritate not irritate your baby’s eyes in case of accidental contact.

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Wash Your Baby’s Head In The End

Rinse and cleanse your baby’s head at the end of the bathtime to prevent them from feeling cold quickly. Wet your baby’s scalp with water, apply natural strengthening baby shampoo with plant-based ingredients like aloe vera extract, sandalwood oil, and rosemary oil, and gently massage their scalp. Then, take water in your cupped hands, and gently rinse off the shampoo. However, be careful while rinsing their hair and ensure that the soapy water doesn’t enter your little one’s nose, mouth, ears, or eyes. If your baby is bothered by the water running down their face, use a baby bath cap to prevent contact with direct water with your baby’s eyes.