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How do I get my child out of the bathtub without all the screaming and carrying on? I am stressed out with what to do!


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  • Make it part of the game. I used to make a big humorous fuss about how much water was spilled on the floor, and claimed that when there was more water on the floor than in the bath, it was time to get out. (Naturally I actually just meant when it suited me.)


  • Just another phase, it will pass. I used to pull the plug and let the water out. Doesn’t take long for them to get cold and ask to get out


  • Distraction, distraction, distraction. It will pass eventually so don’t give up hope, this is not your future for the next 10 years ???? Getting your little one to pull out the plug before she gets out might help, having a favourite towel, bath toy that needs her help to get out of the bath and get dry, Getting someone else to put music on in other room when time to get out and you both need to explore what is happening in the other room where her pyjamas are waiting to be put on, be firm and consistent. You will get through this.


  • How old is your child? I haven’t had this issue, rather the opposite with one kid screaming not to get in the bath! For us bribery works great. Promising a game after the bath (hide and seek), getting to read their favourite book, letting them choose a quiet activity after bath is done and they’re in pjs ready for bed. Another thing I use when getting out of the bath and 1 not wanting to (I bath all 3 at once) – whoever is crying, s reaming, insisting on staying in is that I say your brother and sister are getting out and will soon be warm and toasty in their pjs and about to read books so if you stop you can join us instead of getting cold in the bath, or I say who wants to pull the plug out? This works almost every time. The screamer will stop, want to pull the plug and once the water is out all 3 kids want to get out. It’s a bit of distraction and bribery but it works. If pulling the plug doesn’t stop the screamer, he/she eventually stops once the water has gone and wants out.
    I guess it depends on how old your child is and maybe working out why they want to stay in the bath hence the screaming. Sometimes when nothing works I let them scream but continue with what needs to be done ie, get out of the bath, dried and into pjs. Some days reason works and some days it doesn’t. It’s a battle!


  • My toddler is 2 and has Down Syndrome. She can get very stressed when I get her out of bath, change a nappy or get her dressed. I always think distractions and jokes in combination of patience and love are the key. Sometimes it doesn’t helpand she screams everything together, when I have time I wait for a bit and otherwise I try to quietly proceed without making too much fuss myself.


  • I would just continue with your regular routine. I’m sure they’ll eventually get used to it. Or you could try bribery. Pick something they really enjoy and tell them they can have some when they’re all dried dressed and ready for bed


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