Hello!

My 3yr old is terrified of having a shower! Even with me, my hubby or his sister. We don’t have a bath so using the laundry sink is the option for the time being, but he wont fit in it much longer! I don’t know what else to try…anyone else had this issue, any advice would be great! Thanks


Want more real mum questions sent to you?

You'll need to check this email to complete your signup.
  • We got water balloons and put them all in there! My kids thought it was so much fun and have learned to love the shower since.
    You can buy the bulk fill ones with about 20 or 30 on sticks which you can ask fill at the one time from dollar world.


  • Aw that’s not handy you don’t have a bath. I don’t know how your shower is designed but can you put a plug at the drain so you can collect some water on the shower floor and he can splash a bit there to begin with ? Alternatively you could but a water chest and run it water of the shower and when it’s filled he could have a bath https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/yeksuper-kids-water-chest-foldable-bath-tub-baby-toddlers-large-thickening-bubble-bathtub-poa4627700/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_ads&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhZz3zK_n7AIVVQ4rCh30PgPqEAQYBCABEgKJH_D_BwE


  • Get some toys and make it fun


  • I would persist until he gets used to it.


  • Some children don’t like to have water pouring down on them. Does he like swimming or putting his head under water? if yes to these then try a pair of goggles when he is in the shower, If no then get him into swimming this tends to dispel any fears the children have about water on their head, and you will feel safer when around water/pools with him.


  • It can be a gear of the water falling on the face try moving the shower head so it points at the wall and start from there


  • i had this issue and trying to wash hair was a process of distraction and quick 1 sec scrub and more distraction and scrub lol i get toys for my children, even a kitchen funnel is great fun, empty shampoo bottles etc. rub soap on the shower screen or (shampoo) and let him draw in that and gradually turn the water on and be excited and treat it as a play thing until you can get the shower fully on. take it slow and good luck mama!


  • Try a shower cap!!


  • Yeah, I bought some novelty shower caps from The Reject Shop, and his “puppy hat” solved the problem. Cost $4.


  • put some toys in the shower and just continue trying with taking him in letting him cry for a few seconds then take him out – keep trying til he stays in a bit longer and realises there is nothing to be afraid of


  • thanks everyone for your tips! Bought a new shower head that my son can hold and it has worked wonders! He doesn\’t like the water on his head and this way he can control it. From screams of terror to 2 nights ago, to screams of \’I don\’t want to get out\’ tonight! Fantastic! Thanks Mums!


  • We put a washer over the plug and had a bucket of his toys only, In the end we used to shower him while it was dry ie full the bucket and wash him over time we could slowly turn on the shower now we can not get him out lol


  • Do you have a flexible hose shower arm where she can sit on the shower floor and you can shower her that way, keeping the water off her face. Buy some play toys that stick to the shower wall?


  • We had same issues with the laundry tub .We just kept trying ,put toys in shower ,we put flannel over hole ,so try this .


  • Put a bucket of toys in the shower for him, also maybe get a shower cap, as he might not like getting the water In his eyes


Post your reply
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your answer and join MoM:

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join