Bathtub Lessons

Remy hasn’t taken to the bathing process as quickly as some babies.  He spent many of his baths looking anxious and tense.  Getting soap in his eyes a couple times didn’t help matters.  Not at all what I had in mind for my little man– I want him to enjoy the water.  Finally, I decided to forgo the little baby-sized tub and get in the adult tub with him.  If Mommy’s there, it’s safer.  It’s been working great and he gets more relaxed every time.  

This morning’s bath was a real breakthrough.  I sat him up in the water, which was up to his little belly button.  He then leaned forward propped up on his hands.  The water level was still well below his head, but I held him by his chest to be sure he didn’t accidentally plop over and dunk his head in the water.  A surprise head-dunking would surely result in a meltdown.  Then we  float on his back.  He kicks and splashes.  All is going well.  Then I wonder if I can convince him to put his face in the water voluntarily.  How could I do that? 

Oh.  I’ve got it.  Remy wants to do whatever Mommy and Daddy do, so I lean over and blow bubbles in the water.  Remy leans over and puts his chin in the water.  Good boy!  I blow bubbles again.  Remy leans over and puts his chin and mouth in the water and looks back at me for approval.  Oh I give him approval.  Way to go Remster!  One more time I lean over and blow bubbles.  Remy puts his whole face in the water and emerges with a look of surprise and indecision whether that was a good or bad experience, so I make the biggest deal ever about what he did and hugged him close.  I’m so proud of my little boy!

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