How Do I Take a Shower?

Sorry, I am late on responding. What I did with my first was to just bring him in the shower with me. We had a blast and he loved playing with the bubbles. When the second came along, it got a bit more difficult, but easier to entertain one with the other. I hope this helps. BTW, now as they are 13, 11, and 6 my day starts at 5:15 so that I can get a workout and a shower in before I get to start their day too.

put the playpen or seat close enough that he can hear you and talk to him or sing to him while you are in the shower. He won't like it but he will get over it, as do all kids - they all go through this at about the same time.

I used to put my son in a one of those play centers that had he could jump in. I don't know the technical name, like a doorway jumper, but it's stationary and can sit in the middle of the room. I also would put Baby Einstein on and let him jump away and watch it while I showered.

1. Install baby in playpen with toys.
2. Install earplugs in your ears.
3. Enjoy your shower!

While keeping your baby in the bathroom with you is certainly an option, I always felt more relaxed when I could be in the shower completely ALONE. I kept my first daughter in the bathroom with me for a while too while she was an infant, but I actually enjoy getting up early to take care of myself. I get up 2-3 hours before my kids and shower, get some light exercise, some prayer time and then I can tackle any odd chores for the day. I feel like I have recharged my batteries and have taken care of the distracting things around the house that can get in the way of fully enjoying my kids.

Remember, each phase of childhood has it's good things along with the bad. Even though it seems like these early months will never end, they surely will and you'll wish for them back. Enjoy your little man!

I put my babies on the shower floor. They didn't mind the water on their heads. I used the tub toys. My kids didn't sit by 8 months so I was holding them in the shower - not so easy - but worth it to get clean. For a while, I was getting up at 5 AM to take a shower while Dad was still home and then going back to bed. I really need a shower to feel okay for the day. Good luck.

Hi

Just put him in his crib or playpen , if he screams he screams , at least he's safe....it's only for 5 mins 10 at the most while you shower....that's all you can do , or get up before your son and shower while he is still sleeping.

Try an Exersaucer. They're great. Baby get's to stand and strengthen leg muscles while playing with toys. Put this right next to your shower door/curtain and peek out at him every now and then. My kids and I used to play peekaboo while I was in the shower. Yes, it takes a little longer to finish, but it's a more harmonious experience.

Hi, My kids are not that young but I went through that with my youngest. I had to learn to overcome MY issue with him screaming when he was left in a safe place. You have to realize that he is safe, has toys in the playpen and NEEDS to know that he is not the king of the house. My little guy was nicknamed "the king" because we catered to him for a while until I got smart. He was running the show and dictating if and when I could do things. They are so smart even at that young age. He will learn to separate from you (and needs to for proper development) and will learn that mommy will return and everything will be ok. Leave some music on for him and re-assure him from the shower every once in a while "mommy will be back soon" but only a few times. Or you could develop some songs that he loves and sing them while in the shower so he can hear your comforting voice, even though you're not speaking directly to him.
If he always gets his way, you'll be in trouble later on. I'm still struggling to break very bad habits with my son (now almost 12!!!!!) and he still feels like he's in control lots of times. The things you set in motion today will help you tons down the line. I hope this helps! B.

I agree with...can't remember her name...I used to leave my kids in their cribs if they were awake and I absolutely had to shower. Otherwise, I'd have to get up early (when I used to work full time) and do it before they got up.

Those are the days when you start to feel like you can't make a move without your baby crying or holding you back. It got a little upsetting for me--that feeling like you just need a moment alone--in the shower--to relax. Wait he's 2 and she's 5, I still feel that way :) You used to be able to set them down and they'd be there when you got back from going to the bathroom--but no more. Hang in there.

M.
www.MyBusinessOnMyTime.com

I would just keep them in their playpens or cribs and they had to scream. A quick shower can be less than 10 minutes, so they had to be okay for that short time. I know it is no fun...but you need to shower :). Or wait until he is napping if you can. Or try to get up erly (I know that is an AWFUL thought) and shower while someone else is still around :).

When I was faced with this same problem I placed my son in a seat that was plastic and placed a towel or something so that he was comfortable and put him in the shower with me. He loved it!

Take him with you. My son will sit and play in the shower while my husband or I shower. He enjoys taking showers just as much as baths.

You could always wait until nap time, or try beating him awake in the morning. Most of the time, I shower at night, after my son has gone to sleep.

Also, there is no harm in letting him be in the crib/playpen for 10-15 mins while you shower, etc. Even if he cries, he will have to learn. Its a part of the stage at his age, and its completely normal.

You need to shower when he is sleeping at night or napping during the day.

I would put my baby in his crib while I used the bathroom. Yes, he screamed. But it only lasted for a few minutes. It was the only "safe" place for him while I was busy!

Good luck.

I used to sit a handtowel at the far end of my tub, and sit my son there so he was in the tub with me so I could keep an eye on him, but also take my shower. The handtowel just kept him from slipping around. Good luck!

As his mom, you would know all the movies, seats or walkers that might work for him- and you'll also know if none of them will. What I'm getting at is that our kids are all different, and if you get the feeling that he won't be happy in any situation you can configure unless he sees you, then you are probably right. The thing is he is at the age now where he is just learning how to get what he wants. He's not being naughty, he's just smart. As much as it hurts and as awful as if feels it does help them to learn that mommy needs a couple minutes too. Just be sure to reassure him that he is okay, and stick to your guns. Otherwise it could possibly spiral into you never being able to leave his sight without him crying. And that isn't fair to him or you.

Good luck!

mine got in the shower too. in her tub seat at my feet. that or take one when he napping or put him in a kid friendly bedroom and hurry. my sisters baby would cry in the play pin too but you need a shower and well he'll live. after awhile he sshould get used to what ever you choose.

I put my little one in a baby papasan infant seat right outside the shower door. She's 17 months and still sits in it while I take a shower, strapped in of course. I give her a book or toys and she is fine. Sometimes she becomes impatient, but I don't rush becasue she is fussing.

just put him in his car seat in the bathroom with you.

other moms have given great advice that i think i should be considering too. i have an 8 month old as well and your situation sounds so similar to mine. i've finally be able to get my son on a good nap schedule so i can be sure i'll get at least 30 minutes during that time to get stuff done. my son wakes up at 6 so getting up much earlier than that is not really an option for me but on days he is more active than other, i try to shower after he goes down for the night. he's usually in bed between 7 and 8. hang in there. i totally know how you feel!

Bouncers hook the the bathroom door so he knows you're close and he gets entertained and exercise and the same time

I shut the bathroom door and put toys on the floor and let my son crawl all over. I make sure there is nothing "bad" for him to get into. It is not a long relaxing shower but it works!! Good Luck!!

You could get a few awesome toys that he really likes to play with, put him in the playpen and only let him have them during your shower time. You could also take him in there with you, just set out a washcloth for him to sit on and a few of his bath toys (if he likes being there that is - 2 of my kids loved it and I got them bathed at the same time, two hated it so depends on his temperament.) Otherwise you are just gonna have to let him scream. He will catch on soon enough that it is not as traumatic as he is trying to make it out to be grin.

I shower at night after my daughter has gone to bed. I wash my hair in the morning, because it gets wonky if I wash it at night, then sleep on it.

I leave my baby in his crib! It should be the safest place for him to be. If you have safe crib toys you can give him those. We have a toy that attaches to the crib and plays music and has buttons that he can make things move and/or stop the music. If you already have toys in the playpen, maybe trying to refresh them!

K.,

I don't know how big your living room is, but if you can try getting a superyard play gate. It's a circular gate that allows your child to role all he wants and not get into anything. I used it for my kids and it is a wonder. You can get them at BabiesRUs, Target, Walmart, etc. I also took short showers (get in, do my thing, get out). My kids are now 2 and 4. They can now sit with a movie or video game while I take a quick shower.

My daughter is 10 mos old and very active too. She does not like to be contained, either. I try to get up at 6 AM to exercise and shower before she wakes up at 7:15. If I sleep in, I try to shower when she takes her morning nap. On rare occasions, I have to wait until my husband gets home from work at 5 PM. I guess it's part of the glamourous world of staying home with your kid! jen

Baby proof the bathroom. Bring a few toys he likes to the bathroom and have him sit there and play and play peek-a-boo with him from the shower. Make your shower as quick as you can. Or shower before your husband goes to work. I get up super early and shower before the baby & two year old are up and before my husband goes to work because I hate the stress of showering with a kid in the bathroom. But as long as you baby proof the bathroom and play peek-a-boo with him and keep it fairly short you guys might even have some fun this way!

Hi K.,
I used to put my son (from about 8 months or so until he was 16 months) in the johnny jump up, that hangs from the door frame. I would turn on music and talk to him the whole time, but he would jump for the 20-25 min that it took me to get ready. He was a little fussy the first time, but he learned to realize mommy needs just a few minutes too... You deserve to take a shower, put on your make up and dry your hair. It worked for us, hope it works for you.

I used an exersaucer, and you can put him with a favorite tv show on and give him some munchies and see if that works. Thats what I did. Make sure you leave doors open so you can hear all that is going on.

I always kept my children in the bathroom with me. I brought plenty of toys and just let them scream if they want. I mean you need to let them know that when you make up your mind what you are doing that your mind is made. That them screaming isn't going to change it and the best time to teach that lesson is when they are the smallest. They can't do damage when they are that little and THEY WILL STOP. Amazingly enough but if you don't give in to them and you might even consider expanding your shower to give them more time they will give up. If i got a bad response on something that was going to be happening all the time like screaming in the bathroom when i took a bath. I actually wanted it to last because if you let them scream it actually gives them more time to take in the lesson.
You def. don't want to give in. That shows them (even at this young age) that your mind can be changed and if they scream enough you will change it. That will lead to begging and back talking when they get older. THAT IS SOOOO ANNOYING.

I used to put the exersaucer in the bathroom with me but admitedly it was always a quick shower.

My babies are older (9 and 12 years old!), but I remember the days of trying to figure out how to manage a shower! What worked best for me was putting the baby in a "Johnny Jump Up (one of those baby jumper toys that clip on to the doorway moulding)in the bathroom doorway. My boys LOVED that thing and I got to shower...without privacy, but whatever.

Good Luck!

Hi K.,

You have to use the bathroom, so I think you're just going to have to let him scream for that--he'll (eventually) get the idea that if you disappear for a minute, you'll come back. If the screaming bothers you too much for a shower, try taking one while he's asleep. Or you can just let him scream while you take a fast shower (that's what I used to do!) and, again, he'll get the idea in time. It's just a phase--it will get easier! Is there some favorite toy or something that could go with him in the playpen?? Good luck!

Hi K.,
I purchased a Jump-N-Go bouncy seat that hangs in the doorway. It has been great! My daughter who is now 16 months old still eagerly gets into it while I shower or have to do things upstairs. It was no more than $25-30. It makes music and lights up and I can connect other toys to mine. I think we got it from Walmart or Target.
Hope this helps.

Have you tried putting him in a bouncer seat in the bathroom with you? Or since hes 8 months a play saucer? I used to bring something for my daughter to sit in into the bathroom and play peek-a-boo through the shower curtain.

Hi Kim, I haven't see this mentioned but your child has entered the separation anxiety phase. Start with playing peek a boo with him/her so that they can get the concept that you go away and you come back. Do things like walk out the room and come back in. That way they understand that your not far. Also when you leave the room talk to them letting them know that you are in the area. Of course they will cry but eventually they will understand that everything is ok. As for the shower, you can take them in the shower with you, you can leave them just outside the door or if you know that they are ok, put them in their crib and close their room door. There's no harm in letting them cry your only going to be in the shower for 5-6 min. tops. They'll be ok. Otherwise take a shower when they are napping or asleep at night. Hope this helps.

Babyproof your bathroom and take a bunch of pillows, toys, etc. in the bathroom with you and baby. Otherwise, put him in the playpen and let him scream for a few minutes. He'll soon realize that the world does not revolve around him and you'll be able to take your shower. Of course you could wait to take your shower during naptime or when he goes to sleep for the night.

If you feel your child will be safe in the playpen while you are in the bathroom, then let him cry. Better to be safe than hurt. If this doesn't suit you, guess you will have to take your showers when the child is napping or when Dad is home to watch him. AF

K.,
I'm not sure what time your son gets up, but have you tried getting up before he does to take a shower? It may not be feasible, but it is worth a shot. I do this and it makes the mornings so much easier. It also ensures I go to bed earlier since I get up between 6 and 6:30 now -- ha, ha. Seriously though, I found I could get ready much faster and enjoy a little time for myself if I got up before my daughter.

If that isn't possible then it won't hurt him to fuss in the pack and play a bit while you take a shower. I know that sounds mean, but he's probably just going through some separation anxiety which is common at that age and teaching him that you always come back will calm his fears. I used to put the pack and play right outside the bathroom door (it wouldn't fit in the bathroom) so my daughter could still hear me sing to her and that seemed to help too.

I also used to put her in the pack and play while I went to the restroom -- she cried but I figured it was better to have her safe in the pack and play than crawling around while I used the restroom.

Best of luck!

lol. yep thats my life too. I either wait and shower during nap time but recently I have gotten my son to be happy in the jump-e-roo watching baby einstein while I shower. I dont really like putting him in front of the TV and I only do it so I can shower. I figure a non-stinky mommy is better for everyone in the end.

let him scream. He will soon stop.

Hi, K., You deserve time to take a shower. He'll have to learn that the world does not revolve around him. Put him in the playpen and let him scream. Good luck!

The super playard is a great idea if you have the space, but if not, I'd continue to put him in the pack and play with his toys. It's okay if he screams for the 10min it takes you to shower. What about nap time or before he wakes up in the morning?

When my twins were babies, I'd either wait till they napped to take a shower (which is not always an option), put them in their playpens and if they cried, just take a quick shower (really, sometimes you just can't do anything about it), or strap them in their bouncy seats and put them in the bathroom with me. Set them on the floor facing the shower so you can peek out at them. This worked pretty well but I was lucky that they didn't cry too much in the playpens.

Sometimes, they have to cry it out while you do what you have to do. It sounds horrible but they're not getting hurt and they might just learn that sometimes they will be alone for a few minutes or so and they have to settle themselves.

Good luck - I know it's stressful!!
Julie

I completely baby-proofed the bathroom and then brough in a bunch of toys that stay in the bathroom, so my daughter only gets to play with them when I am in the shower - this makes them exciting and she just plays while I shower. She is two so this has worked for a long time - sometiems I just rotate the toys.

We made a "safe" room which was our living room. We gated it off, anchored furniture to the wall took out book shelves and hung shelves high up so he couldn't get to anything that would hurt him. It allowed me to go to the bathroom or safely go to another part of the house for a couple minutes. Showering - I never did while he was awake cos I coulnd't find a solution. So I'd get up before my son did or shower after his bedtime or when Dad got home and could watch him. When we got a gym membership and I had childcare there - I'd do my workout and have a blissful shower by myself afterwards knowing he was a few feet away being watched by people I trusted. I still shower this way and he's 3 1/2. Blessings, S.

Hey K.!
I like that I'm not the only one that ever asked this question!

I have a 9 month old baby girl, she is crawling EVERYWHERE and is SO FAST! So, consider yourself lucky! Basically when I want to take I shower I do one of the following:

1.) Put her in her swing and let her watch Baby Einstien DVDS. Her eyes are GLUED to it! (It buys you 30 minutes! Maybe you can even shave!)

2.) She has to be a really good mood...but I put her in the living room in front of all her cool toys, when shes not looking I run! I leave the bathroom door open and soap up ASAP! (Of course, you wont want to do that unless your sure your house is completely baby proof!)

3.) Desperate times call for desperate measures! Some days I just sit her in the bottom of the bathtub, give her some toys and shower! As long as you are careful not to get soap in her eyes, its kind of fun! (Point the shower nozzel straight down)

Hope any of this helps!

I too agree with all the posts. I used to keep the exersaucer or chair in the BA with me. When they outgrew it I'd stick them in the playpen right outside the door, leave the door open and sing to them. Silly stuff so they know you're still there. 8 mos is just the beginning of the separation anxiety. My 2 kids are 17mos and 3 and still have issues with me leaving. The best advice I got while I was working (am a pediatric nurse) was a crying baby is a breathing baby! It certainly made me feel comfortable knowing that.
Good luck!

Hi K.-

I have 2 children, ages 5 years and 20 months. My youngest also screamed when i would put her in her crib so I could take a shower. I found that letting her come into the bathroom to play on the floor while I took a shower made her happy. I bring toys in to keep her busy while I get a shower and can watch her. she also gets a big kick out of when I play peek a boo with the shower curtain. Hope this helps!

W.

We keep our Jumparoo in the bathroom. I have been putting our 14 month old boy in it since he was about 8 months old. He enjoys it for the most part. He does get crysy but I just play peek a boo as I shower or make funny faces to him.

My suggestion is to put him in the playpen or crib and go and take a shower. If you know that nothing is WRONG with him, he'll be ok. You need to take a shower and if he has to cry for a few minutes, it's not the end of the world. I have 4 children, ages 6,4,2, and 17 months. If I need to do something, the baby simply has to go in a safe place until I finish what I'm doing. They have to learn coping skills, or how to play by themselves sometimes.