How do I get my 1 year old to stop standing up in the bathtub?

Question

I have one year old twins and I bathe them together. My son is constantly standing up while he is in the tub. I sit him back down and tell him no, but he seems unfazed and just stands right back up. This happens over and over again, he will not just sit and play with his toys. It helps if I hold his shoulder and bathe him, he seems to sit still, but the minute I turn my attention to his sister, he is up again. I am afraid he will slip and hit his head. Am I being too paranoid? I am there at all times, I never leave them alone. This is frustrating - help!!

Answer 1

There's a reason he's doing it, you just need to find it out.  The temperature of the water might be uncomfortable for him.

Answer 2

you are being a tad paranoid but I can understand you concern because of the falling. but your  kids shouldn't be in a tub that doesn't have a bath mat at the bottom of it any way that will prevent slipping. he may not like sitting down in the tub just wash him and let him out he doesn't have to play. my daughter actually did the same thing I stopped fighting it and washed her and let her out  

Answer 3

You need to bathe them separate Let your daughter have toys when she bathes. When you take your son to bathe, no toys no matter what! He's 1...he can understand that he has no toys and something must be wrong. Tell him what you are doing and eevery timehe whines about not having the toys....reiterate. I know it might be more time consuming to do it sseparate but it works. Also, I started the time out method once my first born turned one. Try it...it'll work.

Answer 4

Easy.  When he gets up, he gets out.  No need to keep talking to him, just get him out and wrap him in a towel, then immediately turn your attention back to the one in the tub.  He will want back in.  Then is the time to say "We sit in the tub"  If he stands up, immediately repeat this.  He will test you now and then but he will quickly learn that standing up is the ticket out of the tub, and if you and sis are busy having fun with toys, he won't like being out.  Best of luck, your fun has just begun!

Answer 5

Wow...this is NOT a lesson you want him to learn on his own! I would physically sit him on his bottom every time he stands up. Continually...and be persistent. I think he will get the picture.

Answer 6

YOU HAVE TO BE THE BAD GUY AND SPANK HIS HINEY A LITTLE. AT THAT AGE YOU DONT HAVE TO DO MUCH TO GET YOUR POINT ACROSS. THAT  IS ABOUT THE AGE WHEN YOU HAVE TO START LAYING DOWN THE LAW.

Answer 7

They wont stop, my son is 19 months old and still does it! I bought a bath mat to stop him slipping, works a treat! :) EDIT: I never made a big deal about it, i am always there right by his side and now, he is at this older age he doesn't do it as much and if i say "sit down please" that's just what he does :) There will soon come a time when yours will listen too :)

Answer 8

i cannot answer your original question because i don't know, but i do know that you are not being paranoid.  It is easy for 1 year olds to fall on carpet which is a lot easier to keep your balance than a wet bath tub floor, and it is also hard.

Answer 9

You are going to think this is very very VERY odd, and I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it. But my son loves doggies. The only thing better on earth (in his eyes) is Lightning McQueen.

So...when he stands in the tub...I just say "Sit!". Just like I would to our dog. He sits right down, yes he thinks its a game but if he starts to get up I say it again. He thinks its great and he listens. So find something that works for you. Just warning you, it might be odd.

Answer 10

tell him no, if he does it again pop his hiney he will get the message b/c he cannot stand up in the tub, too dangerous

Answer 11

I don't really have an answer for you but I can empathize. I have a 14 month old that does the same thing. I have tried the same things as you to no avail. I don't think you are being paranoid at all. My 3 year old did this too but grew out of it somewhere in her 2nd year I think.