Bathing

Try out some of our common strategies we share for helping to make bath time a more positive experience for everyone.

Sensory Considerations

Consider your child's sensory profile. Do you know they have aversions to certain sensory stimuli (sound, temperature, texture?). Consider how this may be impacting their participation in bathing.

The hard surfaces in bathrooms create an environment that can feel loud and echo. Consider filling up the tub before the child is in the room, as this can be a loud experience.
Consider the temperature of the bath in the context of your child's sensory preferences
Many children do not like the experience of having water on their head to wash their hair - see tips below.

Make it Positive!

If your child has a hard time entering the bathroom due to an aversion or negative past experience, start with building a positive association before they even enter the bath.
Play is an incredible tool!
- - Allow your child to give their toys a bath
  - Introduce water play outside of the bathroom (water/sensory table, helping with dishes at the sink, etc.)
  - Bring their favourite (water-safe) toys to bath time
  - Play in the bath without the tub filled to help build a positive association with this environment
Allow choice where possible:
- - "Do you want bubbles, or no bubbles today?"
  - "Do you want the green or the blue face cloth?"
  - "What toy do you want to bring in the bath today?"
Follow bath time with a really positive/favourite activity for your child

Does your child have difficulties with hair washing portion of bathing routine? See more strategies for hair washing here

Want some additional sensory based strategies for bathing. Check out our section on Sensory Strategies for Bathing!

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The content on this site was reviewed by KidsInclusive staff and is consistent with evidence-informed practice at the time of publishing.

These links and content do not replace the advice of doctors and therapists. Always consult with your therapist if you have questions or concerns.

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