03 JUNE 2025
Many of our neurodivergent children experience sensory sensitivities, particularly when it comes to bath times. Whether it’s the sudden change in temperature, bright spotlights, and bubbly textures, these unexpected touches can turn a routine task into an overwhelming event. Here’s our top tips and ideas to create a predictable, sensory-friendly bath time to support your child.
Give your child control over their set up
Including your child in bath-time decisions is crucial for reducing and anxiety and for meeting their needs. Allow them to adjust the temperature of the water (with adult supervision), choose how bright or dim the lights should be, and include them by sharing a visual schedule of what will happen, when.
Choose sensory-friendly products
Many bath products contain strong scents, dyes, or foaming agents that can irritate sensitive skin and overwhelm the senses. Choose fragrance-free soaps, or scents that you know your child already enjoys. Also consider the softness or firmness of your towels and robes to ensure the transition out of the bath is as smooth as possible.
Keep a consistent and predictable routine
Choosing to schedule a bath, every night perhaps, is essential for children who need routine and predictability to feel safe. Try to have the bath at the same time, and follows the same steps, every night. You could try using another visual schedule or simple verbal reminders to help your child know what is happening now and next.
Time the bath to avoid disrupting the bedtime winddown
If you know your child becomes dysregulated when they need to wash, avoid scheduling this into your night-time routine. Pay attention to how they respond to the situation. If they become energised, it might be worth introducing a morning wash and avoiding night time all together. If it soothes them, it may work well as part of their evening wind-down. Every child and situation is different, so finding the perfect routine will take some trial and error.
Use comforting tools and accessories
You may want to try using a non-slip map to avoid any unexpected falls and slips, consider a gentle rinse cup or jug to gently pour water to rinse their hair and head, and use warm, soft towels to ensure post-bath comfort.
Transforming bath time doesn’t have to require perfection, and not every night is going to be as easy or hard as the next. By offering patience, flexibility and calm environments, bath time can shift from a source of stress to an opportunity for relaxation and connection for everyone.