Many children go through phases of resisting bath time, but for some children the experience can be genuinely distressing. If your child becomes upset when it’s time to have a bath, shower or wash their hair, sensory processing differences may be contributing to their reaction.
Why?
Your child may be experiencing tactile sensitivity (tactile defensiveness), meaning they find certain sensations more intense or uncomfortable than others. The feel of water moving unpredictably across their skin, the cold surface of the bath or shower, or even removing their clothing before getting in may be overwhelming.
Some children are also sensitive to sounds, such as the noise of the bath filling or the shower running.
Hair washing can be particularly challenging. Your child may be uncomfortable with touch to their scalp and may feel anxious about tilting their head backwards or having water run over their face.
Ideas to Try
- Massage your child before bath time using your hands or a handheld massager.
- Complete activities that provide resistance or deep pressure before bath time (see our proprioceptive activity ideas).
- Consider discussing a sensory brushing program with your occupational therapist.
- Let your child play in the empty bath first, sitting on a towel if needed. Gradually introduce containers of warm water and water play activities.
- Close the bathroom door while the bath is filling to reduce noise.
- Encourage your child to wash themselves using a large sponge.
- Use fragrance-free soaps and shampoos where possible.
- Place an unbreakable mirror at your child’s eye level so they can see what is happening, particularly during hair washing.
- Attach a handheld shower hose and allow your child to control the water flow.
- Use firm pressure when massaging shampoo into the scalp.
- Avoid tilting your child backwards if they are sensitive to movement.
- Hide toys in the bubbles and encourage your child to look down while rinsing hair.
- Try using a container to pour water over the hair rather than a fine shower spray if this feels more comfortable for your child.
- Start by rinsing soap from the legs and gradually work upwards towards the head.
- Count down together before rinsing: “One, two, three, rinse!”
- Use a foam visor or similar product to help keep water out of your child’s eyes.
- Dry your child’s face immediately after rinsing shampoo.
- Let your child pour water over your hair first so they can see what to expect.
- Use a tear-free shampoo.
- Wrap your child in a towel afterwards and provide firm, brisk towel rubs for calming deep pressure input.
- Consider a gentle massage with a soothing moisturiser or oil once they are dry.
When to Seek Support
Every child is different. If bathing, showering or hair washing consistently causes distress, an occupational therapist can help identify your child’s sensory needs and develop strategies to make daily routines more manageable and enjoyable.
References
- Biel, L. & Peske, N. Raising a Sensory Smart Child
- Murray-Slutsky, C. & Paris, B. Exploring the Spectrum of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- Yack, E., Sutton, S. & Aquilla, P. Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration