Bath time is one of the hardest things to get a special needs child to do when at home!
How do you get a special needs child to enjoy bath time while playing with bath toys?
Of course, there are some cute bath seats and tubs for children to get all clean up in but you have to get them inside the bathtub first. There are many different reasons as to why a child may be scared to take a bath and here are some reasons below.
- Sensory issues
- Water Phobia
- Noises of water and environment
- Water Texture (Pruning of fingers)
These are the best tips when getting your special needs toddler or child to take a bath even when they have a sensory processing disorder.
Bath Tips on Getting Your Child to LOVE Bath Time!
Tip 1 Make it FUN!
Growing up I always enjoyed bath time but for some reason my sister hated them. She didn’t like them because of the pruning of her fingers when we stayed in the bathtub too long. But to curve that feeling my mom made it fun for us to play in the bathtub. My mom would throw simple bath toys in the tub like ducks and frogs that she bought from Dollar Tree or other stores like Wal-Mart which made my sister and I comfortable with taking baths.
When getting a special needs child to get inside the bathtub you want to make sure that their first experience is fun! don’t assume just because you throw some toys in the tub that your child will like it. Once they’re in the tub play with your child while sitting on the edge of the tub.
Tip 2 Rewards
Rewarding your special needs toddler or child to take baths may not be the right way to get them to take baths in the long run but starting this is a great idea for when your child is reluctant to take a bath due to sensory disorders or has a fear of water. Try including a bath rewards chart inside the bathroom and hang it up on the door or wall where it is visible for your child to see. Reward them for getting into the tub and washing up and then getting out to dry off.
Tip 3 Get in with them
Yes! Get in with them when they get ready to take their bath because it can ease their mind when they are scared to hop in. Getting in a huge tub from a child’s standpoint can be very scary compared to their size so getting into the tub with them can help with their anxiety. Taking time out to show your special needs child how to wash up in the bathroom can either be a long-lasting activity due to their disability or age. Be sure to check out some social stories to help with getting started.
Tip 4 Routine Schedule
When getting any special needs child to do something scheduling can play a huge role in how you do things. Whether it’s trying to get them to eat certain foods or getting them to wear a mask can be very challenging. However, when you have a routine in place and keep it consistent throughout the entire summer even when school’s out this will help your special needs child to understand that the schedule hasn’t changed.
Even as adults we like to have our routine schedule of how we do things in our daily lives. When you have a routine as the sample schedule below it will help your child to know what is expected of them and what comes next when it’s winding down for bedtime.
- 4:00-4:30 pm Snack Time and TV
- 4:30-5:00 pm Playtime Outdoors
- 5:00-5:30 pm Dinner Time
- 5:30-5:45 pm Prepare the Bathtub with water and toys
- 5:45-6:15 pm Bath time
- 6:15-7:15 pm Lights out and TV
Tip 5 Play a Game
Playing a game to get your child to love bath time is a neat way for them to have fun and wash up at the same time. Playing a game can help your special needs child to get their mind off the scary thoughts they have about getting in the tub, and more positive thoughts about washing up. Try playing some simple bath activities and games that will get your special needs child excited about taking a bath.
