How to Make Bath Time Fun!

Are you in search of a few quick, easy ways to make bath time fun? And do you need those answers, like, yesterday?

I get it! Some kids HATE bathtime. Maybe they struggle with Sensory Processing Disorder, maybe they have a phobia of the bath, or other anxiety about water, maybe they’d rather just keep their well-earned filth on them. Who knows! (Actually, you probably do!)

But that doesn’t mean they don’t eventually neeeeeed a bath. And it is truly exhausting when it reaches that point. 30 minutes of screaming and crying, and you’re remembering some history book that said people 200 years ago got a bath once a year. Your kid would live, right?

But it might not have to be this hard. I have some great ideas to make bath time more fun for even the toughest customer, so keep reading!

Ideas To Make Bath Time Fun

1. Bath Fizzes

Whether it’s homemade bath bombs, or the little fizzes, these will definitely distract your kid long enough to get them washed

2. Bath Crayons

Because when else are they allowed to draw on the wall?!

3. Water Toys

There are a bajillion bath toys on the market. Find one that’ll peak their interest! Also, anything can be a bath toy as long as it’s not electric, or maybe wood. We’ve definitely taken favorite plastic super-hero toys in the bath under the pretense that the Avengers needed a good washdown, too.

4. Glow sticks

This is a really cool bath idea! Grab a pack of glow sticks, turn off the lights in the bathroom (maybe keep a nightlight on for safety) and watch your kid become mesmerized by the neon lights!

5. Bath Foam

Or you can just use shaving cream.

6. Fun Bath Time Music

Nothing turns it into a party faster than some good music!

7. Rewards for getting clean without crying!

If your kid knows they can earn a special show or book, or a small treat, or whatever, they might just start asking for bath time!

Ideas to make bath time fun for kids with sensory processing disorder or anxiety

8. Check your water

This may require a bit of experimentation, but try the bath at different temperatures to see if that helps your kiddo adjust to bath time better.

9. Change washcloths

Maybe your kid needs more or less bumpy. Some kids can’t handle the soapy feeling, and others the roughness of a washcloth.

10. Avoid unsupported head-tilting

Head tilting may be hard-  because it involves the vestibular sense- so you could try washing hair in the sink. (And then rest their head on a propped-up collander if they would feel more secure that way.)

11. Sponge bath

Have them sit in a plastic kids chair and do a sponge bath if they can’t sit in water

12. Gradual is key

Let them sit in the water as you start the tub so they can gradually get used to the sensation of water. If they have a phobia of water, this may help them feel more confident that they can control how much water is going in.

13. Wear a swim suit

If you have a kid who’ll go swimming, but not take a bath, break out the swim suit!

14. Try a suds-free shampoo

That soapy sensation from most typical shampoos may be too much to handle, depending on the child. Some love it, some really don’t.

15. Take less (or more) baths

Reduce or increase the amount of bath times as needed! Some kids need repeated exposure to feel more comfortable, and others need less. Kids who have started edging towards puberty don’t need to bathe as often as we may think. It’s very unregimented, but try just washing when they’re dirty or smelly.

How To Make Bath Time Fun For Kids Who Hate Getting Their Hair Washed

16. Use A Focal Point

Put stickers on the tub for kids to focus on and look at so you can get different angles of their hair washed/rinsed

17. Swimming goggles/ear plugs

For a lot of kids, getting water in their ears or eyes is a deal-breaker. Yes, the swimming goggles complicate hair washing. But just imagine having bath time with NO screaming!

18. Hand-held shower attachment

Using a hand-held shower attachment is another option for a more controlled way to wet and rinse the hair to try and avoid the eyes and ears.

19. Empty shampoo bottle

These also have a small opening for a more controlled pour

20. Let kids be in control

See if your kid wants to be in charge of at least wetting their hair. Being in control may be a great way to help make bath time for fun for a toddler, and make it less stressful for them. (and you!)

21. Cover their face during hair washing

I have to credit my husband for this tactic that works like a charm in my house. We start with 2 hand-towels, and let our son hold a dry towel over his face while I pour the water over his head, and I help check that his ears are ‘plugged’ with the towels, too. Then we use another dry, fresh hand-towel to hold over his face while we rinse.

22. Focus on Play Time

Just let them play in the bath every other time (unless your kid is super dirty) and save the washing for next time! Nothing will make bath time more fun than just being allowed to play! Also, this will help identify where you’re real problem is: the feeling of water, or of being washed.

23. Avoid unsupported head tilting

I know it’s already above, but in case you missed it, head tilting may be hard-  because it involves the vestibular sense- so you could try washing hair in the sink. (And then rest their head on a propped-up collander if they would feel more secure that way.)

24. Inflatable bath pillow

This is in the same vein as the last tip, but it might help your child feel more secure if they can lay down flat in an inch or two of water and have their head on a pillow while you wash their hair.

Bonus tips to make bath time fun!

25. Try a shower If bath time just isn’t working out, try giving your kid a shower!

Turn it on low water pressure and let the water fall down. A little ‘verbal judo’ (because with kids, it’s ALL about the marketing), and your child could play in a “waterfall” instead of having to take a bath.

26. Wear swim suits and make it a party!

This is more of a temporary solution, but if you can get your kid into the shower or tub, and help them have a positive association with it, I’d call that a win!

How to develop your own tactics to make bath time fun for your child

Any time you need a solution, it’s always critical to pinpoint the problem. Honestly, the best way to do that is to be a scientist and run mini science experiments on your kids. It’s WAY more harmless than it sounds. Just change one thing at a time, and watch for any differences.

Make notes as you go, and remember, even if you find that one change doesn’t work for your child, that’s still progress! Learning is always a step forward! And we all know that parenting isn’t easy. But through trial and error, you’ll find what works!

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