Bathtime with a Child with Sensory Issues

If you have a sensory child, you understand that everyday, routine things can become more of a struggle. Whether it is eating, playing outside, or talking to other people, everything needs a little bit of an adjustment. Another one of these things can be bathtime. Depending on whether your child is a sensory seeker or sensory avoider, bathtime can range from terrifying to spending hours inside. If you and your little one struggle with bathtime, keep reading for solutions, and the one bath scrub you need that will help you through.

Why Bathtime Is a Struggle for Sensory Kids

Bathtime can be a major struggle for sensory kids, and one of the main things you will notice is that it is very emotional for them. Even if you are right there with them the whole time, kids may feel frightened, anxious, or claustrophobic. Some of these reasons include:

• The slipping and sliding sensation of not being able to sit steadily in the bathtub
• The high walls of the bath can feel confining
• The water may be too hot or too cold for their liking
• They do not like the sudden sensation of water splashing on their body
• Rinsing, especially the hair and face, can be scary and loud
• Feeling rushed throughout the bathtime routine and not able to relax

Sensory processing disorder or SPD can mean different things for each child affected by it. While the disorder is not presently considered a developmental disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes people who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. More or an intellectual disability on its own, it is frequently found in children with an autism spectrum disorder. (source: Momsinmotion.net )

The disorder can cause an inability to tolerate loud noises, meaning that splashing or running water could become a problem. It can also cause an issue with texture and skin contact. For example, scratchy towels, hot/cold water, hair being washed, washcloths, bath toys, etc. being problematic. With this myriad of challenges, it’s important to focus on the specific difficulties the child you are caring for has. (source: Momsinmotion.net )

Bathtime Solutions for Sensory Kids

As a parent, we don’t ever want to do anything intentionally that will scare or frighten our children or make them feel uncomfortable in any way. However, it is unavoidable to take baths and keep up with personal hygiene. As such, it is important to find ways to make bathtime as comfortable as possible for your little one.

Some tips we recommend include:

• Use distractions! By using toys or treats to distract your child, they are able to stay motivated to complete the task of bathing and rinsing. If they especially hate water being poured on them, use happy voices and sing songs with the promise of a treat at the end. 
• Offer toys! If your child is a sensory-seeker, use fidget toys in the bath to help keep their mind occupied on bathing instead of climbing out. One of the best fidget toys for the bath that also doubles as a bath scrub is our Innobaby Silicone Duck Scrub.
• Use the shower! If your child wants the bath over with quickly, use the shower sprayer to make it go as fast as possible. They can also use the sprayer themselves to get used to the sensation and learn how to rinse themselves.
• Get great towels! Invest in super soft and heavy towels for sensory input and a calming sensation during drying. Use firm, constant pressure to dry them and get them calm.

Innobaby Silicone Duck Bath Scrub

Say goodbye to your rubber ducky and say hello to the all-new Innobaby Silicone Duck Scrub. Our Bathin’ Smart Silicone Duck Scrub gently washes and massages your child’s body and scalp while creating a calming and therapeutic bath time experience. Made from 100% Silicone, it is quick-drying, naturally resists odor, and is even dishwasher safe (no more stinky washcloths)! The grow-with-me bath scrub also doubles as a quiet and mess-free fidget toy for kids ages six years and up. Moms can use the scrub in the bath to massage sore breasts from breastfeeding too.

• GENTLE ON ALL SKIN TYPES - Soft enough for even the smallest babies and gentle on sensitive skin, our Silicone Duck Scrub helps remove gunk and exfoliates dry skin.
• MADE FROM 100% SILICONE - Silicone is easy to clean, plus it can be boiled for a deep cleaning.
• CREATES A SOOTHING LATHER - Thousands of soft silicone bristles massage and soothe baby for a calming bath time experience.
• DITCH THE STINKY WASHCLOTHS - Say goodbye to your smelly loofah and say HELLO to our naturally safe Silicone Duck Scrub.
• NOT JUST FOR KIDS - The soft silicone strands also create a gentle massage for sore breasts as a result of breastfeeding. Toddlers love using the Silicone Fish scrub too!