Autism, ADHD, Anxiety and Tub-Time
Bath time can be a real struggle for both kids and adults after a long day of sensory overload! Here are a few pro tips to help you and your child get through bath-time.
- Keep lighting soft (warm lamps or dimmed lights).
- Warm up the bathroom beforehand so the temperature shift isn’t jarring.
- Lay out towels, pajamas, toys, and products ahead of time so nothing feels rushed.
Kids with sensory sensitivities feel safer when the bathroom is predictable. Prepare the enviroment first.
Let your child have a little control and choice can reduce anxiety immediately.
- “Do you want bubbles or no bubbles?”
- “Do you want the green bath bomb or the dinosaur bath bomb?”
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“Do you want to wash hair first or last?”
Small choices = big empowerment.
Use Sensory-Friendly product. This is HUGE for kids who get overwhelmed easily.
- Mild scents or unscented (strong smells can be overstimulating).
- Tear-free, gentle cleansers.
- Smooth, non-scratchy washcloths or silicone scrubbers.
- Warm—not hot—water to avoid temperature shock.
Turn bath time into a predictable routine. This helps them know exactly what to expect.
- A consistent order of steps
- A visual schedule (pictures or icons)
- A short bath time timer (3–6 minutes for younger kids)
Use Calming Sensory Tools. These give focus and reduce overwhelm from “nothing to do but wash.”
- Fidget toys that can get wet
- Bath crayons/paints
- Floating toys
- A slow-melting bath bomb (our bath bombs take between 8-10 mins to melt on average)
Hair Washing = Its Own Strategy. This is usually the hardest part.
- A flexible shower visor
- Handheld sprayer so they feel in control
- A dry washcloth over the eyes
- Counting games (“10 seconds and done!”)
Kids with autism, ADHD, or anxiety do best with a calm, predictable, sensory-friendly bath routine. Preparing the environment ahead of time, keeping lights soft, and warming the bathroom helps reduce overwhelm right away. Offering choices—like which bath bomb to use or what order to wash in—gives them a sense of control and lowers anxiety. Using gentle, mild-scented products and familiar sensory tools can make the experience feel safe instead of overstimulating. Keeping communication simple and calm, creating a consistent routine, and using visual cues help them know what to expect. Short, focused baths with special strategies for hair washing make things easier, and ending with a comforting transition (like a cozy towel or extra story) helps them leave the bath feeling regulated and successful.