Resources

Bath Time

Bath time can be a great opportunity for regulation, decompression and bonding. It offers calming deep pressure from the water, along with chances for sensory play and motor skill development in a safe, contained environment.

Below are some suggested items and toys to help make bath time more soothing and enjoyable. If your child becomes dysregulated or resistant during bath time, especially with transitions in or out of the tub, tactile or auditory sensitivities may be impacting their experience. In these cases, we recommend connecting with your OT for more individualized support.

We suggest keeping a few familiar items (such as bath drops, cups, and foam soap) available for each bath, while introducing a new or novel toy 1–2 times per week. This helps prevent visual overwhelm and gives your child time to explore and engage with each item in different ways.

Adding magnesium to the bath may also support calming before bedtime. Always check with your pediatrician before introducing any supplements.

When appropriate for their age and capacity in that moment, encourage your child to help clean up at the end of the bath as a way to signal that bath time is coming to a close. This might include putting toys away or wiping down the walls with a sponge or washcloth if they’ve used bath markers. These small tasks also support motor development, including shoulder stability, postural control, visual and fine motor skills.