Supporting your child with hair washing and bath time: Parent tips

Bath time can be magical, messy or full of big emotions – sometimes all within the same 10 minutes. For many children with Down syndrome, hair washing in particular can be a sensory challenge. Water on the face, unexpected splashes, noisy bathroom acoustics and changes in routine can all make the experience feel overwhelming. 

That’s why, as always, we asked our community to share what’s helped their children feel calmer, more in control and more confident during bath time. Here’s a round-up of parent tips, along with some extra ideas for creating a more positive experience for your child. 

1. Try gentle, child-friendly tools

Several parents shared that switching to softer, quieter or more predictable water tools made a huge difference. 

One parent told us: 

“We don’t have a handheld shower and our son hated having water poured from a jug. We found a baby shower attachment and it’s been a game changer – gentle, not loud, and now he loves operating it himself!” 

For many children, controlling the water flow themselves can turn hair washing from something done to them into something done with them. 

2. Support independence and offer choices

A key theme from parents was the power of giving children ownership over the process. 

As one parent shared about their daughter: 

“She hates showers, but it helps if she thinks she’s made the choice. She soaps herself, lathers her own hair, and has learned that looking up stops water going into her face.” 

This slow, trust-based approach also extended to drying: 

“We used to play hairdressers – giving ourselves names, asking about our ‘holiday’… Role play helped so much. We use towel wraps to keep wet hair off her back and she now tolerates the hair dryer because she knows it’s coming.” 

For many children, independence builds confidence, which in turn reduces anxiety. 

3. Stick to a predictable routine

Consistency helps children feel safe and prepared. 

One parent wrote: 

“We do the same routine every time and say each body part in order. ‘X’ is so used to it now – she even asks for a towel if she gets water in her eyes.” 

Another added: 

“We turn it into a game by putting toys or shampoo under the shower for him to find and count.” 

Predictable routines reduce worry because children always know what comes next. 

4. Adjust the products (and process) to reduce overwhelm

Some children dislike the sensation of thick conditioner or long brushing sessions. 

One parent shared: 

“’N’ HATES having her hair washed so we don’t use conditioner. Instead, we use a leave-in detangle spray. It reduces stress and time by 50%.” 

Using lighter, quicker products can shorten tricky parts of the routine while still caring for sensitive scalps and hair. 

Another parent shared helpful product choices for cradle-cap-like issues: 

“We use Happy Cappy shampoo and Aveeno conditioner… letting her feel in control of the process has helped more than anything.” 

5. Use role play, trust and gentle motivation

Role play came up again and again – turning bath time into something imaginative rather than stressful. 

Parents described: 

• pretending to be hairdressers, 
• giving dolls and teddies pretend baths first, 
• practising “look up!” together, 
• and reassuring children around plasters or sensitive areas. 

One mum shared how trust has transformed their experience: 

“It’s been a slow process, but never surprising her or forcing things has made all the difference.” 

She even shared one memorable early-years hack: 

“We used to tell her the foxes in the garden could smell she hadn’t washed! It did help – although at 7 she’s too wise for that now!” 

Additional tips for calmer bath times 

Create a calm sensory environment 

Warm lighting, soft music or lots of bubbles can take the focus away from hair washing. 

Break the task into tiny steps 

Some children manage better when the routine is broken down clearly: first wet hair → then shampoo → then rinse → then wrap → then toothbrush… 

Let them take the lead 

Allow children to: 

• hold the shower head, 
• choose the bubble colour or scent, 
• count to 10 before rinsing, 
• and choose a towel or wrap. 

Use positive reinforcement 

Praise for looking up, staying calm, helping wash themselves or trying something new helps build confidence over time. 

And remember, you’re not alone! 

If hair washing or bath time feels tough right now, you’re in good company – many families in our community have been through the same challenges. Small changes, sensory supports and a bit of playful creativity can truly transform the experience. 

Have a tip or story you’d like to share? Join our next Top Tips Tuesday in our private Facebook groups. Your experience could be exactly what another parent needs.