Experts say there are signs a kid is old enough to bathe alone: Here's how to teach them to clean themselves correctly
From baby's first steps to their first word, there are plenty of milestones to jot down in the baby book. But when it comes to a kid's first solo bath, parents often aren't sure when it's safe for kids to shower or bathe alone. At what age do kids no longer need a parent to supervise bath time? And once a kid is old enough to take a bath or shower alone, how can parents teach kids to clean themselves properly?
Start preparing kids for bathing alone from a young age
Dr. Molly O'Shea is a pediatrician from Birmingham, Mich. who says while the age when it's OK for a kid to take a bath alone may vary, there are ways for parents to start preparing kids for solo bathing early on.
"Motivated children — [with the help of] parents who are willing to allow them to learn — can wash their body and hair as young as 3 1/2 or 4," O'Shea tells Yahoo Life.
O'Shea stresses that just because a child is curious about independence in the tub, does not mean they're ready to be left alone. "Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death in children under 6," she says, "So leaving kids in the tub younger than that is unwise."
When is a kid old enough to bathe alone?
Elizabeth Hicks is a mom to two boys, ages 8 and 12, from San Diego, Calif. The parenting blogger and co-founder of the website Parenting Nerd believes full bathtime independence comes a few years later. "Around the age of 8 or 9, kids don't need their parents to supervise their bath time, as children become more aware of their personal space and develop a sense of privacy," she says.
And, while bathing alone presents a bit more danger due to the risk of drowning, children may be ready for the shower a little earlier with proper safety precautions, such as anti-slip mats, in place. "Showering is a bit easier to allow at a younger age if the skills are there," O'Shea says.
Experts agree this timeline cannot be defined by one set age, but rather by when a child demonstrates key abilities that ensure they're prepared to tackle this potentially dangerous chore on their own, like being able to wash their hair and bodies successfully without adult help and having an understanding of how to stay safe and avoid falls or injuries in the bathroom.
How do you know a kid is ready to bathe or shower alone?
Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsett is a Sonoma County, Calif. pediatrician and consultant for Mom Loves Best who agrees that while children can begin to bathe alone around 8 or 9 years old, key safety precautions and hygiene habits are most important.
Poinsett says a parents should hold a bit of a "show and tell" at bathtime to ensure kids are ready in terms of safety and hygiene.
"First, have your child practice bathing and washing their hair with you in the bathroom before letting them go solo," she advises. Once children can wash their bodies and hair properly, Poinsett says there are safety tips parents should keep in mind as they send their children into the bathroom alone.
Making shower or bath time safe for kids
"Use a slip-free bath mat to minimize the risk of falls in the bathtub and check the water temperature before allowing the child to go into the bath or shower: The water should be lukewarm," Poinsett says, suggesting parents monitor the water temperature in their home or place a limit on the heat setting of their home's water heater to ensure children do not get burned in the shower.
Poinsett also recommends parents avoid highly-scented bubble baths as this can be irritating to the genitalia, opting instead to give children a body wash created for sensitive skin.
Additionally, teach children about the importance of bathroom safety, reminding them it's a place to get clean, not to play like a pool. "Make sure your child doesn't jump in the bathtub or shower and always use a non-slip woven bath mat outside the bathtub to prevent falls," Poinsett says.
After bathtime is over, parents should take the following steps to ensure the next trip to the tub is just as safe as the last.
"Washcloths, sponges and bath toys should be rinsed and squeezed dry to prevent mold and bacteria growth," Poinsett says. "And dry your child by patting them down with a bath towel, as rubbing your child dry with a towel can be irritating to their skin."
How parents can give up control of bathtime
Erica Cramer, a mom of two and licensed psychotherapist at Cobb Psychotherapy in New York City, reminds that time in the shower or bath should be enjoyable and relaxing and offers suggestions for creating a stress-free transition from parent-assisted bathing to a more independent approach.
"Consider gradually phasing yourself out of the process," she says. "First, position yourself not too far away from where they are bathing so you can be there quickly in the event of an emergency. Next, step outside of the room but be sure to keep the bathroom door open. Then, try to feel comfortable distancing yourself further."
Cramer shares that slowly removing yourself from the process will help children gain confidence to bathe independently while reassuring parents their child will be safe alone.
"Bath time should be an enjoyable experience for everyone," Cramer says. "Think toys and songs or even consider showing a child how their favorite character properly cleans themselves. I know my daughter has learned a lot about bathing from JJ on CoComelon."
Other than working characters and games into bath time, Cramer says the simplest way to prepare children for safety in the bathroom is for parents to practice what they preach.
"A good start is to model proper and safe hygiene practices to your child from an early age," Cramer explains, "so kids gradually become ready for bathing on their own."
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