Making a bathroom sensory friendly

How can I make a sensory friendly bathroom for my child?

The image below shows ways which you can make your bathroom more sensory friendly for your child.

Lighting

Is the lighting too bright, dark or dull? Maybe you could add a night light or a dimmer.

Temperature

Is the temperature of the bathroom uncomfortable for your child? Too hot or cold? Is there any way you can stop draught coming through the window?

Smells

Your child may be sensitive to strong smells (and sudden sounds) from an air freshener. Or perhaps your child need a strong smell to cover up unpleasant smells?

Toilet seat

There are a range of different toilet seat inserts you can buy. These can be made from plastic, padded, cotton or fabric covered.

Toilet roll

Can you child tolerate toilet roll? Do they need wipes or cotton wool instead?

Toys

Consider having a bag or box of toys for your child to play with. These are toilet time only.

Weighted blanket

Weight therapy can help some children feel more grounded. These can be weighted blankets, lap mats or any comforters.

Photo frames

Can you make the bathroom friendlier? Use pictures and photo frames on the walls to make it more appealing.

Shower head

Consider any ornaments that your child may be fearful of. Children can often be scared of shower heads so try using a child friendly cover like this frog head.

Drippy tap

Consider if there are any sounds like a dripping tap. Try to stop these sounds, or if you are not able to consider using alternatives such as ear defenders.

Timetable

Try using a toileting timetable or visual step by step cards on the wall.

Footstool

Maybe you child would like to try using a footstool so they can elevate their feet while going to the toilet.

Bath mat

Bathroom floors can be cold and slippery so rugs and bathmats can be a way for your child to feel better about this.

Spot and footprint

Consider a laminated spot or footprints if your child is struggling to be changed whilst standing.

These may also be used if your child is fearful of entering the bathroom. Encourage your child to stand on them to be changed in the area of the house they feel most comfortable with, and you can slowly move the spot or footprint closer to the bathroom area.

Resource list

Toilet inserts, steps and stools

• Normal plastic insert
• Padded insert
• Fabric or cotton insert
• Step
• Toilet foot stool (normal plastic)
• Squatty potty

Lighting

• Toilet night light (can go in the toilet and change colours)
• Dimmer light switch and bulb
• Stick on bath lights
• Motion sensor lights

Toys

• Toilet piano game Potty Piano
• Toilet target stickers

Toilet accessories

• Frog urinal with spinner
• Weighted therapy such as blankets, lap mats, belts
• Shower head accessories
• Toilet visuals
• Happy pee
• Portable potty
• Portable travel toilet insert