Kids often love baths because they provide a sensory-rich experience that helps with co-regulation and offers a playful environment.
Here's a breakdown of the reasons:
-
Sensory Stimulation: Baths are a sensory playground. The feeling of water on their skin, the visual stimulation of bubbles, the sounds of splashing, and the smells of bath products create a multi-sensory experience.
-
Co-Regulation: This sensory input can be particularly helpful for co-regulation. Co-regulation is the process where one person (often a caregiver) helps a child manage their emotions and behavior. The bath's sensory stimulation can be a way to "turn on" this co-regulation process. For example, a parent can engage with the child during bath time, talking, playing, and soothing, which helps the child feel secure and regulated.
-
Playtime Opportunity: Baths provide a contained space for playing with water and toys. Kids can splash, pour, and experiment with floating and sinking, encouraging creativity and exploration.
-
Relaxation: Warm water can be soothing and relaxing, helping to calm children down, especially before bedtime.
-
Association with Caregiver Attention: Bath time often involves focused attention from a parent or caregiver, which can be enjoyable and strengthen the bond between them.
In essence, the combination of sensory input, play opportunities, and caregiver interaction makes bath time a positive and engaging experience for many children.
