By the time your child is in preschool, they may start grabbing the washcloth from your hand, eager to help. That moment—as messy and splashy as it might be—is the perfect opportunity to begin teaching them how to bathe themselves. Building confidence and independence around bathtime can be a meaningful step toward long-term self-care habits.
"As our little ones get older we love empowering them to care for themselves through their bathtime and skincare routines. These simple rituals will help build confidence when it comes to self-care. We know it can sometimes take a little extra time (and patience!), but next time your little one insists they can do it themselves—let them!" —Andrea Faulkner Williams (Tubby Todd Co-founder)
Teaching your kids to bathe themselves doesn't have to be a big production. With a few steps, the right setup, and a lot of encouragement, you can help them feel capable and excited to take charge of their routine.
What age can kids start bathing themselves?
Every child is different, but many preschoolers (ages 3–5) are ready to begin learning. Full independence in the bath usually doesn’t come until around age 6 or 7, especially when it comes to washing their own hair. Until then, supervision is still essential.
You can start by guiding them through the process and gradually handing over
Step-by-step: how to teach kids to bathe themselves
Step 1: Set the scene
Make sure everything your child needs is within reach:
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Washcloth or loofah
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Soft towel
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Toys for comfort (and fun!)
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Optional: Bubble Bath, Conditioner
Give them a visual checklist or a simple order of operations they can follow: wash body, rinse, shampoo hair, rinse again.
Step 2: Practice body washing
Have your child apply 1 - 2 pumps of Hair + Body Wash into their hands (or onto a washcloth), lather it up, and start at the top: face, neck, arms, tummy, legs, feet. Remind them to get the easy-to-miss spots like behind the ears, underarms, and between toes and make sure they know to avoid the eye area.
Use encouraging language like, "You're doing such a good job getting your arms clean!" Or, “I can really see how hard you’re working!”
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly
Once they’ve washed all over, help them dunk or stand up in the bath to rinse until all bubbles are gone. You can model how to use your hands or a rinse cup to check for leftover suds.
Step 4: Start shampoo training
Even if you’re still washing their hair yourself, it's great to involve them in the process. Show them how to pump shampoo, rub it between their palms, and use their fingertips to massage their scalp.
By age 6 or 7, most kids can handle shampooing on their own with a little supervision. Conditioner is optional, but helpful if your child has longer or curly hair. The Tubby Todd Hair Conditioner is lightweight and easy to rinse.
Step 5: Toweling off and post-bath care
Let your child choose their towel and show them how to gently dry off from top to bottom. Post-bath care is a great time to introduce skincare steps like applying lotion or detangler.
Encourage your child to moisturize with Everyday Lotion or brush out tangles with Detangler Spray. They can even help clean up bath toys as a final part of the routine.
Growing independence: what to expect by age
Just like any skill, bathing independence comes in stages. At age 3 or 4, your child may want to help rinse their body or use a washcloth with guidance. By kindergarten, they might be able to wash most of their body on their own with reminders. Around 6 or 7, many kids can handle shampooing and rinsing independently—though you may still want to do a quick bubble check!
Keep in mind that some kids need a little more encouragement, and that’s okay. Celebrate the milestones, no matter how small. Building independence in the bath helps support confidence and self-care far beyond the bathroom.
Helpful tips to build consistency
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Create a bathtime checklist: Laminate a visual guide they can follow.
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Use routines, songs or timers to help them stay on track.
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Stay nearby: Even if they’re doing most steps on their own, they still need supervision.
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Celebrate progress: Cheer them on as they become more independent.
Products to support your kid's bath independence
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Hair + Body Wash: Tear-free, easy to lather, and made for sensitive skin
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Bubble Bath: A fun motivator to get them in the tub
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Hair Conditioner: Lightweight, nourishing, and easy to rinse
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Everyday Lotion: Smooth on post-bath for hydrated, soft skin
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Detangler Spray: Spritz at ends of hair and comb through for less tangles
When things don't go as planned
Even with a plan, bathtime doesn’t always go smoothly. Your child might insist they don’t need help, only to forget to rinse their shampoo. Or they might suddenly decide they hate water in their face. That’s normal!
If rinsing is tough, try using a rinse cup with a soft edge or have them tilt their head way back. If they overuse soap or forget a step, gently remind them and try again next time. Make it fun, not frustrating. You’re teaching skills they’ll use for years.
And if they’re just not in the mood to wash themselves one night? That’s okay too. You’re building a habit, not racing to the finish.
If you want to dive in more:
Teaching your child to bathe themselves is more than just a practical skill, it’s a chance to help them feel confident, capable, and proud of taking care of their own body. With a little guidance (and a lot of bubbles), bathtime can turn into one of the best parts of their day.
