Calming Foot Baths for Children

When your child is having an especially rough day, or needs a little extra nurturing, try a kid-friendly foot soak.  It’s a gentle, but playful, way to encourage your child to slow down for a moment, reboot their sensory regulation, and take a few deep breaths.  For some kids these are wonderful in place of a shower or bath at bedtime; for some they are helpful as part of a regular ritual for self regulation and sensory input/calming; and for some kids they work beautifully as a special treat or even just for fun. 

Foot bath essentials:

• A durable tub or bowl big enough for your child's feet
• Warm water
• A few bath towels to put under the foot bath to soak up any spills and to dry wet feet 

Additional/optional:

• a small handful of Epsom Salts to aid tired or achy muscles
• a drop of essential oil that is good for calming (i.e. lavender oil)
• a handful of dried or fresh flowers known for calming, i.e. chamomile or lavender
• a “fizzy bath bomb” — especially enjoyable for kids who love sensory input
• a layer of smooth stones or marbles to roll the feet over for a massage or sensory input
• bubble bath—lots and lots of bubbles!

A whole other level of foot bathing:

Make a themed foot bath, such as a Dinosaur or Mermaid foot bath.  You can add additional stones or shells to the bath.  Small bath-friendly toys or figurines can be added as well.  

Helpful suggestions:

• Be mindful of allergies before adding anything like flowers or dyes to the water.  These are frequently used in bath products and some children may be sensitive to them. 
• Supervise your child at all times while they have a foot bath. Foot baths create slippery feet, so encourage your child to remain seated.  In addition, if your child is active or apt to stand up, do not put marbles (or other items likely to roll under feet) on the bottom of the foot bath.
• Wash any stones or shells before adding them to the water.
• ​Make sure any stones or shells you add to the bath are not sharp.  
• If your child is having a foot soak before bed, it’s a great time to read to them while they are settling down and relaxing.  
• Foot baths are a great activity for playdates and parties.  Messy, yes…but fun.
• Cold foot baths in summer are cooling for the feet and body.
• End the foot bath by drying your child’s feet with a soft towel.  

With any luck, you’ll be able to enjoy a foot soak alongside your child, too.  When your child sees you taking a moment to nurture yourself and relax, you’ll be role modeling self care and relaxation for your child.  So, join in the ritual when you can.  


Bonnie Thomas
Indigo North Counseling, LLC
​Copyright 2017