At What Age Should Kids Start to Shower Alone?

What is the right age to let children shower on their own? What are the minimum safety measures needed to minimize risk? We'll answer these and other related questions below.

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist María Alejandra Castro Arbeláez.

Written by Naí Botello

Last update: 27 December, 2022

At what age should we let our children shower alone? This is an important decision, as it marks the start of our kids’ independence. We should consider a few points before allowing them to do this by themselves.

When we bathe our children, we may notice that they feel the impulse to clean their bodies by themselves.

However, we know that until their motor skills are fully developed, they won’t be able to maintain their own hygiene. There is even a risk of danger.

Taking all of this into consideration, this article will assess the right age to start letting kids shower on their own. In addition, we’ll go over the safety measures that need to be taken in order to ensure their well-being.

What is the right age to let kids shower alone?

Children can start showering without supervision beginning at the age of six, approximately. This is simply an estimate. You must take the individual development of each child into consideration.

We may note that, by the age of four, kids can undress themselves, or even lather themselves with soap or rinse their hair. Even so, it’s at the age of six that they can complete all the steps required to maintain their hygiene. 

This is an important decision that marks the beginning of their independence. In order to make it a success, we must teach them how to shower by themselves step by step.

We must also talk to them about the necessary safety measures. It’s up to us to create the conditions needed for this to develop normally.

What do kids need to know in order to shower alone?

In order for our children to be able to shower alone, it’s important that we teach them how to do so.

Don’t skip over any steps. Even though we may think certain concepts are understood, we must remember that kids are still learning about the world around them.

Instruct them how to do everything step by step:

• Indicate all the important areas to clean: these include the neck, the elbows, the ears, the rear end, the chest, the legs, and the feet.
• Explain that there are delicate areas of the body, such as the eyes, that soap or shampoo should never touch. So when soaping their faces or washing their hair, they have to be careful not to let these products get in their eyes.
• Talk to them about the dangers of jumping, running, and contorting their bodies.
• Teach them about the right amounts of the products to use to clean and rinse their hair. It’s important for kids to learn about home economics  and not being wasteful.

Essential safety measures

It’s fundamental for a parent to know that, even if a child is showering alone, he or she will always heed certain safety measures. We recommend the following:

• Parents should be responsible for regulating the water temperature the child will use to shower. This is very important, as it will prevent the child from being scalded with hot water.
• In order to avoid falls in the shower, you may want to provide your child with slip-resistant sandals. You can also put a bathmat made from the same material on the shower floor. There are also special shower chairs for kids, which they can use to sit down and lather difficult areas like the feet.
• The child should have all the necessary items for showering within reach: soap, a sponge, shampoo, and conditioner. These products should be reachable without having to get out of the shower or make unnecessary movements.

More safety tips

• Remove any potentially dangerous elements from the bathroom and shower space. These may include razors, or exfoliants designed for adults.
• Always leave the bathroom door ajar. Don’t let your child lock the door.
• While your child is showering, stay near the bathroom. You can even ask them if everything is under control.
• Ask your child to let you know when they’re done showering so that you can help them get out. This way, you can lend a hand and prevent them from slipping. If your bathroom infrastructure allows, and your child gets out alone, don’t forget to leave a bathmat outside the shower for extra safety.

Finally, keep in mind that children need their own bathing products, ones that are age-appropriate and compatible with their skin type, such as shampoo and conditioner.

Also, don’t let them share your sponge. These items should be strictly for personal use.