Easy DIY Bath Bombs for Kids

Homemade bath bombs for kids are easy and fun to make! They're filled with natural ingredients to make bath time special and relaxing, and are even suitable for sensitive skin!

My boys, like many kids, are not big fans of baths unless there are bath bombs involved. They love seeing the colorful fizz and it makes bath time enjoyable for them.

Making your own bath bombs is not only great way to safe money compared to shop-bought bath bombs, but it also doubles as an engaging and fun project, despite the potential mess.

When making bath bombs for my kids, I avoid using ingredients that could make the bathtub slippery. I steer clear of adding oils like coconut oil or olive oil, unless it's combined with Polysorbate 80. I also avoid using flower petals or similar items, as they can be difficult to clean from hair and the tub.

It can be fun to add little toys that are revealed as the bath bomb fizzes away. Bath bombs also make great gifts. I've used themed molds to make them as party favors for specific events. 

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Equipment

• large mixing bowl
• 3 medium bowls
• sifter (optional)
• spray bottle for witch hazel 
• bath bomb molds - I used aluminum ocean-themed molds and only filled one half, but you can use Christmas ornaments or plastic easter eggs

Ingredients

for 5-6 bath bombs

• 1 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• ½ cup citric acid
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup epsom salt
• witch hazel
• different colors of food coloring (optional)
• 10 drops of essential oil, or more if desired (optional) - kid safe choices are lavender, chamomille or sweet orange essential oil

How to Make your Own DIY Bath Bombs

If you want to get your kids involved, I recommend waiting until witch hazel has been added to the mixture. Since baking soda is otherwise quite "dusty" and can easily be inhaled.

1. Combine dry ingredients - mix baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch and epsom salt together and work out any clumps with your hands or a sifter
2. Add wet ingredients - essential oil and mix until well combined, spritz with witch hazel to keep mixture from getting airborne
3. Divide the mixture into 3 separate bowls (about 1 cups each)
4. Depending on desired color intensity add 3-4 squirts of food coloring to each small bowl
5. With your hands (you can use gloves for this) work out the clumps and make sure the food coloring is evenly combined, for this it's best to take the mixture in between the palms of your hands and gently rub them together.
6. Spritz the bath bomb mixture with witch hazel until the mixture holds it's shape after being squeezed together in your fist (picture above) It should feel like wet sand.
7. Fill the mold with the mixture while pressing down firmly, switch up the colors
8. Let bath bombs sit and harden in the mold overnight or for at least 10 hours
9. Unmold by gently pushing on the bottom of the mold until you her a small pop
10. Store in an airtight container, or in plastic wrap in dry place away from sunlight.