Bathtub Safety

Undoubtedly, one of the most hazardous rooms in your home is the bathroom. While bath time should always be a time for fun and bonding, it’s important that parents take extra precautions in the bathroom. The following are several things to keep in mind when bathing your child.

Never leave your child alone in the bathtub! A child can drown in a matter of minutes in less than 2” of water. If you must leave the bathroom for any reason, take your baby with you. Keep a cordless phone in the bathroom with you at all times in case of an emergency.

Check the temperature of the bath water. The appropriate temperature is between 96°F and 100°F. Use a bath thermometer to check the temperature and install a scald protector on your faucet. Set your water heater no higher than 120°F and install an anti-scald device.

Bath rings and baby bathtubs should not be considered safety devices. As with baby proofing items, these products should not replace constant parental supervision. Rather, they should be considered bathing aids. Bath rings and bathtubs should not be used in non-skid or slip resistant surfaces. Make sure to read the product instructions carefully to make sure the product is compatible with your bathtub.

Install a tub spout cover. Babies are extremely slippery when wet – make sure that hard surfaces such as the tub spout are protected. If bathing two children at the same time, be sure that playing does not get out of hand.

Keep bath toys clean. Allow all bath toys to air dry in a mesh bag and clean them weekly with bleach to prevent mold.

Remove adult items from the tub. Be sure that your shampoo, conditioner, shower gels, soaps, razors, candles, glass jars and other hazardous items are locked away when bathing your baby.

Don’t forget about other hazards in the bathroom. Place locks on toilets and install slow closing lids. Also, make sure trash baskets are kept in a locked vanity or at least make sure they are tall with a lid so your child cannot access them.