Rub a Dub Dub: Keeping Your Kids Safe During Bath Time

The bathtub may not seem like a dangerous place, but it is important to take precautions to prevent your child from getting injured. The best thing to do is make sure the bathroom is not accessible without an adult present. To do this, you could install a door latch that prevents children from opening the door. Additionally, make sure that the door can be unlocked from the outside so your child cannot accidentally lock himself inside.

During bath time, take the following precautions to ensure your little one is safe:

• Never leave him alone in the bathtub. Children can drown in just a few inches of water, so do not step away from the tub even for a brief moment. If something happens that needs to be addressed immediately, remove your child from the tub and bring him with you. Also, make sure the tub is always
  empty when not in use.
• Adjust your hot water heater to prevent burns from scalding water. It should never be set higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit in order to prevent burning. If your child is old enough to turn on the faucet, teach him to turn the cold water on first and then adjust the hot water slowly to find the safest
  temperature.
• Use a washcloth to bathe your child with water and a mild baby soap that doesn’t haveadded dyes or perfumes. Get tear-free shampoo to use one or two times per week. When the bath is finished, keep soaps, shampoos, and other bath items out of reach. Consider using a cabinet with a safety latch or locks to keep your little one from getting inside and ingesting anything.
• Put a non-skid mat on the bottom of the bathtub to prevent slipping and falling. Additionally, cover the faucet with a soft spout cover so it won’t injure your child if he bumps his head against it. Always keep the toilet lid closed and consider installing a toilet lid lock so no one can fall in.
• Lastly, make sure any electrical devices like hair dryers, curling irons, and razors are unplugged and stored away with a safety lock when not in use. Keeping these items in reach could result in them accidentally being knocked into the bathtub. If possible, use these items in a room without water.

What are some of your favorite bath time rituals with your little one? Share them with us in the comments.

For more information about pediatrics at Baptist, visit our Pediatric Services page, or find a physician by visiting our Find a Doctor page.