Bath time is usually a fun experience for your toddler. Unfortunately, thousands of children visit the emergency room each year due to bathroom injuries. Over 50 percent of the children injured were less than four years old according to a 2009 study published in the journal "Pediatrics" and led by Shengyi J. Mao, BS. Keep bath time fun by being always supervising your toddler, adjusting the water temperature properly and ensuring you have all the supplies you need.
Supervision
When giving your toddler a bath, keep her safe by always staying within arms reach and never leaving her unsupervised. She may fall over or stand up unexpectedly, and should this happen, you must be there to catch her. According to the website Healthy Children, toddlers can drown in only a couple inches of water. If you must leave the bathroom during her bath, take her out of the tub, wrap a towel around her and take her with you. Only allow a responsible teenager or adult to give your toddler a bath. If her sibling wants to be part of the bath time, bathe the two of them together under your watchful eye.
Temperature
Set your hot water heater's thermostat so the water coming out of the bathtub faucet is no higher than 120 degrees. Young children can be scalded by hot water. Even if he loves the faucet handles, do not let him turn on or off the water. Before you place him in the water, test the water temperature with your hand to ensure it is not too hot for his delicate skin. Once bath time is over, drain the tub immediately.
Accessories
In addition to always supervising your toddler, purchase products that will enhance the safety of her bath time. Dr. Spock's website recommends using rubber bath mats to keep your toddler from slipping in the tub. Choose an appropriate size for your bathtub. Use faucet covers to protect her head from accidental bumps against the hard metal faucet. If your toddler is unstable in the water, use a bath seat designed for his size and age.
Dangers
Electrical appliances like hair dryers, electric razors and radios should be kept far away from the bathtub. If those appliance fall into the water while they are plugged in, your toddler could be shocked. Either remove them from the bathroom completely or unplug them before bath time starts. Make sure the toys he plays with in the tub are appropriate for the bath. Beware of toys that are not intended for water use, as they could contain hazardous chemicals, have paint that peels off or have sharp edges.
Preparation
Prepare to keep your toddler safe and happy in the bathtub by assembling everything you need before you put him into the bath. Gather a towel, change of clothes, diapers, shampoo, soap and toys and put them within easy reach of the bathtub. If you are expecting a phone call, bring the phone into the bathroom with you. This advance preparation will help you focus on your child's safety.
References
- "Pediatrics": Injuries Associated With Bathtubs and Showers Among Children in the United States
- Healthy Children: Bathroom Safety
- East Tennessee Children's Hospital: Bath Safety
- Dr. Spock: Bathtub Safety
- Oregon Health and Science University: Careful! Bathtub Trips, Slips and Falls Can Injure Children
