Giving a tiny, slippery newborn a bath can be nerve-wracking for even experienced parents. For new parents, it can be downright terrifying. However, with a little bit of advanced planning and preparation, along with a vigilant eye, your baby will stay safe as well as clean and sweet-smelling.
Significance
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children 1 to 4 years of age, and the
second leading cause for kids 1 to 14. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, bathtubs were the setting of 71 percent of drownings from 2002 to 2004 that did not occur in the pool. During this time, there were 311 reported fatal non-pool drownings.
Cause
Of the reported drownings, more than 80 percent occurred in children under 2 years of age. Many of these incidents occurred when the child was left unsupervised when the parent left the room to answer the phone or retrieve a forgotten item, or left the baby in the care of an older sibling.
Be Prepared
Fill the tub with warm water, just enough to cover your child's legs. Use your elbow to test the water temperature. Before putting your child in the tub, make sure to have all necessary supplies within your arm's reach, including soap, shampoo, a washcloth and towel. This way, you can keep one hand on your child at all times.
Supervision
Never leave your baby unattended while in the tub. A young child can drown in less time than it takes to answer the doorbell or the phone. If you must leave the room, take your baby with you. Do not rely on bath rings or seats to keep your baby safe. According to the Drowning Prevention Foundation, they can tip and your baby can become trapped underneath. Also, do not rely on an older sibling to watch a baby.
Other Concerns
Keep hair dryers and other electrical items away from the water. Unplug them when you aren't using them. They can cause an electric shock if they fall into the sink or bathtub while they're plugged in. Prevent falls by putting a rubber mat in the tub, or sticking adhesive decals to the bottom of the tub. Keep a non-slip rug on the floor by the bathtub so nobody slips and falls when getting out of the tub.
