A bathtub full of bubbles entertains children of all ages, but the tub also presents serious risks for kids. Bathing is a basic hygiene habit necessary to keep your kids clean and healthy. Bathtub safety precautions start with your baby's first bath and continue throughout childhood. Simple safety techniques ensure an entertaining and safe bathing experience each time your child steps into the bathtub.
Risks
Water always presents a safety risk to children, even if there is only a small amount. A child can easily drown in a bathtub with a few inches of water in it. The slippery nature of water also increases the risks of a child falling in the bathtub or on the bathroom floor after bath time, which may result in a head injury. Burns are another danger if the water temperature is too high.
Supervision
Constant supervision is a must any time your child takes a bath. Staying within an arm's distances of your bathing child allows you to get to him quickly if he encounters problems in the tub. Leaving the bathroom for even a minute while a child is bathing leaves him susceptible to all of the risk factors of the bathtub.
Temperature
Proper temperature adjustment prevents your child from accidentally being burned. Set the water heater to 120 degrees to prevent burns from scalding water. The bath water should be adjusted to the proper temperature before your child gets in the bathtub. Test the water--it should feel warm but not hot on your skin. Fill the tub to the desired depth before putting your child in the tub in case the water temperature changes. Testing the water in the tub by placing your hand in it offers one final temperature safeguard.
Safety Gadgets
Bathtub safety devices help minimize injuries in the tub, but they do not replace constant supervision from an adult. A soft cover for the faucet protects your child's head if she falls. Anti-scalding devices in the bathtub reduce the risk of accidental burns if your child messes with the faucet. Non-slip floor decals or mats make the bathtub less slippery, reducing the risk of falls.
Health Considerations
The wet conditions of the bathtub make it a potential breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. Clean out the tub on a regular basis to reduce the presence of germs, mildew and bacteria. Bath toys, particularly those with holes, can harbor germs that may make your child sick. Remove bath toys from the tub so they can dry properly. Replace bath toys on a regular basis and clean them with either vinegar or diluted bleach to help keep germs under control.
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