For babies, the bathtub can be a fun, inviting place. But for parents, it can be the exact opposite. The Texas Children's Hospital says that about 100 children under the age of 5 drown every year in their own tubs. While bath time can be a great way to bond with your little one, it is important to have some idea of bathtub safety measures that can keep your child safe and your bath time experience a positive one.
Keep Everything Close By
Never leave the room when your baby is in the tub, even if there is only a small amount of water in it. A baby can drown in less than 2 inches of water, so no matter how low the water is it is never a good idea to take your eyes off of your child. You can avoid having to leave the room if you bring everything into the bathroom with you when you begin your baby's bath. This includes your phone, a towel, the soap, the shampoo, the toys---bring everything with you so that you have no excuse to leave the room while your baby is in the water.
Only Run Enough Water to Bathe
If your baby is not yet able to sit up, limit the amount of water that you run in the tub. It doesn't take much water for a child to drown, and the higher the water level is, the greater his chances are of being harmed. A few inches of water is all that is needed for your child to play a bit and for you to wash him up.
Test the Temperature Carefully
Drowning is not the only danger that bath time poses for your baby. It is easier for a baby to become burned by hot bathwater than many parents might think. While most adults can take very hot showers and enjoy them with no pain, baby skin is very sensitive. Test the water with the inside of your wrist as you would if you were warming formula. Lukewarm water is best for baby baths.
Invest in a Bath Seat
While bath seats cannot prevent your child from drowning if you are not around, they can add a degree of safety to the bathtub experience by providing more support for your little one as you wash her up. Be sure to double check the suction cups and make sure they are firmly adhered to the bottom of the tub. Keep in mind that tubs with a non-slip surface on the bottom will not work with bath seats, as the suction cups will not be able to firmly adhere.
Remove All Electrical Items
Last but certainly not least, move everything away from the tub (and preferably out of the room) that may cause electric shock if it falls into the tub. Water is a conductor of electricity, and if a live electrical appliance falls into a tub of water it can injure or even kill your child.
