Bath time can be such a fun time. But we must remember, water is still the most dangerous place for your child. Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury deaths, and for children under 1 year of age, the bath tub is the most dangerous place.
According to the CPSC, an average of 87 children under the age of 5 drown inside their home each year. 80% of these drownings occur in bathtubs.
Here are some tips to keep your child safe during bath time:
Never leave your child unattended. Not even for a minute. Leaving the room to answer the door, grab your phone or checking on your dinner in the oven could turn deadly. If you must leave, wrap your child in a towel and take them with you.
Never leave your child in the care of another child during bath time.
Encourage your child to stay seated during their bath by providing bath toys or a bath seat.
Prevent slipping in the tub by using non-skid decals or a rubber mat inside the tub. Even older children can slip under the water and become disoriented. Consider installing a bar for the child to grip to prevent falls.
Other good safety habits for the bath include keeping dangerous items out of reach, for example, a hair dryer, curling iron, and radio. Keep all electronic items unplugged while your child is in the bathroom. Shaving razors should also be kept out of child's reach. Store all cleaning products out of the bathroom or in a locked cabinet.
Prevent injuries or burns from faucets by covering the spout, blocking your child's reach to the spout, and teaching your child not to touch the spout. Keep the temperature on your hot water heater set below 120°F (49°C). Or, install an anti-scald valve to prevent the water from going above 120°F (49°C).
Toilets can also be a dangerous place for your child in the bathroom. The typical scenario involves a child under 3-years-old falling headfirst into the toilet, being unable to pull themselves out. Toilet locks are a great tool to prevent your child from opening the toilet lid.
Children can also drown in a similar manner in (5-gallon) buckets. Sitting water left anywhere in the home can be a hazard for a young child.
It is best to prevent all access to the bathroom while your young child is mobile. Keeping bathroom doors closed with toddler proof handles on the doorknob can add an extra layer of security.
Parents Preventing Childhood Drowning wants you to enjoy the water with your child while remaining safe. We understand it is impossible to keep your eyes on your children 24/7, therefore it is vital to have multiple layers of protection to prevent drowning. For more information on layers of protection, visit: https://www.parentspreventingchildhooddrowning.com/prevention