For many families, taking a bath is a staple in their child’s nighttime routine. Bubbles, rubber ducks, and warm water all make bathtime fun for a child, but in reality, the bathtub can be a dangerous place for young children and accidents can happen in an instant. This is why it is so important to be aware of the risks and how to help prevent them. As January is National Bath Safety Month, we want to bring your attention to four simple safety tips to help protect your child in the bathtub.
- Never leave your child unattended.
We know how easy it can be to get distracted while your child is in the bathtub. Your phone rings from another room, the doorbell sounds, or the family dog will not stop barking. Drowning, however, can happen in as little as one inch of water. As a rule of thumb, you should never leave a child under four unattended in the bathroom. It is just too risky.
Always check the temperature of the bath water before placing your child in the bath! Water temperature can change while the faucet is running, so wait until the bathtub has finished filling up and ensure it is an appropriate temperature for your child. It is recommended to set your home water heater temperature to 120 degrees to help prevent scalding from occurring.
- Watch out for sharp edges.
Using a towel or rubber cover for the faucet and any metal rails can help protect your child from injuring themselves while getting in or out of the bathtub. You should also be aware of the type of toys you are allowing your child to play with in the bath. While the octopus with the sharp edges may be a favorite, it may harm your child if he or she falls on it while bathing.
- Take advantage of no-slip mats.
Young children lack the necessary coordination to hold themselves up for long periods of time and are generally a little shaky on their feet. Placing a no-slip mat inside the bathtub and a no-slip rug on the bathroom floor can help your little one avoid falls on a wet floor and can provide you with some peace of mind.
While there are many precautions you can take to help protect your child in the bathtub, making these small changes to your bathroom and child’s bathing routine can help keep the bathtub a place for fun. If you have questions about anything raised in this article, do not wait to contact our office. We are your local attorneys, here for you twenty-four hours a day. Always remember, your child’s safety is a top priority for us.