To help parents make bath time safer for their kids, NickJr.com has compiled the following top 5 safety tips and suggestions from experts.
advertisementSafeguard Your Bathroom
Like other areas of your house, your bathroom must be safeguarded from and protected against the wanderings and curiosities of your little ones.
advertisementKeep the bathroom locked at all times while you're not inside with your child. Install a hook-and-eye lock high enough up on the door so she cannot unhook it.
advertisementInstall toilet and cabinet locks to prevent curious minds from mischief or even danger.
advertisementRemove or make inaccessible sharp objects such as razors, scissors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or nail files. Cleaning products, detergents and bleach, medications, vitamins, cosmetics, electrical appliances, and mouthwash (which has a greater alcohol content than wine) should also be locked away.
advertisementConsider placing your own bath and beauty products--soaps, shampoos, conditioners, body lotions, after-shave, shaving cream out of the tub and out of reach.
advertisementProtect Against Slips
It's bound to get slippery when your little one starts playing in the suds. Take special precautions to make sure to void accidental falls, bumps, or bruises.
advertisementInstall a faucet cover over your bathtub taps to prevent a painful collision. They come in colorful, fun animal shapes. You can find this item at baby-supply stores and online vendors.
advertisementInstall a colorful, cheery non-slip mat or bath decals to prevent accidental slips and falls. These can be easily found at baby-supply and hardware toys.
advertisementPlace a non-slip bathroom rug by the side of the tub to step out onto. Your child may not have perfect balance yet, so try to teach your child to be extra careful when he's wet and getting in and out of the bath.
advertisementTake Precautions to Avoid Burns
Follow these tips to keep the temperature under control and protect your little one's sensitive skin.
advertisementTo prevent accidental burns or scalding, set your hot-water thermostat between 100-125 degrees Fahrenheit. A good test is to place your hand under the hot water only, and if it's still comfortable, then the temperature is at the right level for your little one. Anti-scald devices are also available to keep the water temperature at a safe level.
advertisementNever put your child in the bathtub while the water is still running; the water temperature could quickly change, or the water level might become too high.
advertisementAlways run the cold-water tap first when filling a bath, then mix in the warmer water to reduce the risk of scalds or burns.
advertisementThe water temperature in the bath should be between 90 and 100 degrees (check with a bathtub thermometer), as babies and preschoolers generally like a cooler bath than most adults.
advertisementDon't allow your children to touch the taps; she may not be strong enough to turn them now, but soon she will be. Constant reinforcement of this rule is a good idea and always place your child on the far end of the tub, away from the taps.
advertisementEnsure Bath Toy Safety
Every kid loves playing with toys in the tub, but it's up to you to ensure those toys remain clean and germ free.
advertisementAvoid buying spongy, porous, or wooden toys, as they tend to retain moisture--a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
advertisementRinse out all toys thoroughly after each bath and air dry until all surfaces are dry.
advertisementToys with holes in them tend to collect water. Squeeze these toys out thoroughly and let to air dry.
advertisementIf you have a dishwasher, run the toys through once a week or so.
advertisementApproximately every two weeks or so, clean the toys with bleach. Use about one tablespoon of liquid bleach for each gallon of water. Let the toys soak for about two minutes and air dry without rinsing with water. For squirting and squeezing toys, though, rinse out thoroughly several times and then air dry.
advertisementNever Leave Your Child Alone in the Bathtub
The importance of this tip cannot be stressed enough. Don't let everyday distractions endanger your child.
advertisementThe most important rule of bathtub safety is never leave a child under 6 alone in the bathtub, not even for a few seconds. Tragically, young children have drowned in only a couple of inches of water. So whatever it is--the phone, the door, something on the stove, another child wants attention--has to wait. If it's really important, take your child out of the tub, wrap her in a towel and walk with her out of the bathroom, remembering to lock the door behind you.
advertisementIf you're alone in the house with your child, take everything you need before you start the bath so you don't need to run out for things and leave your little one alone. Bring along your cell, make sure nothing's on the stove (or it doesn't need any attention for a while).
