Bath time happens regularly, so make your baby’s bath time fun, safe, and stress free. Making these 9 changes in your bathroom and bath time routine can help prevent injuries:
- Never leave your child alone in the bathtub.
- Never rely on bath rings or seats to keep your baby safe.
- Dry the bathroom floor and children’s feet after bath time to prevent slips.
- Prevent slipping in the tub by using non-skid decals or rubber mat inside the tub. Encourage children to stay seated while in the bath by using toys.
- Empty the bathwater right after use. Make sure the bathtub is empty before you leave the bathroom.
- Make sure you have the right temperature. Fill the bathtub with a couple inches of lukewarm water, before you place your baby in the tub, check the temperature by dipping your elbow into the water, it should be warm, NOT HOT.
- Turn off hot water faucet first and then turn off the cold water faucet.
- Keep other items in your bathroom that might harm children out of reach, in a locked cabinet; razors, radios, hair dryers, curling irons, medications etc.
- Older siblings bathing with younger ones should NOT be put in charge of younger ones safety. There should ALWAYS be an adult in the bathroom during bath time.
Not only is it important for you to make these changes and follow these safety guidelines, but also inform grandparents and any other caregivers who may be giving your children a bath.