Toddler Bathtub Safety Tips
Bath time is a special time for toddlers and their parents. It can be a time of fun, cleaning and playing. It can also be a recipe for disaster if the parent does not take the proper safety precautions. Consider all of the following safety points when bathing your child.
Never leave your toddler unsupervised
Your toddler should never take a bath unsupervised. If he or she is young enough to be designated a toddler, then he or she is too young to be alone in the bathtub. It does not matter if he or she can swim or if the water is only a foot deep. If your child slips on a toy or falls, he or she can drown. This can take place in minutes. Do not leave him or her, everl.
Prepare by bringing a cordless phone or your cell phone into the bathroom with you so that you will not need to leave if it rings. Bring in the towel, clothing, soaps and all that you need so that you do not have to leave. Everything else can wait, or you can bring your toddler out with you if there is an emergency. Of course, do not just sit in the bathroom reading a book, watching television or playing on your smartphone. Do not bring those things if they will distract you. You need to be actively looking at him or her.
Of course make sure your toddler can never get into the bathroom and start a bath on his or her own. The door should be locked, or you can secure the knobs. Also, lock the toilet.
Lower your water heater temperature
Your plumber may automatically set the bathtub temperature to 140 degrees or more. This is not safe. If your toddler turns on the hot water, or switches it around when you are not looking, then it can cause severe burns, or worse, within seconds. There have been cases when children went to the hospital with third degree burns from hot water in the bathtub. According to WebMD, you should set the water heater to no more than 120 degrees. It is still hot enough to accommodate the hot water needs of most people, but poses less of a burning risk.
Check the temperature
Of course you should check the temperature yourself before your toddler goes in. You can purchase toys that show when the temperature is safe, or you can check yourself.
Make sure he or she can’t reach shampoo and other chemicals
You do not want him or her eating them.
Bath time should be a special family time. Follow the above guidelines to safeguard your toddler.