1/1/25 blog post
splish, splash- stay safe in the bath!
bath-time poses serious risks to young children, here's how to prevent injury
Bath-time is such an important routine for families that many often forget that this fun, important, almost daily ritual poses some real risks to young children. Many times, these unintentional injuries happen in the blink of an eye – and they can happen to anyone!
Did you know?
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Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages one to four
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Young children can drown in less than one inch of water
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Drowning can happen in less than one minute
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When a person drowns, they cannot make any sound! You won’t hear your child if they are drowning.
So what can you do to prevent drowning?
“The most important thing parents can do during bath time is give them your complete attention and stay with them. While bathing your child, be sure to put away any distractions and have everything you need prior to starting bath time,” says Stefani Taylor, injury prevention specialist.
Here are a few reminders to keep children safe in the bath:
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Before you turn on the water and put your infant or young child in the tub, make sure you have everything that you need right next to you. This includes towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo and any extras like toys or cups for rinsing or playing.
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Take the bath water’s temperature before you put your child in the tub. A child’s skin is thinner than an adult’s skin and can burn much faster in scalding water. Use a thermometer to ensure the bath water is not too hot.
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Turn off your cell phone or tablet. A child in a bathtub requires constant attention. Your cell phone and other devices can wait!
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Ignore the front door. Keep your constant attention on your child, even if the doorbell rings.
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Enjoy the time. Bath time is a great bonding time for parents and kids. Show them your undivided attention – they will appreciate it!
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If you have an infant, a baby bathtub is a good idea. The angle of the tub will help free your hands so that you can wash your baby.
“Being careful around water isn't just important during bath time,
says Taylor. "Anytime a child is near a source of water in the home, like toilets, buckets, or outdoor pools, parents should be extremely vigilant about keeping an eye on kids to prevent drowning and other serious injuries from water!"
Learn more about bath and water safety here: Water Safety | Dayton Children's (childrensdayton.org)
