Young toddlers are naturally curious, and even the bathroom is a new adventure of discovery.
The bathroom is the number one place injuries occur in the home as the bathroom is full of shiny gadgets and interesting places to explore. More than half of all bathtub- and shower-related injuries occur to children younger than 5 years old.
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind so your bathroom and bathtime are safe.
Bathtime safety tips
- Supervision is key! Never leave your child alone in the bathtub. Children can drown in less than 1 inch of water.
- Prevent burns by setting your water heater below 120 degrees.
- Gather bath time items before running the water and putting your child in the tub.
- Water first! Fill the tub with only 2 to 4 inches of water before placing your child in the tub.
- Test bathwater temperature with your wrist or elbow to check that it feels warm, not hot. Young children like a cooler bath as their skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin.
- Seat your child facing away from the faucet to prevent grabbing at the knobs and risking hot water burns.
- Use anti-scald devices on faucets to prevent hot water burns.
- Check that bath toys are free of mold.
- Install a non-skid surface or strips inside the tub to prevent accidental falls.
Bathroom safety checklist
- Electric bathroom items (i.e. curling irons) are unplugged and put away.
- Childproof latches are on drawers and cabinets to keep your curious toddler out of unsafe places.
- Grooming/beauty supplies (i.e. makeup, hairspray, perfume and nail polish) are locked away. Toddlers love to imitate what their parents do, but many things used by adults in the bathroom are not safe for toddler play.
- Toilet is closed and locked. Toddlers have been known to drown in toilets as children are “top heavy,” and once they fall headfirst into the toilet water, they cannot get back out.
- Make sure the floor is dry to prevent slips and falls.
Suggested child safety products for the bathroom and bathtime
- Spout guard
- Non-skid bathmat
- Water temperature gauge
- Anti-scald device
- Toilet lock
- Drawer and cabinet locks
Stop by Sanford CHILD Services Safety Center at 5015 S. Western Ave. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for home safety tips, checklists and products. For more information visit our Safety Center website.
Learn more
- Poison safety tips for parents with small children
- Keep kids safe: The ABCs of childhood injury prevention
- Water safety tips keep kids water smart
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Parenting
