NATIONAL BATH SAFETY MONTH

Did you know that January is National Bath Safety Month? If your kids are anything like our own, they could spend hours playing in the bath with their favourite bath toys. Or maybe your kids absolutely dread bath time? Whatever the case, it’s important for parents to be educated about bath safety.

In recognition of National Bath Safety Month, here are some helpful tips to keep your kids safe in the tub.

Never leave your child unattended near water

You’re probably going to hear me repeat this a few times – with good reason! Children can drown in less than an inch of water, and it can happen in as little as 30 seconds. So even though you’re just answering the phone or grabbing a fresh towel in another room, leaving your child alone in the tub could have fatal consequences. Don’t leave your child unattended in the bathroom, it’s just not worth it.

Always check the water temperature

Hot tap water accounts for nearly one in four of all scald burns among children. If the bath water is too hot, it could easily scald your child’s skin and this type of burn could be fatal. Here are a few things to remember when you’re filling up the tub:

• Don’t put your child in the tub while the water is running. The temperature could suddenly change and you may not even know.
• Test the temperature with your wrist or elbow. These areas of your skin are more sensitive than your hands.
• Use a bath thermometer. To be absolutely certain about the temperature, use a bath thermometer. The temperature should not exceed 37 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t overfill the tub

Minimize the risk of drowning by filling the tub with as little water as possible. Babies only need an inch or two or water to get clean. For kids that can sit up on their own, don’t fill the tub any higher than waist height.

Use safety equipment

Even the most sure-fitted adults can slip in the shower. That’s why it is important to take measures to prevent falls. Here are some items that you should purchase for a safe bathtub.

• A skid-proof mat.The bottom of the tub can be very slippery, so to keep little bottoms and feet from slip-sliding around, lay a skid-proof mat on the tub floor.
• A spout cover.In the event of a slip, you don’t want your child to hit their soft head on a hard metal spout. Buy a cushioned spout cover to prevent injury.
• A bath mat. To prevent a slip-and-fall situation upon exiting the tub, buy a cushy bath mat to absorb water and keep the bathroom floor from becoming a hazard.

Don’t depend on bath seats

While a bath seat can keep your little tadpole from wriggling all over the place, it’s not a substitute for watchful care. Many parents make the mistake of thinking that a bath seat is the equivalent of parental supervision; in reality, it’s just an aid to help you get your child clean. Whether you use a bath seat or not, your child should never be left unattended.

Of course bath time is supposed to be fun and there are plenty of bath toys and equipment out there to make it a fun and easy experience but as parents we need to be aware of the risks and always be careful when bathing our kids.