January is National Bath Safety Month. Bath time can be dangerous for a toddler, and simple mistakes can lead to serious injuries or even death. Here are some important tips for parents and caregivers.
Limit Access to the Bathroom
If your bathroom door doesn’t have a lock on the outside, install one at a height where you can reach it, but your toddler can’t. If there is a lock on the inside, make sure that you can open it from the outside, in case your child gets in the bathroom and locks the door.
Get Organized
Assemble all the items you will need before you take your child into the bathroom. Getting everything ready ahead of time can make bath time less stressful for both of you.
Accidents are more likely to happen if you’re stressed or distracted. Schedule your toddler’s bath for a time of day when you won’t be feeling overwhelmed with tasks or trying to supervise multiple children all by yourself.
Prevent Burns and Other Accidents
Use water that is warm, not hot. Feel the water to make sure it isn’t too hot before you put your toddler in the tub. Check the temperature setting on your water heater and adjust it, if necessary, to prevent scalding. Empty the tub as soon as you finish bathing your child.
You can do things like cover the faucet and knobs so your toddler won’t get hurt if he or she bumps into them and even install anti-slip strips or a bathmat on the floor in the tub to prevent injuries.
Keep shampoo, soap, bodywash, and other potentially dangerous chemicals out of your child’s reach. Store those, as well as cosmetics, toothpaste, medications, other toiletries, razors, and all other potentially dangerous items, in locked cabinets.
Watch Your Child Every Second
Toddlers require constant supervision during bath time. Never be more than arm’s length away from your child. Don’t give an older sibling responsibility for supervising your toddler in the tub.
Never leave your toddler unattended in the bathtub, even for a second. A young child can drown quickly in a small amount of water. If you get a phone call, let the caller leave a message or take your child with you to answer the phone. If someone comes to the door, take your toddler with you to answer it.
Bath seats are designed to make bath time easier, but they’re not designed to prevent drowning. Always supervise your child.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Toddlers are curious and often don’t understand the dangers around them. Be prepared for potential accidents by making sure you have appropriate medical insurance coverage. Petruzelo Insurance can help you compare policies from several leading insurers and choose the one that’s right for your family.
Contact us today to learn more.