Bathroom Safety Tips for Toddlers

Although your toddler will find it easier to enjoy bath time, it’s still best to take proper precautions. Young children are very prone to drowning and slipping, and their sensitive skin may not handle a hot bath very well. Since your toddler isn’t capable of bathing and showering on their own just yet, you’ll also need to stay vigilant while they splash around in the tub. After all, accidents always lie where we least expect them. Here are some great safety tips to keep in mind when giving your curious toddler a relaxing soak in the tub.

1. Maintain constant supervision

Children younger than five years old are very prone to slipping and drowning in the tub since they’re still getting used to balancing themselves. It only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown in shallow water. In fact, you might not even realize something’s wrong since kids tend to drown without splashing, shouting, or coughing.

The best way to prevent drowning during bath time is to keep an eye on your toddler at all times. If you aren’t available to supervise your toddler’s bath, you’ll need to entrust supervision only to those who can keep calm and act properly in an emergency situation. Older siblings may not be the best people for the job since they aren’t equipped to handle injuries or drowning. You shouldn’t rely on bath seats to supervise for you either as they aren’t guaranteed to prevent accidental drowning.

2. Check the water temperature

The safest water temperature for babies and toddlers is somewhere between 37°C and 38°C. Before plopping your child in the tub, be sure to check whether their bath water is safe for their delicate skin. You can count on a good water thermometer or even your own elbow to know whether there’s any danger of scalding.

Another great way to avoid accidental scalding is to adjust your home’s water heater so that your faucet doesn’t give off water that’s hotter than 50°C. It’s also important to mix both hot and cold water in the bath so that your toddler’s delicate skin doesn’t get burned.

3. Get rid of bath time hazards

It’s safe to say that slippery bath tubs are dangerous even for adults. Bathtub mats will help your little one avoid slips and injuries during a bath. Be sure to get non-slip mats that won’t move or get dislodged due to heavy showers and lots of water.

Faucets are another hazard that you’ll need to watch out for. If your child slips or falls during bath time, they can get serious head injuries from slamming into metal taps and faucets. Safe faucet protectors should keep your little one’s noggin protected from serious bumps and accidents.

4. Store medicines and appliances

Serious situations may occur even if your little one is done having fun in the tub. Curious toddlers can sneak into medicine cabinets and open bottles when you aren’t looking. To avoid any poisoning mishaps, keep your medication and vitamins stored in a high, secure cabinet. If you think your little one may have swallowed something they shouldn’t have, don’t hesitate to call emergency numbers.

Electric appliances can also cause serious trouble. Hot hair straighteners and dryers can scald a child’s sensitive skin, while razors and electric shavers can cause serious cuts. When your bathroom electronics aren’t in use, keep them locked up and out of reach. You’ll want to store your appliances somewhere far from water to avoid any electrical injuries.

5. Keep the bathroom locked

Young explorers are prone to entering a world of trouble when they show up in high-risk rooms. Your toddler may become injured when he plays with scattered appliances, medicine bottles, or even your toilet while nobody’s looking. The best way to avoid any accidents at home is to always keep your bathroom locked and secured.

6. Don’t use too much water

Unlike adults, toddlers aren’t capable of keeping their heads above deep water. Your child may end up drowning in a bathtub that’s filled to the brim. In fact, they can even drown in just 3 or 4 inches of water if they slip face-down. If your toddler can stand and walk on his own, fill the tub just up to his belly button.

7. Be careful with soap and bubbles

Fragrances and deodorants in bath bubbles, as well as regular soaps and shampoos, aren’t great for your toddler’s sensitive skin. In fact, they may even cause serious irritation. It’s much better to stick to kid-friendly bath products since they don’t dry out skin or cause redness with prolonged use. If you aren’t sure about using soap directly on your child’s skin, you can mitigate risks by bathing them with a soft washcloth.