- Never leave your baby unattended during bath time, even for a second, even when you're just filling the tub with water. (To
play it safe, stay within arm's reach of your child when he's around water, whether he's in an adult or toddler tub. If your
baby can't sit up on his own yet, always keep a hand on him at bath time, too.) Plan ahead. Make sure you have everything
on hand before you start the bath. You don't want to have to scurry for a washcloth or towel while your baby is in the tub.
- When bathing your baby, fill the tub with as little water as possible. Two inches is a good amount.
- Be careful about scalding water. The water should feel warm, not hot. Before you put your baby in the tub, test the temperature
with your wrist, elbow, or the back of your hand. Don't rely on a tub with a temperature indicator, such as a drain plug that
changes color to indicate too hot, too cold, and just right. If you're using a thermometer with a read-out, baby bath water
should be between 90 and 100 degrees. But again, use your wrist, elbow, or the back of your hand as your main guide.
- If you need to leave the bathroom, take your baby with you. Don't rely on older children to watch the baby for you. If the
phone rings, let the answering machine or Voice Mail pick it up. If there's a knock on the door, ignore it. Make that rule
as stringent as strapping your baby into her car seat every time you drive.
- When using a baby bathtub in the sink or in a regular tub, always turn the hot water off first and watch out for hot metal
spigots. Get a cover for the bathtub's spout to protect your child from its heat-conducting metal and hard edges. Some covers
are soft plastic in the shape of an animal, such as a moose or an elephant. Others are inflatable plastic. Swoosh tub water
around with your hand so that any hot spots even out. To play it safe, reduce the setting of your hot-water heater to 120°
F. An infant's skin burns much more easily than an adult's.
- Always empty the bathtub immediately after bath time. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
- When your baby graduates to a regular bathtub, attach rubber strips to the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping.
- Remind caregivers, your spouse, and the baby's grandparents about these safety tips. Better yet, if they're new to bath time, tell them not to give your baby a bath while you're away if that's possible.
April 2007
Baby bathtubs: Safety tips
In addition to not buying a bath seat, follow these bathtub safety tips:
