January is National Bath Safety Month and there is no better time to child-proof your space. Children are our most precious gifts and need protection against potentially harmful situations. As the bathroom is a commonly used space in our homes, it is important to make sure it is safe for our little ones. Is your bathroom in its current state safe for children? To help kick off Bath Safety Month, here are some useful tips to child-proofing your bathroom.
12 Important Child-Proofing Tips for Bath Safety Month
- Never let even a small amount of water stand in the tub. Children have been known to drown in as little as two inches of water. Toilet bowls and diaper pails pose similar drowning hazards to curios, top-heavy toddlers. Choose diaper pails with locking lids, and always close the toilet lid after use. Invest in a special child-safe toilet lock that is easy for adults to maneuver, but difficult for your child to figure out. (ParentsMagazine)
- To prevent accidental burns or scalding, set your hot-water thermostat between 100-125 degrees Fahrenheit. A good test is to place your hand under the hot water only, and if it's still comfortable, then the temperature is at the right level for your little one. Anti-scald devices are also available to keep the water temperature at a safe level. (Nick Jr.)
- Don't leave the bathroom to get the phone or door. It might be an honest attempt to just let the person know you will get back to them or let them in. However, there will always be the possibility of getting distracted and leaving your child long enough for a serious injury to occur or death. (Family Corner)
- Don’t let older kids bathe younger kids. Each child should be bathed by an adult, and not left in charge of an older sibling or cousin. Kids have a tendency to horseplay when not being watched, and this can lead to serious injury from slips and falls. If you are expecting a babysitter, bathe kids before he or she arrives. (My Next Bath)
- Don't let young children use the sink or tub without help. When children are in the tub, stay close enough to touch them. (Home Safety Council)
- Slips are one of the top causes of bathtub injury. Prevent them by placing a non-slip mat on the bathtub base every time your child takes a bath. A non-slip bathroom rug is important to keep in front of the tub so little wet feet don't slip after getting out of the bath. (Parenting Squad)
- Remove or make inaccessible sharp objects such as razors, scissors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or nail files. Cleaning products, detergents and bleach, medications, vitamins, cosmetics, electrical appliances, and mouthwash (which has greater alcohol content than wine) should also be locked away. (Nick Jr.)
- Non-slip decals should be put in the bathtub to prevent a child from slipping. (Better Bathrooms)
- Before bathing children, gather the soap, shampoo, toys, towel, diaper, clothing, and any other needed items you might need before running the bath water. Place these items so you can easily reach them. (Marquette General Health System)
- All medicines, cosmetics (make-up) and cleaning supplies should be locked in a cabinet. (Home Safety Council)
- Finally, always unplug appliances after use, keep electrical items (hair dryers, razors, etc.) out of reach and away from water, and keep all hazardous and poisonous products locked up or up very high (preferably both). (Urban Health)
- Install a faucet cover over your bathtub taps to prevent a painful collision. They come in colorful, fun animal shapes. You can find this item at baby-supply stores and online vendors. (Nick Jr.)
CLICK HERE to read baby and water safety tips from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission
7 Child-Proofing Bathroom Products
- Aquatopia Safety Bath Thermometer Alarm (Target)
- Elmo Faucet Cover by Ginsey (Bed, Bath and Beyond)
- Dream Baby 28-Piece Bathroom Safety Kit (Babies R' Us)
- Dream Baby Deluxe Bathtub Safety Seat (Diapers.com)
- Boon Flo Bath Stream (The Land of Nod)
- Safety 1st® Warm Me Shower & Bathtub (KOHLS)
- Smart Guard Medicine Safe (G.A. Child Safety, Ltd)
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