A toddler’s bath time should be a fun time for bonding and for helping children learn the basics of taking care of themselves. However, bathing can also pose a danger for children. Experts agree that children can drown in just a few inches of water, and it can take only a few moments of parental distraction for that to happen.
Proper Supervision is Key
To reduce the risk, it’s important that parents ensure supervision at all times. Any child under the age of four should never be allowed to remain in the water alone, even for a minute. If the doorbell rings or someone needs your attention, wrap the child up and take them with you to avoid leaving them in the bathtub or near the bathtub. Even if you take your child out of the bathtub, they may attempt to climb in and get into trouble.
Multiple Dangers
Another key danger with bath time has to do with head injuries and fractures. Newborns and infants can become slippery and can move around rapidly, making them difficult to hold. Holders and slings are necessary to keep them in place and to ensure they don’t bang their heads or other body parts against the sides of the tub.
When children have some muscle control and can sit up easily without tipping over, you may be tempted to do without slings and holders. Wait until the child can sit on their own securely before doing this. Even then, make sure you keep a hand near the child at all time so you can grab them if they do start tip over or slip. Even with toddlers who have pretty good muscle control, bathtub grips are a good way to ensure they don’t slip and fall in the tub.
Older Kids
For older children who can bathe on their own, no-slip stickers or mats on the bottom of the tub as well as grips are important. Kids who are ready to bathe on their own are still at risk of slip and fall accidents, and having good grip on the bottom of the tub as well as things to hold onto in case they lose their balance are important ways to ensure they can stay safe even when you’re no longer around to look out for them. No-slip tubs and bars can in fact keep everyone in your family from slipping and falling in the tub.
Temperature
A final thing to consider is temperature. Infants have thin skin and burn easily. Experts recommend water heaters should be at no more than 120°. Even if your water heater is turned down, though, you want to test the bath water to make sure it’s not too hot. You may even want to place a towel over the faucet to ensure your child doesn’t tap it and burn themselves during playtime in the tub.
If your child has been injured in Hollywood or your community due to a defective product, negligent caretaker, or through someone’s negligence or recklessness, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. We’d be happy to help you understand whether you have a claim which can help you seek compensation so you can provide quality medical treatment for your child.