Practicing bathtime caution

My top 5 safety tips for bathing with children

Bath time with kids is meant to be a time for peace not problems, or at least we’d hope. But after the bath gets run and the bubbles get thrown in – there are a still a few hidden danger areas that can catch parents out. After doing this 3 times over, I’ve put together the top 5 things to be cautious about in the bathroom with kids.

1.    Drowning Prevention:

This one is an obvious bathroom danger but many people don’t fully comprehend why. Did you know that children can drown in as little as 5cm/2 inches of water?

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1 to 4. The majority are in swimming pools, yes, but also sadly, in bathtubs too.

So, it's important to always stay within eye view when they're in the tub. Rely on your eyes not your ears as drowning is a silent killer.  

2.    Slip and Fall Hazards:

Wet bathroom floors are slippery, and kids can easily slip and fall anytime. I’m sure we all know someone who obtained a scar or injury from a fall in the bathroom.

I recommend placing a non-slip mat both inside and outside the tub or shower to prevent accidents. As a rule, I don’t let my kids come out of the bathtub by themselves and it’s always important to teach your child to be cautious when moving around in the bathroom, especially after a bath or shower.

3.    Hot Water Safety:

Three-quarters of the 600 people a year who suffer severe bath-water scalds are children. Scalds from hot water can cause serious burns in children and nobody wants to hear that dreaded scream. So just as much as you turn the pan-handle away from the ledge in the kitchen, there are a few things you need to do in the bathroom too. A) Add cold water to the bath before you add hot water to it. B) If you have kids who are quick-handed and like to play around with taps then you could lower the temperature on your water heater to 49°C or lower to reduce the risk of scalding. C) I also advise bathwater thermometers to get the temp to around 37°C (but still double check with your elbow) and finally D) You could skip the hot water altogether and like I’ve been known to do – just give cold baths 

4.    Electrical Safety:

I personally keep electrical appliances to a minimum in the bathroom. But if you do use products, such as hairdryers and straighteners, make sure they are out of sockets and out of reach when not in use. Covering outlets with safety caps or outlet covers to prevent curious fingers from poking into them is also advised.

5. Bath Toy Moulds:

You are not alone if you’ve forgotten that many seemingly harmless toys can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and mould over time. Especially the ones that squirt/squeak or have any type of hole in them. That’s because baby bath toys are exposed to soap, bathwater, and various bodily fluids during everyday use. Over time, these warm and damp environments create the perfect conditions for mould and bacteria to thrive. These hidden nasties can pose health risks to your baby. From respiratory issues as breathing in mould spores can trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma symptoms to skin irritations and digestive concerns.

To be honest, they don’t have to be thrown out, that’s a tad bit wasteful, especially in this climate so you can wash them. I personally wouldn’t wash them with bleach (toxin) or throw them in a dishwasher (superficial clean) – the only acceptable method I’d recommend would be to wash, soak and submerge their toys in 50:50 Vinegar: Water mix overnight with a good squeeze.

I hope that was useful, especially for first-time parents. I’ve included links to products I’d recommend for guidance but if there are any other bathroom safety tips you’ve learnt from experience – feel free to share in the comments below. There is a not-so-wonderful mould video I'll share on my IG page- enjoy!

Bonne Chance

xo