Bath safety for your baby or young child
Many near-drowning and drowning accidents occur in the bathtub and can be prevented by following these recommendations:1, 2
- Never leave a baby alone in the bathtub, even for a moment. Always keep the baby within arm's reach.
- Never leave children in charge of watching their younger siblings while bathing, even if they are in the tub with them. Drowning can occur very quickly and silently.
- A bath seat or ring does not prevent drowning. Do not assume a baby or young child is safe when he or she is left alone or with an older sibling while supported by these devices.
- Install non-slip strips or mats on the bottom of the bathtub.
- Always drain the water from the tub immediately after the bath.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: May 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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