Bathing an infant


Description

Bath time can be fun, but you need to be very careful with your child around water. Most drowning deaths in children happen at home, often when a child is left alone in the bathroom. Do not leave your child alone around water, not even for a few seconds.

Alternative Names

Bathing safety tips; Infant bathing; Newborn bathing; Bathing your newborn baby

Ways to Prevent Bathing Accidents

These tips can help you prevent accidents in the bath:

Extra Tips for Newborns

You will need to be extra careful when bathing your newborn:

Bathroom Safety

Other tips that can protect your child in the bathroom are:

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your child's health care provider if you have questions about the safety of your bathroom or your child's bathing routine.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. Standard 2.2.0.4: Supervision near bodies of water. Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs. 4th ed. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2019. nrckids.org/files/CFOC4%20pdf-%20FINAL.pdf. Accessed April 10, 2024.

Denny SA, Quan L, Gilchrist J, et al. Prevention of drowning. Pediatrics. 2019;143(5):e20190850. PMID: 30877146 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30877146/.

Wesley SE, Allen E, Bartsch H. Care of the newborn. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 21.


Review Date: 4/1/2024
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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