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.
Use warm, not hot, water. Place your elbow under the water to check temperature.
Wash your baby's head last so that their head does not get too cold.
Bathe your baby every 3 days.
Bathroom Safety
Other tips that can protect your child in the bathroom are:
Store medicines in the child-proof containers they came in. Keep the medicine cabinet locked.
Keep cleaning products out of reach of children.
Keep bathroom doors closed when they are not being used so your child cannot get in.
Place a door knob cover over the outside door handle.
Do not ever leave your child alone in the bathroom.
Place a lid lock on the toilet seat to keep a curious toddler from drowning.
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.