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Bathroom Basics

Bathtime can be fun, but you need to be safe. Never leave your baby alone in the tub. A baby or toddler can drown in just one or two inches of water in a very short time. Always test the water temperature before placing your baby in the tub (meat thermometers work well for this, as do some tub toys, which have “too-hot” indicators). The water should feel warm to the touch and be 100ºF or lower. Turn off the cold water last to prevent burns, and use a spout guard. Always empty the tub immediately after use, and install no-slip strips or a mat on the tub floor. Other bathroom safety tips:

• Unplug electrical appliances after using them.
• Keep cosmetics, colognes, medications and mouthwash out of reach. They can be poisonous.
• Keep the bathroom door closed, and use a toilet lock to withstand infants’ and toddlers’ curiosity.
• Place cleaners, chemicals and soaps in a high, locked cabinet, or better yet, keep these items elsewhere.

Jo Ellen Lee, RNC, MSN, CPNP, is a pediatric nurse practitioner at SouthWest Pediatrics, Grove City, Ohio, and is on the adjunct clinical faculty at Ohio State University in Columbus.

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