Bathing isn’t just a necessary ritual in infancy…It can be a very sweet and fun ritual!but, of course, putting your precious love insects in a bucket of water does come with risks, so it’s crucial to take some steps to keep them safe.
Most importantly, never, never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub… Even if it’s 3 seconds! That’s all it takes for your baby to slip or fall into an unsafe position and inhale water. Most child drowning incidents occur in the bathtub at home (where the baby dies in just an inch of water)… And most bathtub deaths occur in the first year. If you need to go outside in the shower, be sure to pick up your child with a towel and bring it with you!
During the first few months, most parents will bathe their baby in the sink. Of course, you have to make sure that you never expose your baby to very hot water and protect your little one from banging his head on the faucet or getting poked in the calf by a plug. You can put a couple of non-slip liners in the sink, or you can spread a clean towel on the bottom to make it less slippery.
When choosing a bathtub for your baby, look for features that will prevent your baby from slipping into the water, such as a sling or a sloping textured surface. And, skip the inflatable tub. The inflatable tub may be too fragile to support your baby and slippery, causing your baby to slide into the water. Note: Used bathtubs may not be a good option. It is very important that your bathtub meets the latest standards. Look for bathtubs manufactured after October 2017, which was the last time the CPSC updated its guidance.
More bathing safety tips
Always place one hand on your baby. Soggy babies are slippery, sometimes writhing a little and then slipping in the water. Keep everything you need within reach before bathing so you don’t have to run away while your child is in the bath, even if it’s just to the other end of the bathroom.
Skip the bathtub seats. Although these seats may seem like a clever way to keep babies upright until they have the muscles to sit on their own, they can easily tip over.
Do not leave the water in the tub after bathing. For babies or toddlers with limited mobility, this can lead to the dangers of them entering the bathroom to explore.
Make sure your water isn’t too hot. Babies have extremely sensitive skin and can be burned easily. You should be able to comfortably place your hands under running water, but if you have any doubts, you can use a thermometer to make sure the temperature doesn’t exceed 120° F.
Turn off the water before placing your baby in the tub. Leaving it on all the time may cause the water to be too hot or too deep.
Consider taking a CPR class. Serious accidents happen every day, and the only way to prepare is to be prepared.
Support yourself. Another overlooked aspect of baby bath time is parental support. You’ll spend a lot of time by the bath. When you’re next to the tub, have a good cushion or a small stool for your knees.