So I figured I better start taking all the pictures I can of him in the tub….I am pretty sure as soon as he can start talking sentences….he will not let me snap anymore naked shots. 🙁
My little boy is growing up. NOOO!
Since we are talking bathtubs here, I thought I would do a little “BATHTIME SAFETY” lecture. Here are a few safety tips to remember when bathing your baby/toddler:
1. Never leave your baby unattended during bath time. NOT EVEN FOR A SECOND! Not even when you’re just filling the tub with water. Play it safe by staying within arm’s reach when your baby/toddler is around water, whether it’s in an adult or toddler tub.
2. Remember, bath seats do not mean your baby will be safe alone. Bath seats give a false sense of security. Many tub drownings have involved bath seats.
3. Plan ahead. Make sure you have everything on hand before you start the bath. You don’t want to have to scurry for a washcloth or towel while your baby is in the tub.
4. When bathing your baby, fill the tub with as little water as possible. Two inches is a good amount. Be careful about scalding water. The water should feel warm, not hot. Before you put your baby in the tub, test the temperature. If you’re using a thermometer, baby bath water should be between 90 and 100 degrees. But again, test it out with your hand and use your best judgement.
5. If you need to leave the bathroom, take your baby with you. Don’t rely on older children to watch the baby for you. Make this rule as stringent as strapping your baby into her car seat every time you drive.
6. Always empty the bathtub immediately after bath time. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
7. If your baby has graduated to a regular bathtub, attach rubber strips to the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping.
8. I have read that you should not leave a baby/toddler unattended (at ANY time) until they have reached the age of 5 years old. Some websites say 4, but let’s play it safe!
9. It’s important to communicate to your baby/toddler’s caregivers, spouse, and the baby’s grandparents about these safety tips. Better yet, if they’re new to bath time, tell them not to give your baby a bath while you’re away if that’s possible.
10. All it takes is a split second for something unexpected to happen.
About 100 children under 5 years old drown in bathtubs in the United States each year. Most of the deaths occur when the child is left alone.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE…be responsible when your child is taking a bath! I know I NEVER take my eyes of P when he’s in the tub!
i just got nervous when i read this… 🙁 bath time is the thing about parenting that i’m most scared of! i definitely don’t want babysitters or grandparents giving my little guy a bath now.
omg….i’m sooo guilty of doing at least one of those! thanks for the wake-up call! great post and great idea for letting us know the safetys of bath time!!
Great post! Hope you don’t mind reminding me when I have my babies! 🙂 Who knows when that will be…
All good points to remind people. That’s an adorable picture, too. I want to take a bath with a ton of toys…
I LOVE your new header!!!
What a great wake up call for everyone to read! Most Grandparents like myself, know the dangers of a tub. So I hope that those people whom do feel their parents are trained n responsible enough to watch their granchildren, know that they would never allow anything to happen to a child in the tub. Never hurts to reinforce the dangers of bath supervision. Thanks Mando! It only takes a split second or two! I luv P wayyyyyyy too much!
Thanks for the reminder. It’s nice to know I have validation for not letting my son take a bath alone until he was 5 or 6. My family thought I was borderline nuts.
good advice – I have always tested with my elbow – that is what I’ve been told anway 🙂 CUTE pic!!!