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Baby Bath Safety

Baby bath safety is important for parents to learn because it will help ensure bath time is fun and enjoyable for both parents and little ones.  A baby will spend countless hours enjoying a bath from the day they are born whether it's in the sink, toddler tub or the family bath tub.  There are some simple bathroom safety tips we'll go over as well as how to provide the safest bathing experience for your baby. 

The importance of safety education around the home can't be overstated and when it comes to your baby and water there are a unique set of dangers that are present.  A child can drown in as little as one inch of water or scalded in seconds by water that is too hot for their sensitive skin. 

As your baby grows the rules of bathing change slightly especially when it comes to the type of bath tub you use.  It can be dangerous to introduce your child to a tub or seat before they are ready.  If you are ever in doubt just remember to be extra cautious and always supervise your baby while they are in the water and don't leave them for even a second. 

Whether you are expecting your first child or an experienced parent we've got some tips and advice that will make bathing your loved one not only safer but a lot more enjoyable for both baby and you.  We'll talk about some general guidelines as well as take a look at the different baby bath safety devices available including faucet covers and non-slip bath mats for when your baby is old enough to use the family tub. 

Bath Safety for Newborns

Newborn babies need some extra special attention and care that older toddlers don't require.  If you gave birth in a hospital you will likely be giving your baby their first bath at home within the first day or two.  A sponge bath is recommended until the umbilical cord has fallen or if your baby boy was circumcised you should continue this delicate method until it heals. 

A baby bath tub fitted with a mesh sling is ideal for small babies because of the extra support it provides for their still developing bodies.  If a sling doesn't appeal to you just make sure that the tub has the proper contour to keep you baby at a comfortable angle.  A baby bath tub seat designed specifically for newborns will make bath time safer and a lot easier for parents. 

You will probably be bathing your newborn two or three times a week and you'll get into a routine that works for both you and your child.  As long as you keep your baby's diaper area, hands, face and neck clean you shouldn't need to bath your newborn every day.  

If you are using soap be sure to use a mild and hypoallergenic product that won't irritate your baby's sensitive skin.  As you transition to using wash cloths we recommend organic cotton which is both delicate on your baby's skin and non-toxic.  If your baby has cradle cap you should loosen it with a soft brush and wash with either a mild soap or shampoo. 

The water temperature is extremely important for newborns because their skin is as sensitive as it's ever going to be.  The ideal baby bath temperature is 98.5 °F or 37 °C and when the water cools off it's time to end the bath before your baby gets chilled.  A couple inches of water is generally sufficient for newborn tubs. 

Baby Bath Safety Tips 

The rules for baby bath safety stay relatively the same as your child grows into a toddler.  In addition to common sense there are a few general guidelines that should be followed to help ensure that bath time is safe and remains an enjoyable and often bonding experience for baby and parents.  

As your newborn develops and grows they will require a larger tub and eventually will bath in the family bath tub.  This is an exciting time and often becomes a highlight for children looking forward to fun with toys and other fun stuff.  There are a few baby bath safety devices we'll go over below that will help ensure that your child stays safe and prevent injuries while bathing. 

A few simple rules to follow when bathing your child from newborn to toddler:

• Never leave your baby unattended or unsupervised even for a few seconds
• Always keep one hand on your newborn baby during bath time to prevent accidental slips and falls
• Always keep everything within reach including; washcloth, soap, towel, diaper and change of clothes
• Always dry your baby thoroughly to prevent chills and skin irritation 
• Always wrap your baby up in a towel as soon as possible to prevent losing body heat

If you are a conscientious parent and want to go above and beyond to ensure the safety of your children we recommend learning CPR and First Aid for infants and children.  There are numerous courses and teaching devices that will educate parents in the event of an emergency.  A simple informative magnet with instructions for CPR and choking could be a life saver. 

Baby Bath Safety Devices

Baby bath devices designed with safety in mind are necessary for providing your baby with the safest bath possible.  In addition to the guidelines above there are products designed specifically for bathing infants that will help keep them safe as well as add some fun and enjoyment to bath time. 

We promise that once you take the time to ensure the that your baby bath safety is taken into consideration it'll just be a matter of enjoying those precious moments with your child. 

1. Bath Tub Guard
2. Baby Bath Mat
3. Bath Tub Faucet Cover
4. Baby Bath Gate

1.  Bath Tub Guard

A tub guard or elbow rest is a handy and affordable item growing in popularity in recent years because it really makes baby bath time a lot more enjoyable with the added comfort of padding to rest your elbows on.  Added benefits include being able to store items that can be damaged by water such as watches and electronic devices. 

A few things to look for that vary slightly with different manufacturers are the construction material.  You want BPA free, phthalate free, non-toxic materials that will stand up to years of use.  A good quality cushion and washable fabric will ensure you will get lots of use and enjoy many baby baths!

A kneeling pad or kneeler is a great option either in tandem or used instead of an elbow rest.  Bathroom floors are hard and cold and a large and cushy pad just might be the best thing you could ask for when kneeling and bathing your baby.  A good kneeling pad should have a non-skid base or material that prevents the pad from sliding on the bathroom floor when it gets wet.

It can get awkward maneuvering baby especially when they are wet and squirming around and the last thing you want is to be sliding around yourself which could cause injury to both baby and parents.  A quick-dry material is a nice feature because you know that your baby will probably be splashing around and enjoying their first baths.  

2.  Baby Bath Mat

A baby bath mat is a great addition when babies take the step into bathing in an adult tub.  Many vibrant colors and fun designs are available that will make bathing more fun while providing a safer surface that will prevent slipping that could potentially lead to bumps and bruises or worse.

Mats can slip and lose suction which poses a safety hazard commonly occurring on textured or dirty bath tub surfaces.  If your bath has a textured surface you may want to consider other alternatives to mats that are just as effective that won't cause headaches and make bath time unsafe.

Permanent sticker decals or appliqués can be installed on textured surfaces and will provide long-lasting safety grips for both baby and parents.  There are some fun shapes including feet, fish and butterflies and although they aren't designed for babies they can help prevent slips and falls when bathing your baby. 

A clear non-slip coating can also be sprayed onto your fibreglass tub surface if that is your only option or you want something more permanent and longer lasting.  They are designed to provide large surfaces with a textured layer that will prevent slips and falls for your baby and parents.  A can of the spray should be more than sufficient for a couple bathtubs in your home and reapplication when necessary. 

3.  Bath Tub Faucet Cover

A bath tub faucet cover installed over the water spout will help ensure that if baby accidentally bumps the tap it's not going to cause bumps and bruises.  With the fun animal shapes available that include whales, ducks and elephants you will likely find that your baby just thinks it's a toy to look at and brighten their day. 

All faucet covers are designed with generally the same principal.  The cover is either soft or hard shelled and easily fits over the faucet eliminating hard edges that can cause injuries and creating a fun atmosphere.  The design allows for water to be turned on while the cover is in place but it's important to remember not to add hot water to the bath while your baby is in the water as this could lead to scalding.  

A faucet cover with bubble bath dispenser is an added feature that you might want to consider as your baby gets older and bath time turns into a place of getting clean and having fun.  These units have a compartment that can be simply filled with bubble bath soap and when the faucet is turned on it creates loads of bubbles. 

A bath drain plug is a great product for covering an existing drain with a soft and fun product.  They can also be used where no drain plug exists to prevent water from draining from the bath tub.  At an very affordable price they are a very simple and convenient way to protect your baby from injury including scrapes and fingers getting getting caught. 

4.  Baby Bath Gate

A baby bath safety gate is a relatively new addition to the world of baby safety.  When it's time to start bathing your little one in the family bath tub this handy device will help keep baby away from the faucet and drain.  The faucet can potentially cause scalding and bruising and the drain can pinch fingers or skin. 

A bath gate is easy to install and remove and should fit most bath tubs that fall within the 19 - 26 inch width standard tub category.  The swivel and angled ends can be a bit tricky to get just right but they should be able to fasten snuggly to most tub walls to provide a visual and physical barrier for your baby. 

A baby bath gate will provide a soft physical barrier as well as a visual deterrent for babies from entering into the hazardous area of an adult tub.  It's a great way to safely introduce your baby to the family bathing area but it's important that you always supervise your baby during bath time and not rely on the gate completely. 

Baby bath safety and safety in the bathroom is an important part of the overall baby proofing plan in your home.  As your baby gets older and more adventurous it's a good idea to use child safety locks on cupboards where chemicals, electronic devices and sharp items are stored and it's worth considering using a door lock on the bathroom door. 

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