You know that even if you are tired at the end a long workday, you should always be on your game when it comes to bathing your baby.
You and your child can play together and bond in the tub. It’s also a great way to help your baby relax as part of the bedtime ritual.
It’s important to be on your guard. Even if you try not to think too hard about it, the water and bubbles in the bath can cause slips, falls and burns.
What is the right temperature for your baby to bathe? What else should you know to keep your child safe when they are scrub-adubbing? Maria Tang, MD shares nine tips for keeping your child safe in the bathtub.
1. Baby bath temperatures: What you need to know
Your baby’s sensitive skin is different from yours. What you consider a relaxing and comfortable temperature for yourself may be too hot to your baby. Even a bath that is too hot can burn or scald your child’s face.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a bath temperature that is safe for a baby should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. (About 49 degrees Celsius). Bath thermometers are widely available in baby sections of stores and online. Some of them can even be used as bath toys.
Dr. Tang recommends that you also test the water temperature before putting your child into the tub.
She suggests that you test the water with your elbow or wrist, and not your fingers. Your fingers are able to handle higher temperatures. Using your elbow, you can get a better idea of how the water will feel for your baby.
Many water heaters come with a temperature setting to prevent your water from becoming too hot. You can adjust your water heater so that it doesn’t go above 120 F.
2. Do not overfill the tub
Your splashy, splishy water baby may enjoy a bath filled to the top. However, using more than just a few inches can be dangerous for children.
AAP recommends only 2 inches of water for the bathtub. Dr. Tang warns that children can drown even in 3 or 4 inch of water, if the face is submerged.
3. Never leave your child alone.
AAP suggests the best way to bathe a baby safely is by using ” Touch Supervision”. This means that you should keep at least one of your hands on them at all times while they are bathing. Remember that wet babies are slippery. It’s probably better to use two hands.
You may want to leave the tub to get something you forgot or to check your phone for a quick message. Dr. Tang says that leaving your child unattended for even a couple of seconds is not safe.
When someone knocks on the door, remove your baby from the bath and take them along with you. Encourage your older child to wait or join you in the bathroom if they need your attention.
Make sure you have everything you need before you start. Think about:
- A towel.
- A washcloth
- Baby body wash
- Baby Shampoo
- You can use your phone to take cute bath pictures that you will embarrass the recipient with one day. Not for social media browsing or ordering food.
4. Do not rely on bath rings or seats
Bath seats and rings are convenient, but they should not be used as a substitute for your own hands. Do not be fooled by a false sense or rely on any product that claims to prevent drowning. Yourbaby’s safety in the bathtub is best supported by you.
5. Choose your toys carefully
Toys can add fun to bathtime, but it is important to choose the right ones.
Avoid toys that are too tiny, as these can be choking hazards . Avoid bath toys with a tendency to retain water. This includes anything that is filled with stuffing, or has a hole that allows water in but does not allow it out. If you don’t thoroughly drain and dry your toys after every bath, they can become a breeding place for bacteria. Ewww.
6. Watch out for slip hazards
Wet tub surfaces can be slippery, increasing the risk of your baby slipping or hitting their head against the wall. You can prevent slippery tubs by using a tub mat, anti-slip adhesive or textured stickers. These stickers adhere to the bottom and offer some resistance, reducing the risk of slipping and falling.
Dr. Tang suggests that you cover metal handles and faucets with silicone. This will soften the impact if your child falls or slips against them.
7. Skip the bubbles
You may be tempted to indulge in a luxurious bubble bath right now. Bubbles are not recommended for babies. Bubbles may irritate sensitive skin in your child. Some people think bubbles can cause urinary infections in children. However, the research is not conclusive.
Choose a kid-friendly shampoo and body wash instead of bubbles (or if you want a single product, a wash that covers your entire body). Select a sensitive skin variety that is unscented.
8. Stick to washcloths
When it comes to cleaning your child, nothing beats a washcloth. No sponges, or the meshy poofy stuff. If they are not dried completely between baths then bacteria can thrive, says Dr. Tang.
Regularly wash your towels and washcloths. They can also accumulate germs, and spread contagious illnesses like colds, flu, and warts.
9. Close the bathroom door
Your bathroom is not just a danger for curious children during bathtime. Consider what you have in your bathroom. You may find medications, cleaning supplies, razors, polish, etc.
Dr. Tang says that it’s crucial to limit your child’s bathroom access by adding locks to the doors of bathrooms and latches to toilets. Dr. Tang says that children should never be left alone in the bathroom.
It can be relaxing. Bathtime can be fun. It can also be a time for you to spend with your baby. Keep the temperature comfortable for their delicate skin, and watch that slippery nugget.
