Child Safety: Bathing
Topic Overview
Many near-drowning and drowning accidents occur in the bathtub and can be prevented by following these recommendations: footnote 1
- Never leave a baby alone in the bathtub, even for a moment. Always keep the baby within arm's reach.
- Never leave children in charge of watching their younger siblings while bathing, even if they are in the tub with them. Drowning can occur very quickly and silently.
- A bath seat or ring does not prevent drowning. Do not assume a baby or young child is safe when he or she is left alone or with an older sibling while supported by these devices.
- Install nonslip strips or mats on the bottom of the bathtub.
- Always drain the water from the tub immediately after the bath.
Related Information
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Current as of: May 27, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics
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Current as of: May 27, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics
Consumer Product Safety Commission (2012). Prevent child in-home drowning deaths. CPSC Document No. 5013. Available online: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/chdrown.html.