Your baby may not even be walking yet, so you might think it’s too early to think about water safety, but it’s not. Before you know it, your little bundle will be crawling or toddling around and can get into trouble in the blink of an eye.
Bath Time Safety
Accidental drownings can happen quickly. But there are several things you can do to keep your baby safe from water hazards. For example, although bath time can be fun for your baby, it’s essential to keep safety in mind. The majority of babies under age one who drown, do so in the bathtub.
When it comes to babies and the bathtub, rule number one is never leave your baby unattended even for a second. You might think your baby is only in a few inches of water and safe in a baby tub. But leaving to answer the door or grab the phone is enough time for your baby to slip under the water.
If you’re not using a baby tub, place a rubber suction bath mat on the bottom of the tub to prevent your baby from slipping. Also, don’t go overboard filling the tub. Three or four inches of water is enough.
For babies who can’t yet sit up, make sure everything you need, such as soap and a washcloth is within an arm’s reach, so you can have one hand on your baby all the time.
Swimming Pool Safety
Playing in a swimming pool is a great sensory activity for your baby. It’s also a fun way to cool off. But it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
Be careful if you use a large kiddie pool that is too big to drain after each use. Large kiddie pools are not fenced in and can still pose a danger to your baby. You may be better off using a small baby pool that’s easy to empty when you’re done.
Whether you have a built-in or an above ground backyard pool, be sure to have all the safety measures in place. For instance, anything larger than a kiddie pool should be surrounded by a fence with a self-locking gate. If you have an above ground pool, take the ladder out of the pool after each use. Don’t leave toys in the pool that might entice your baby to grab. When she reaches for the toy, she can fall in. You may also want to consider a pool alarm for an added safety measure.
Additional water safety tips you may want to consider include:
- Installing a toilet lock in the bathroom
- Avoid leaving buckets of water outside
- Consider baby swim lessons
- Keep in mind, when it comes to water safety nothing replaces a watchful eye.
Written by Mary Ann DePietro @writerlady34
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.
