Welcome back to our series of blogs to celebrate Child Safety Week in the UK! The Child Accident Prevention Trust is the only UK charity to focus on preventing death and serious injury to children from avoidable accidents, so we’re doing everything we can to spread the word about this worthy cause.

Today, our focus is on the importance of safely bathing your baby or toddler. Bathtime is a special bonding experience for parents and children, but it's crucial to ensure it's done safely to prevent accidents and injuries. Let's dive in and explore key tips for bathing your little one safely.

 

The Importance of Bath Time Safety

Your baby or toddler needs you to do pretty much everything for them in their early days, and when it comes to bathing, that responsibility of care is heightened, as it’s so easy for something to go wrong if you aren’t vigilant.

 

How to Safely Bathe Your Baby or Toddler

The following hints and tips are designed to help make bath time a fun, positive experience for both of you.

 

1. Constant Supervision

  • Never leave your baby or toddler unattended in the bathtub, even for a moment.
  • Supervision is essential to prevent drowning accidents and ensure your child's safety during bath time.

 

2. Use a Bath Seat with Safety Features

  • Choose a bath seat with safety features such as non-slip material and secure suction cups to prevent slipping or sliding.
  • If you need to bathe your little one somewhere other than your own home (say, at a grandparents’ house or on holiday), then a Travel Fold Flat Infant Baby Bathtub is a great solution. It provides a secure and stable place for your baby to sit during bath time without compromising their safety.

 

3. Maintain a Safe Water Temperature

  • Always test the water temperature before placing your baby or toddler in the bath.
  • The ideal water temperature for babies and toddlers is around 37-38°C (98-100°F), which should feel warm but not hot to the touch.
  • You can measure this by putting your elbow into the water before you put your baby in the bath, or, you could use something like the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature In-Bath Digital Bath & Room Thermometer to give a 100% accurate reading.

 

4. Avoid Overfilling the Bathtub

  • Fill the bathtub with only a few inches of water to prevent drowning accidents.
  • Consider using a specially designed baby bath sling with a seat for additional safety and comfort.

 

5. Gather Bathing Essentials Beforehand

  • Before starting bath time, gather all necessary bathing essentials such as soap, shampoo, towels, and a clean change of clothes.
  • Having everything within reach helps minimise distractions and ensures you can focus on safely bathing your baby or toddler.

 

Baby Bath Time: A Parent’s Guide

Bathing your baby or toddler is essential for their well-being, hygiene, and safety. By following these tips and using things like bath seats, thermometers, and slings to help you, you can create a secure and enjoyable bathing experience for your little one.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our bathtime products. We're here to assist you in any way we can!

There are two more days to go in Child Safety Week, which means we have two more informative child safety pieces to share with you, so be sure to head to our blog section to read them.

Stay safe!