By now, bath times are probably a lot of fun for you and your preschooler. However, while it is fine to enjoy them, there are a few things you want to do to ensure they are safe too.
Firstly, you never want to leave your preschooler alone in the bathroom. Even though he or she can sit unaided in the bath, there is still a drowning risk – as there is for any amount of water. Since children can drown in less than an inch of water, you need to make sure that you do not have to leave the bathroom while you are bathing your child. Take everything you will need with you, and make sure that if you do have to leave the room for any reason, you scoop your child up and take him or her with you, wrapped in a towel.
Finish running the water before you put your child in the bath. This should ensure that it is the right temperature, and that it is not too deep. While we are on the topic of temperature, keep it cool – children prefer cooler baths than you do anyway. Setting your hot water cylinder down is also a good idea – very hot water can cause your child serious burns in a few seconds, and you never know when your child may open the taps! In fact, it is a good idea to make sure that your child understands that he or she is not allowed to touch the (hot) taps at all.
Make sure that the taps are safe for your child by using soft tap covers, and make your bath non-slip by adding a non-slip mat or non-slip stickers.
Make sure that your child sits in the tub, rather than standing. It is easy to slip on a watery, soapy surface!
Avoid using too many bath products, and if you do, use those formulated for children specifically. If they are too harsh, they can cause rashes and other skin irritations.
