In this article:
Why Bathroom Safety Is Crucial for Children?
Bathroom accidents are among the leading causes of death and injury to children under five. Beyond drowning, there are a combination of hazards in a few other rooms in the house, such as wet, slippery surfaces, hot water, sharps, electrical appliances, and chemicals that can be harmful.
But children's bathroom accidents are entirely preventable with the use of correct precautions. Learning about hazards before they affect your child is perhaps the single most important action a parent can take.
Common Bathroom Hazards
The most common hazards for young children include:
- Water in the toilet bowl, a bath or even just a bucket can be dangerous for young children.
- Wet tiles, glossy floor surfaces or the floor of the bath itself are among the most common culprits of young children's falls.
- Water from the taps can be scalding. Children’s skin is far more sensitive to heat than adults’.
- Children can be attracted to colourful tablets and liquids; even those that appear harmless may have damaging effects if consumed by children.
- Toilet cleaners, bleach and spray cleaning products are toxic and not appropriate to be within children’s reach.
- Razors, nail scissors, sharp tweezers and glass bottles may all cause harm if children access them.
Once these hazards have been identified, childproofing is the next step.
Bathroom Slips and Falls Prevention
To prevent falls, you must take some actions to protect your children from them:
- Install non-slip mats with strong suction cups on the bathtub floor. Check them frequently to ensure that the suction cups are still properly attached. If they have come loose, they can be dangerous.
- A mat outside the tub will help absorb drips and will provide a safe, non-slip surface for your child to stand on when getting out of the tub.
- Use adhesive safety stickers that can be attached to the floor of the tub. This will give the surface added grip, which can be helpful for toddlers beginning to stand up in the bath.
- Place a soft rubber or foam bath spout cover over the taps to protect your child's head.
- The bathroom floor should be dried thoroughly after any water use. Even a film of water can pose a slipping hazard for children on tiled floors.
- Make sure that your child is wearing non-slip socks or shoes when playing or walking on tiled bathroom floors.
Electricity Hazards in the Bathroom
- Electricity and water can be fatal when mixed, and some precautions must be taken concerning electricity in bathrooms to keep children safe.
- Ensure that any appliance, like a hairdryer, is securely put away after its use.
- Use electrical appliances away from the bathtub and sink while they contain water.
- Install socket covers for electrical outlets in bathrooms.
- Ensure all wiring in the bathroom is completely safe.
- Check electrical cords regularly to ensure that they have not frayed or been damaged.
Importance of Constant Supervision
The main safety advice concerning children and supervision includes:
- Young children should never be left alone in the bathtub, not even for a second.
- Older children should not be relied upon as primary supervisors when a young child is in the bathroom.
- The bathroom door should always be closed and locked when in use and also when not in use.
Childproofing Bathrooms
- A toilet lid lock is effective at preventing children from falling in.
- A doorknob cover may prevent young children from entering the bathroom at an inappropriate time.
- Remove or disable the internal lock on the bathroom door.
- A stable step stool should be placed at the sink so that children can reach it when needed.
- Cupboard doors can be childproofed using cupboard latches.
- The childproofing of the bathroom should be regularly reassessed as the child grows.
Signs You Should Watch Out For
Signs that may signal that professional medical care should be sought after a bathroom accident include:
- Brief periods of loss of consciousness, however short, after an accident or submersion.
- Signs of secondary drowning may develop up to 24 hours after a water accident.
- Burns that involve more than just a small area should always be investigated by medical professionals.
- Any potential poisoning or ingestion of medicine, cleaning products or chemical compounds should be investigated urgently by contacting poison control or the local emergency services.
- Signs that require investigation following a head injury include vomiting, unusual drowsiness, confusion or a loss of consciousness.
- If a cut wound does not stop bleeding with the application of firm pressure, it may be deep enough to require medical attention.
When Do You Need to See a Doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if your child has:
- Been submerged in water, even for a short amount of time, and is acting unusually at any point in the hours that follow.
- Ingested any kind of product that is potentially dangerous, or has been exposed to such a product
- Sustained an injury that needs assessing, like burns, head injury, cuts, etc.
For non-emergencies, if you have questions about how to childproof for a specific medical condition or developmental stage for your child, it's always best to call your paediatrician.
Childproofing your bathroom is one of the greatest acts of love you can perform as a parent. It doesn't require a lot of time or money, only awareness, commitment, and a willingness to view your house through your child's eyes. Take precautions, form habits, and then enjoy bath time for the most important thing: it should be a joyful, precious part of your child's day.
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FAQs on Bathroom Risks for Babies and Toddlers: How to Keep Them Safe
- How will I know if my child ate or drank something harmful?
Don't wait for him to become ill; if you suspect that your child has swallowed medicine, a cleaning product, or anything else potentially poisonous, call your local poison control centre or the emergency services immediately. - Are infant bath seats safe to use?
Infant bath seats will support the baby’s back and bottom in the tub, making it more comfortable; they will not support a drowning baby. Any baby sitting in a bath seat must have an adult present and watching them at all times.