7 tips to ensure safe bathing for babies and toddlers

With all the happy splashing and bonding bathtime can bring, it’s easy to forget that left unsupervised even for a few minutes, babies can be scalded by opening a hot tap, or can even drown in just a few centimetres of water. Here’s how to keep them safe.

1. Make the bathroom out of bounds unless you’re with them

Fit a latch to the door at adult height, and make sure it can’t be locked from the inside in case they still manage to get in. Fit locks to the medicine and cosmetics cupboards, and to the toilet seat: babies’ heads are bigger in proportion to their bodies than ours are, and curious tots can topple in and drown.

2. Keep everything within easy reach when bathing

“Make sure you have everything you need within reach, before you run the water, so you’re not distracted at any time,” says Sharon Buckle, a qualified childcare practitioner, midwife and registered nurse at The Hillcrest Baby Clinic. This includes baby soap and shampoo, a washcloth, a towel, nappy, nappy cream and clothing.

3. Watch the water temperature

It should be tepid – test it with your wrist or elbow. Run cold water first, so there’s less chance of a scalding accident, and seat baby away from the taps – don’t let them play with or even touch taps.

4. Watch the water depth

It should never be more than waist-deep for them when they're seated.

5. Never leave baby alone in the water, however briefly

If you need to answer a phone or switch off the stove, rather scoop them up in a towel and take them with you.

6. Baby should only ever sit

Prevent slips and falls by always sitting baby in the bath – don’t let them stand. Opt for fitting a rubber mat or strips to the bottom of the tub.

7. Banish electrical appliances from the bathroom

It may seem obvious but it bears repeating: keep electrical appliances like hairdryers and radios well out of reach, or preferably use them in another room where there’s no water that could cause an electric shock.

HELPFUL HINTS

Don’t bath baby too often: “Overbathing can strip baby’s delicate skin of natural moisturisers, and invite rashes and infections,” says Buckle. Give newborns only sponge baths until their umbilical cord falls off, or if they were circumcised, until the cut heals. Babies don’t need to bath daily unless they really enjoy the routine - two or three times a week is fine, provided you clean their face, neck, hands and nappy area daily.

Use special baby soaps, which don’t contain chemicals as these may cause irritations of the skin and urinary tract.

Don’t overdo hair-washing: Use a mild, tears-free product once or twice a week.

Dry baby thoroughly: “Take care to dry baby well after a bath, getting between toes and creases, to prevent chapping and fungal infections,” Buckle says.