- One of the most common bathroom injuries comes from scalding hot tap water. Therefore always run bath water and test the water temperature yourself before the child gets in. Besides these measures, one of the very best ways to prevent hot tap water scalding is to set the maximum temperature on your hot water tank to 110° F (48° C).
- Bathtub and toilet drownings are also quite common. In fact, a child can drown in just a few inches of water. So always pay full attention to your child in the bath. Have everything you need for bath time close at hand, and don’t leave your child in order to answer the phone or door – even while the bath is just being filled. It’s not worth the risk.
- To avoid injuries and drownings from bathtub falls, use a slip-resistant mat or decals. Also, discourage standing in the bathtub.
- Keep toilet lids closed at all times. Better yet, install and use toilet lid latches.
- At all times keep all medications, vitamins, cosmetics and personal care items safely out of reach and locked away in the medicine cabinet or cupboard. Also be sure to keep cleaning products and other chemicals locked away and out of child’s reach. To further help prevent poisonings, install and always use child-resistant cupboard locks and drawer latches.
- Always use properly sealed child-resistant packages for all medications, even for vitamins. Also bear in mind that many child poisonings from medication, vitamins and minerals happen at grandparents’ homes and other such places where child-resistant packaging is not customarily used.
Child Health & Wellness Information
For Parents Worldwide