Child Safety: Bathing

Topic Overview

Many near-drowning and drowning accidents occur in the bathtub and can be prevented by following these recommendations:^{footnote 1}

• Never leave a baby alone in the bathtub, even for a moment. Always keep the baby within arm's reach.
• Never leave children in charge of watching their younger siblings while bathing, even if they are in the tub with them. Drowning can occur very quickly and silently.
• A bath seat or ring does not prevent drowning. Do not assume a baby or young child is safe when he or she is left alone or with an older sibling while supported by these devices.
• Install nonslip strips or mats on the bottom of the bathtub.
• Always drain the water from the tub immediately after the bath.