Children's Health Newborns and Toddlers

Keeping Baby Safe in the Bathroom

Summary & Participants

You probably know you should never leave your baby alone in the bath. But there are other hazards in the bathroom you should be aware of as well.

Medically Reviewed On: August 07, 2008

Webcast Transcript

ANNOUNCER: Most of us know a child should never be left alone in the tub. But little explorers face other dangers in the bathroom.

Michael Kelley, Owner, Baby Safe: Another area of concern is the toilet. We always recommend you put a lock on it. The main reason is that he's going to find something that he thinks should be swimming, throw it in there and then try to climb in afterwards.

ANNOUNCER: It’s also important to keep medicines and other harmful items locked up or stored out of a child’s reach.

Michael Kelley, Owner, Baby Safe: If the child has enough time to climb up onto the counter and get the medicine cabinet open, I don't think the parent's doing their job. You don't want your child playing with a blow dryer, obviously, or a curling iron. The cords in and of themselves are dangerous. Keep them in a locked cabinet or up on a high shelf somewhere.

ANNOUNCER: Controlling the thermostat of your water heater is also important, since a child’s skin burns more easily than an adult’s.

Michael Kelley, Owner, Baby Safe: Set it down to 120, turn the hot water on all the way, see how it feels to you. If it's bothersome to you, obviously, it's going to be bothersome to the child. They make little rubber feet that you can put in the bottom of the tub that change color if it's too hot.

ANNOUNCER: Michael Kelley also recommends a soft spout cover in case a child throws back his head or slips during bath time. Simple steps like this can make the bathroom a safer place for your little adventurer. Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.