SAFETY MEASURES WHILE BATHING BABY ON A BATHTUB

When your baby can sit up independently, he's ready to start bathing in the "big tub." Here are some guidelines to make bath time safe:



Watch your baby. Supervise your baby at all times during a bath. Babies can drown in as little as an inch of water. A sturdy waterproof bath seat or bath ring (with suction cups on the bottom) may help keep your baby in a manageable position, but it doesn't guarantee his safety. Never leave your baby unattended.


Prevent falls. Place a rubber mat in your tub for your baby to sit on. Make it a rule right from the start that he always sits in the tub, never stands.

Monitor the water temperature. Keep the water temperature between 96 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees.


Prepare the bath safely. Fill the tub so the water will be no higher than his waist when your baby is seated. Run the water before placing your baby in the tub, and when you put him in, position him well away from the faucet handles and spout. Some parents find extra peace of mind in a cushioned spout cover for the faucet, although it's not very likely your baby will bump into it.

Easy on the soap. Soap, shampoo, and bubble bath can irritate your baby's skin during a prolonged soak (and bubble bath can irritate the urethra, leading to urinary tract infections), so use them sparingly. Warm water alone will usually do the trick.