Splish, splash. We’re celebrating taking a bath! January is National Bath Safety Month.
Before you grab your rubber duckie and our new LUMI floatie (hint, hint…), we want to brush you up on a few bath safety reminders.
1. Cover It Up
I’m living proof that a bathtub can be a dangerous place. When I was two, I was standing up washing the tiles of the tub in our hotel room (I’ve obviously always been Type A). I slipped and fell, and hit my chin on the water spout. My chin bust open and my parents had to rush soaking-wet-me to the emergency room while on vacation. They were so over it by the time I got stitched up that they packed the family up and headed home.
Naturally, one of the first things I registered for as a mom was a water spout cover, like this one from Skip Hop.
You can also put a non-slip bath mat on the bottom of the tub to keep your little one from slipping.
2. Stay, With Me
Sometimes I see the kids all piled in the tub, and I think, “They’re trapped (err, I mean, content). I can get things done!” Resist that temptation.
According to the Consumer Product and Safety Commission, more kids die from drowning than anything else. It only takes a second for an accident to happen in the tub. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics says to never leave a child under the age of 4 alone near water.
And, leaving your little one with a big sib doesn't count. The CPSC says 23% of bathtub drownings happened when a child was left with another kid.
3. But You're So Shallow
Simply put, little kids can drown in even just 2-4 inches of water. No water is shallow enough to excuse your presence from your baby.
4. Rubber Duckie Water…Gross
All of those cute little toys that suck in water and then spray it back out: your toddler loves them, I know. But, have you ever noticed the little black flecks spraying out with the water (or, did I just admit how gross our family is)? That's mildew.
And it gets stuck in those toys super easily. Wash bath toys with soapy water, make sure old bath water doesn’t stay inside the ducky for weeks on end, or throw them in the top rack of the dishwasher.
5. Important Otteroo-Time Tips
Temperature Control
You want to make sure that it's warm enough so your child won't get chilled, but cool enough that they won't get scalded or overheat if your baby is super active in the water with the Otteroo. And, turn the water off before you put your child in. If the water is still running, the temperature could change or, you or your baby can accidentally alter the temperature by bumping into the faucet.
Rolling in the Deep
When you're using the Otteroo, you'll want the water in the tub to be a little bit deeper. As your baby is getting used to the Otteroo, it’s fine for his or her feet to touch the bottom of the tub (this will help your baby feel secure in the new device). But once your child is familiar with the Otteroo, you'll want the water to be deep enough that your child can't kick hard against the bottom of the tub and knock into the faucet (which should be covered by now) or flip over.
Get a Grip
Wet babies can be so squirmy. If you always feel like your little one is going to slip out of your hands when you're drying her off, try our new Easy Peasy Cradling Towel. It makes drying babies so, well, easy peasy and keeps you dry, too.
And, did I mention how absolutely adorable the baby in the product photo is? (Okay, fine, she's mine.) But, seriously, this product is genius.
Anything Else?
Yes. Remember to never ever use the Otteroo in open water. That means no oceans no matter how calm, no rivers, no lakes, no streams, nothing. Use the Otteroo only in the pool or tub and most importantly, beyond all else, you must be within arm’s length of your baby at all times and never look away from your child. It just takes a second.
Early water play time is a great bonding tool for you and your baby so make the most of it by being present and focused on your little one. Constant vigilance is the only way to ensure your baby’s safety near any body of water, no matter what happens.
(Now, go throw those bath toys in the dishwasher.)