If your kids scream and run away as fast as they can when you mention
bathtime, rest assured that you are not alone. There are many parents
whose kids come from the baths-are-yucky school of thought.
But bathtime doesn’t have to be such a dreaded part of kids’ lives.
Baths can be fun. And you need to make sure they’re safe. Extra caution
needs to be taken when it comes to hot water and kids. Scalds from hot
water are a leading cause of injuries for children.
"In the emergency department, we see a number of children with severe
burns from hot water each year," says Laura Fitzmaurice, MD, director
of Emergency Medicine at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.
The lower the water temperature, the more time parents have to come to
their children’s rescue.
"Since small children can climb or reach into danger quickly, a lower
water heater setting gives parents a chance to react in time to keep
their child from getting scalded by hot water," Fitzmaurice says.
Children’s Mercy recommends a hot-water temperature of between 120 and
125 degrees. That’s low enough to give you time to rescue your kids,
yet hot enough for cleaning purposes.
Water temperature is not the only thing to consider when preparing for
bathtime. Here are some other helpful tips to remember when it’s time
for a soak in the tub:
- Avoid bubble baths and scented bath oils when bathing your
daughter. They can irritate the vaginal area and cause redness and
soreness, symptoms of an inflammation called vulvovaginitis.
- If soap and shampoo seem to irritate your baby, use them at the
last minute and then quickly rinse off your baby.
- During your baby’s first two years, bathe your child only two or
three times a week. More frequent bathing will deplete your baby’s skin
of the natural protective oils.
- Never leave your baby alone in the bathtub, even if you’re using a
bath ring. If you’ve forgotten something or need to answer the door or
the phone while your baby is in the bath, take your baby with you. (So,
keep a dry towel within reach.)
- Once the baby is old enough to sit in the bathtub, keep a handy
supply of safe, waterproof toys to keep your child’s attention.
- Cover the water spout to prevent burns.
- Don’t worry about getting yourself a little wet. It just goes with
the territory.
