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Many memories will be created in your bathroom as your child grows from a totally dependent infant to a fiercely independent young person. For the great majority of parents these memories will be of fun games with yellow rubber ducks, laughter and splashing of water.

However, a child can drown in only an inch of water, maybe even less. It only takes a brief lapse in concentration for disaster to strike; a knock at the front door or the telephone ringing. Furthermore, many children are injured each year due to accidents that occur in the bathroom. The following tips will help you avoid potential injury, and ensure your bath time memories continue to bring a smile to your face.

1. Never leave your child alone in the bathroom. It only takes a second for a child to slip over in the bath and fall under the water. Don't be tempted to answer the knock at the door or the telephone; whoever it is can wait. If you are expecting a visitor or call, leave bath time until later, or make sure you take your child out of the bathroom with you. Similarly, make sure you have all the equipment you may need for bath time readily to hand. Your attention needs to be totally directed towards your child.

2. Ensure the bath water is at the correct temperature. Many children are injured due to being scalded in the bath. Make sure your hot water is set at a safe temperature. Always run cold water in to the bath tub first, and follow this with hot water to achieve the desired temperature. This will prevent an over enthusiastic child jumping into a bath that is too hot. Until you become accustomed to assessing the correct water temperature, use a specially designed water thermometer.

3. Ensure you use a non slip bath mat to reduce the risk of your child slipping and falling in the bath.

4. Ensure adult bath products and accessories such as razors are kept out of reach. They can be irritant to sensitive skin and potentially dangerous if consumed.

5. If you store cleaning products in your bathroom, ensure they are kept in a locked or out of reach cupboard. Similarly, if you store medicines in the bathroom, ensure they are in a locked area.

6. Be aware of other potential hazards in the bathroom. Heated towel rails, for example, could result in burns. Toilets are another potential drowning risk, and can be easily fitted with a lock to prevent your child climbing and falling into them.

In conclusion, bath time should be an opportunity for you to spend quality moments with your child. Following the above tips should help ensure any memories you are left with are happy ones.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Staples.
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