by Aline Neal

Created on: February 06, 2008   Last Updated: May 31, 2011

When it comes to safety in the bathtub, water can be a real danger. You should NEVER, even for a moment leave a child alone. Even if there is a sibling with the child or even if the child is in a bath-ring , under no circumstances should a child be left alone in the tub.

Too often parents think it will only take them one second to get the phone,
and much to their dismay when then return their baby is head down.

Young children are so vulnerable to this fatality, it seems impossible to the parent and they rationalize it in their head thinking the water isn't to high or too deep. The truth is is that a baby can drown in less then 2 inches of water,
(6 centimetres). Which means, that drowning can happen when you least expect it! And not just in the bathtub, this can happen in the toilet, the sink, an inflatable pool, anywhere there is water.

All electrical appliances should be put away, hair dryers, curling irons, CD player, etc., this is to avoid the risk of electrocution. You should also keep in mind that children under 5 years of age, have thinner skin and are more sensitive to hot water, which can be really dangerous. Younger children burn more easily and in less then 5 seconds of hot tap water (60 degrees Celsius) they are susceptible to third degree burns. You should always test the water with your wrist before putting a child in the tub.

Also another quick tip would be to make sure you take your phone with you to the bathroom while you watch your child. That way you won't even think to leave your child alone for 2 seconds. Leave no room for mistakes, answering the door OR turning away to get a towel, can result in the child drowning.

Make sure to have all the necessities before hand. You don't want to have to run to get a towel or some soap. Little things that seem to be no problem can end up being a horrendous mistake.

Here are some tips for WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY:

Survival depends on YOU and of course quick action to restart breathing
as soon as possible.

When finding a child in the water, immediately take them out and call
911 OR if someone is around have them call.

Make sure the child's passages are all clear. If the child is not breathing then
start CPR as necessary. If the child starts to breathe then lay the child on their left hand side (If water or anything comes out they wont choke on it). By this time you should have emergency personnel on the phone to guide you through the rest, until the ambulance comes.

Keep in mind that accidents happen everyday, all it takes is two seconds to put your child in danger. There is no room for chances or mistakes when it comes to the safety of your child. If you simply have to answer the door OR take an important phone call, then put your child in a towel and take them with you.

It can take two seconds to put them in a towel OR two seconds to have them drown. Don't let TWO seconds change your world and your life because once those two seconds are over you can't get them back! After all it is definitely better to be safe then sorry.

Learn more about this author, Aline Neal.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.