Babies are attracted to water and quickly discover the fun of splashing it. To keep your new baby safe, protect against potential water hazards where you live and where you visit. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Water does not have to be deep to be dangerous for a baby.

Did you know?
babies can
drown in as little as 1 or 2 inches of water? It can happen silently and within seconds. Infants do not have much control over their neck and muscles. If even a small amount of water covers their nose and mouth, they will not be able to breathe.

Remember: Never leave your baby alone or with another small child in or near water – not even for a moment.

Water safety starts at home

Start thinking about your baby’s water safety as soon as you bring her home. Infant movement and
motor skills develop at an amazing and often unpredictable speed. It’s hard to know exactly when babies start reaching, rolling over, crawling, pulling themselves up and starting to walk. The key to keeping them safe is to stay one step ahead.

Safety in the bathtub – basic bath time

For new parents, water safety often begins with baby’s first
boat. When your baby is in the water, make sure you:

Most child drownings inside the home occur in bathtubs, and more than half of bathtub deaths involve children under the age of 1.

In many cases, drowning in the bathtub occurs during a lapse of adult supervision. If you forgot something or need to open the door, take your baby with you. This is important even if you use a supportive baby bath or bath seat.
Bath seats for infants can tip over and children can slip out of them and drown in even a few centimeters of water in the tub.

• 
  Check the water temperature. Before putting your baby in the bath, check the water temperature with your wrist or elbow. Tap water that is too hot can quickly cause burns severe enough to require a hospital visit or even surgery. Actual hot water
  scald is the leading cause of burns among babies and young children.

The AAP recommends that the hottest temperature at the faucet should be no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scalding. In many cases, you can adjust your
water heater setting in order not to exceed this temperature.

Water safety in the bathroom

In addition to bath time, protect your baby from others bathroom water hazards. For example, babies may fall headfirst into the toilet bowl and be unable to get out. Help prevent drowning by:

• Put down the toilet lid. Install safety latches or latches on all toilet seat covers to prevent prying little fingers from lifting them.

• Pull the plug on the tub. Consider removing the bathtub drain plug when not in use to prevent the tub from filling up if a child turns on the faucet.

• Keep the bathroom door closed. As an added layer of security, use security locks or doorknob covers to keep bathrooms closed.

Empty water containers immediately after use

Never leave a full, open water container unattended. When not in use, be sure to empty any liquids completely into containers such as:

• buckets and buckets used for cleaning or painting

• sponge pools

• coolers with melted ice

• large water bowls for pets

• dustbins or recycling bins that can collect rainwater

Safe swimming pools

Swimming poolsincluding large inflatable above ground pools and other temporary pools, should be completely surrounded by a fence on all 4 sides. Pool fencing must:

• be at least 4 feet high and have no opening under it or between slats more than 4 inches wide.

• completely separate the pool from the house.

• have a self-closing and self-latching gate that opens away from the pool, with the latch at least 54 inches from the ground.

Check the gate often to make sure it is working and keep it locked at all times. Keep toys away from the pool area when not in use so that children are not tempted to try to get through the fence underneath
non-swimming time. Also, always make sure to cover and lock
hot tubs and hot tubs right after you use them.

Other backyard water hazards

Before your baby starts crawling or walking, check your yard and the surrounding area for other potential water hazards. Keep a constant and attentive eye on your child when you are near water, including:

• 
  Wells and irrigation or drainage ditches. Also, be careful around open post holes while structures such as fences, decks, birdhouses and flagpoles are being inserted.

• 
  Birdbaths, fountains and ponds. While these can be beautiful landscaping features, consider waiting to install or use them until your baby is older.

Hot drinks and other scalding risks in the home

Bath water that is too hot is not the only scalding hazard in the home. Coffee, tea, soup and other hot liquids can cause serious burn harm if pulled down, spilled or splashed on small children. Studies show that between 27% and 60% of scald burns in children under the age of 5 come from hot liquids in cups, mugs and crockery. Remember:

• Never carry a hot drink and your baby at the same time. Babies often begin reaching for interesting objects within the first three months. Even if they haven’t reached that stage, a bump can easily cause a spill.

• Avoid the edge. Place mugs, bowls and other hot liquid containers away from the edge of tables and other surfaces. A baby can reach them if he is on someone’s lap at the table, if he pulls a tablecloth off the floor, or if he gets up to stand. Similarly, do not leave boiling liquids unattended on the stove, especially on the front burners.

Learn CPR

Parents and caregivers should know
CPR and how to
get emergency help. Find classes with infant-specific training through
American Red Crossthe
American Heart Associationand local fire departments, park districts and other organizations.

Remember

Always keep your baby’s safety in mind around the water – at home, where your friends, relatives and carers live and where you stay during family trips. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician starting with your baby’s first wellness visit about protecting against common water hazards.

Additional information