Bathroom Safety for Toddlers
An ordinary bathroom is loaded with risks for a toddler. It is a collection of poison, electricity, water, and other hazards. The average toddler, however, thinks bathrooms are a blast. To minimize hazards, it's necessary to use a mixture of containment, supervision, and common sense.
When not in use, keep the door closed. If your toddler remains curious, install knob covers. If your door locks from the inside, be sure it can also be unlocked from the outside.
Preventing Poisonings
Bathrooms are a treasure trove of
medications, cleaners, cosmetics, and
substances that could be toxic. Take
steps to remove, store out of reach, or
lock these items away.
The contents of your medicine cabinet are a definite risk. Both prescription and over the counter medications can poison a young child. Child poisonings are most common in children between ages 3 and 5.
The most common source of bathroom poisonings bathrooms is:
- Vitamins containing iron
- Aspirin or acetaminophen
- Topical ointments and sprays
- Tranquilizers and sedatives
- Cold preparations
- Rubbing alcohol
- Almost any prescription taken improperly
Remove any old, expired, or
infrequently used substances. Some kids
between 2 and 3 can often figure out
'childproof' caps, given enough time.
Never allow them enough time by giving
them empty prescription containers.
Outfit all medications with childproof
lids, and latch your medicine cabinet
door to prevent access. If your toddler
persists in attempting to open the
cabinet, store medications elsewhere.
In case of poisoning, keep ipecac syrup
on hand. Only use it under the direction
of your local Poison Control Center.
Some poisons cause more damage if you
induce vomiting, so consult the experts
first.
Two other places that draw a youngster's
attention are the trash basket and
toilet. While neither is particularly
sanitary, they can also be sources of
cuts or drowning. Cover your
wastebasket; there are many lids
available that kids cannot open. Use a
safety latch on the toilet lid, and be
vigilant of children in walkers around
it. Numerous drownings and suffocations
are associated with toilets every year
for this age group.
Electrical Safety
Water and electricity have to
exist in harmony in bathrooms. Reduce
the danger by doing
the following:
• Unplug appliances after use
• Store electrical appliances out of
reach
• Do not use electrical appliances
around water
• Install ground fault circuit
interrupters
Tub Safety
Burns, falls and drownings can occur in
the tub. A few simple steps minimize
the risks:
- Lower the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Install an anti-scald device to keep the water temperature safe
- Test the water temperature before your child enters
- Remove soap bars or shampoo from the side of the tub
- Empty the tub should when not in use
- Do not leave child under the age of 5 alone in the tub or shower
- Stay with the child during bathing
- Purchase a nonskid bath mat or nonskid decals
- Use a protective cover over the tub spout to prevent bumps and burns