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Bath Time

Water safety is not just for pools, lakes and oceans, it’s for bath time too. Drowning can happen in as little as one inch of water, just enough to cover a child’s nose and mouth.

Cook Children’s has seen an increase in bathtub drownings over the past few years and we want to help your children stay safe. It only takes a second for a child to slip under water. Often times, babies and toddlers are top-heavy and can’t pull themselves up.

Bathtub safety tips

At Cook Children’s, we’re experts in keeping your children safe and healthy. Follow these tried and true tips to keep your child safe during bath time.

Download bathtub tips

Man helps two kids bathe; one toddler on a blue mat, another child playing in bubbles with toys

Always ensure an adult stays at the side of the tub, in reach of child.

This is too big of a responsibility for brothers or sisters.

Children bathe and play in one room, while a woman sits on a bed looking at her phone in an adjacent room

Avoid multi-tasking.

This is not the time to prepare dinner, fold laundry or any other housekeeping tasks.

You Can't Rewind Real Life - video
Adult checking phone in doorway as two kids play in a bubble bath

Ignore distractions like the doorbell or phone calls.

Bathroom with bathtub, baby products, hanging caddy with LIFGUARD YOUR CHILD™ text, bath toys, and kneeling mat

Be prepared.

Keep a towel and bath supplies close at hand, so you do not have to leave during bath time.

A woman kneels on a blue bath kneeler, bathing a happy baby in a bubble bath

Consider bath time as bonding time to relax with your baby or toddler.

Bath toys like foam letters, animals that shoot water and waterproof books are a great way to make bathtub more fun and teach them new things at the same time!

Woman tests bath water temperature with a white device

Safe proof your home to prevent young children from accessing the bathroom without an adult.

A woman smiles while holding a baby wrapped in a pink floral hooded towel, both looking left

If you have to leave during bath time, wrap your child in a towel and take them with you.

Toddler peers into a bathtub with water and colorful rubber ducks

Remove all toys and drain the tub after each use.

We encourage you to take family CPR lessons

  • If something goes wrong, learning CPR can be the difference between life and death while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
  • Check your local Red Cross and YMCA for classes.
Water Safety CPR - Lifeguard Your Child Water Safety CPR

Get involved and help us save lives

Want to know how you can get involved or create an awareness campaign in your community? Contact Dana Walraven.

682-885-1619      injury.prevention@cookchildrens.org