Bathroom safety - children
Well child - bathroom safety
Keep cleaning fluids, bug poisons, and other chemicals well out of a child's reach. Avoid storing toxic substances in unmarked or inappropriate containers (such as food containers). If you suspect poisoning or have questions, call 1-800-222-1222.
Bathtub Safety
Children younger than 6 years old should NOT be left unattended in the bathtub. They should also not be in the bathroom alone if there is water in the bathtub.
Empty the tub after baths. Make sure the tub is empty before you leave the bathroom.
Older siblings bathing with younger ones should NOT be put in charge of a younger child's safety. There should be an adult in the bathroom during bath time.
Preventing Falls
Prevent slipping in the tub by using non-skid decals or a rubber mat inside the tub. Dry the floor and your child's feet after a bath to prevent slips. Teach your child never to run in the bathroom because of the risk of slipping on a wet floor.
Encourage your child to stay seated during their bath by providing bath toys or a bath seat.
Preventing Burns
Prevent injuries or burns from faucets by covering the spout, blocking your child's reach to the spout, and teaching your child not to touch the spout.
Keep the temperature on your hot water heater set below 120°F (49°C). Or, install an anti-scald valve to prevent the water from going above 120°F (49°C).
Preventing Other Injuries
Keep other items in your bathroom that may hurt your child out of their reach. These include:
- Shaving razors
- Radios
- Hair dryers
- Curling irons
Keep all electronic items unplugged while your child is in the bathroom. Store all cleaning products out of the bathroom or in a locked cabinet.
Preventing Drug Accidents
Any medicines kept in the bathroom should be stored in a locked cabinet. This includes medicines that were bought without a prescription.
Keep all medicines in their original bottles, which should have childproof caps.
Preventing Drowning
Place a lid lock on the toilet to prevent a curious toddler from drowning.
Never leave a child unattended around large buckets of water. Empty the buckets after using them.
Make sure grandparents, friends, and other caretakers follow bathroom safety guidelines. Make sure your child's daycare also follows these guidelines.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics website. 5 bathroom safety tips for infants and young children.
Thomas AA, Caglar D. Drowning and submersion injury. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 91.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 10/22/2022
Reviewed by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
