How safe is an infant bath seat?

 

 

 

Infant bath seats blamed for drownings.

At the first glance an infant bath seat looks a safe solution for your baby to sit on his own in the bathtub.

When babies are 4 to 6 months old and able to sit up many parents prefer to use an baby bath seat or baby bath ring. But how safe are these infant bath seats? Parents and caregivers should realize that bathtub seats are not babysitters. These baby bath seats are associated with an increasing number of reported infant drowning deaths.

Bathtub seats, especially the ones that stick to the bathtub with suction cups and with larger leg holes, can tip over and allow a baby to slide underwater or hit its head on the bathtub, even with a parent close by.

Bathtub seats have been blamed for 120 drownings since 1983 and about 160 injuries. The age of the victims at the time of the incidents ranged from 5 to 15 months. And in 90% of the incidents there was a lap of adult supervision of 4 to 6 minutes. These baby bath seats give a false sense of security. For that reason CPSC advices parents not to use an infant bath seat.

 

Young children can drown within seconds in only a few inches of water.

CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) recommends the following :

• Never leave children alone near water.
• Keep a young child within arm's reach in the bathtub. Most drowning accidents happen when parents or caregivers leave the bathroom to answer the phone or to get something.
• Don't leave a baby or toddler in the care of an other young child.
• Never leave buckets with water unattended. Incidents have been reported of toddlers that fell head first in a bucket and drowned.
• Prevent children to have access to pools, spas or hot tubs.
• Learn CPR it can save your child's life if needed.

 

 

Baby bath ring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Half of the drownings in young children happen in the bathtub. You should never let your child unattended in the bathtub. The toilet can be an other drowning hazard many people don't even think of. To prevent your child from drowning in the toilet consider using a toilet seat lock.

Because of the troubled history of these bathtub seats people should consider buying newer designs that attach to the side of the bath tub.

 

 

Tub side Bath Seat.

Tub Side Bath Seat

This swivelling bath seat features an adjustable built-in restraint. Its unique "arm" locks onto the side of the tub providing stability for your baby and a soft elbow rest for you.

Before you buy the Safety 1st Tubside Bath Seat measure your bathtub to make sure the seat fits.

The seat is suitable for children from 5 to 10 months. Just remember, never leave jour baby alone however safe it may feel.

Bath tub safety tips for older children.

• A slippery bath tub is a hazard for children of all ages. Install non-slip treads or safety bath mats inside the tub to prevent falls and injuries.
• Bathtub safety bars or safety rails help your child to get safely in and out of the bathtub.
• Keep your bathroom floor clean and dry.
• Warn your children not to stand up or jump in the bathtub.
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• Make sure there are no electrical devices like hairdryers or electrical razors near the bath tub.

Try to make bath time comfortable and fun so your baby enjoys bath time. And by practicing good bath tub safety you can be sure your kids will not get hurt.