Bathing a toddler (safety related)

Please don't quote this because I will take it down later.

How close do you think one needs to be to a toddler (2 years) while that child is in the bath?

If it is a master bedroom with a bathroom and you can see the bathtub from the bed (about 15 feet away) do you think it's acceptable to sit on the bed while the child is in the tub?

Now add a computer/magazine/newspaper into the equation. Is it acceptable to sit on the bed reading a newspaper/surfing the net while the toddler is bathing if the door to the bathroom is open and you have clear sight/sound of the child?

It's something that is bothering me and I wanted some outside opinions. Perhaps I am over reacting to what I saw.

Thank you.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

i don't think any distraction is safe while bathing a child. When i'm short on time, I shower DS. He would play in the bath for an hour if i let him, but there are days I really just don't have an hour!

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

I usually sit on the toilet (lid up or down, depending... ) and interact with DS. When he's fully engaged in play, I might then read a magazine.

I just don't think being OUTSIDE of the bathroom is safe - it's too easy to not notice what's going on. They say that drowning is "silent" so you wouldn't hear water splashing and gulping if DC slips and can't recover.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

Kenny's Mommy, I do the same thing. But the toilet is two feet away (mi e is about 1 foot away, but that's for the home board) from the tub and your baby us at arms length.

I was more concerned w/ the distance away from the child plus the added distraction of reading.

What you wrote about drowning really scared me.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

I agree with pp that I think it's better to be actually in teh bathroom. I worry not only about drowning, but just having DS slip and hit his head, etc. I am a worry wort. I always imagine terrible things happening.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

It is sooooooooooooooo tempting I will admit. She's fine, she's playing, already clean, really doesn't even care if I'm there.

but no. I think that's how all the sad stories make the news "I was just away for a second" In reality is NEVER just a second but a minute or so, then its really a few minutes, etc. If you're not going to give your child full attention in a dangerous situation. Yes water is dangerous. Then don't bother. Wait until you can. Bring in a radio, etc. Or if you really just can't man-up then make it a quick bath and get the kid out.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

Posted by KennysMommy

I usually sit on the toilet (lid up or down, depending... ) and interact with DS. When he's fully engaged in play, I might then read a magazine.

I just don't think being OUTSIDE of the bathroom is safe - it's too easy to not notice what's going on. They say that drowning is "silent" so you wouldn't hear water splashing and gulping if DC slips and can't recover.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

i always sit right beside the tub and play with DD.
i have run out quick to grab something from her room but i can see the tub the whole time and talk to her while im not in there...i would be away for all of 30-45 seconds

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

Posted by KennysMommy

I usually sit on the toilet (lid up or down, depending... ) and interact with DS. When he's fully engaged in play, I might then read a magazine.

I just don't think being OUTSIDE of the bathroom is safe - it's too easy to not notice what's going on. They say that drowning is "silent" so you wouldn't hear water splashing and gulping if DC slips and can't recover.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

I dont think being that far away from the tub would sit well with me. It would less then a second for a slip to happen. Only a second for DS to figure out how to put the hot water on. I'm so laid back and yet bathtime is one thing that stresses me out

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

That would not be ok in my house. I am on the floor or sitting on the toilet if DS is just playing in the tub after his bath. With DD my hands and arms are in the tub with her at all times. I am livid just thinking how completely irresponsible that person's behavior is. To me that is child endangerment.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

i have left the bathroom while Em was alone in the tub exactly one time (to change into shorts, since she loves splashing). That one time was Friday night and i was gone for quite literally 5 seconds and i could see her the entire time - but i was anxious the whole time.

i really don't think it's ever okay to leave a child alone in the bathtub until they're like 7 or 8 or something...(no idea - em's our first).

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

I won't leave the bathroom while my son is in the bath (He is only 15 months old right now, but when he is older, I won't either). If I need something in the other room, then he comes with me or I ask hubby to get it..Way too much can happen in a split second. And when it comes to a water "emergency", every second counts. A toddler can drown in 2 inches of water. If they are able to turn the hot water on, they can be scalded in seconds. Too risky for me.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

I am always kneelinkg on the floor next to the tub. I would never leave the bathroom while DC was taking a bath. It only takes a second for something terrible to happen. Besides drowning, she could slip and bump her head, she could stand up and turn the hot water on...I don't even want to imagine...

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

I would not leave my child unattended (outside of the bathroom) at 2 years old.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

Its funny I had this scenario happen last week. I was making lasagna and we were halfway into bathtime when the timer went off. I seriously thought to myself, "it will only take a second to run into the kitchen" then my brain kicked in and said "better a burnt lasagna then a 'broken' baby."

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

I wont leave my ds in the bathtub alone ever- not even to grab a towel from the linen closet. He could stand slip hit his head & pass out within seconds. Uughh... Just typing this gives me shivers up my spine .

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

I sit on the edge of the bathtub the whole time DS is taking a bath. The farthest I will go is to get his towl out of the cabinet that is in the bathroom. They could slip and go under very quickly. Very dangerous!

As others posted, if I didn't have time to give him a bath, I give him a shower.

Message edited 2/6/2011 2:44:23 PM.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

dd is 3 and I wouldn't leave the bathroom other to run and get a towel/wash cloth from the closet in the hallway that is 4 feet away. They could stand up to walk, slip and panic, not know how to sit up. Maybe I'm a nervous nelly but I think things can still happen.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

At 2 yrs old, I would never!

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

No matter what me, DH or my older DD is in the bathroom with my DD when she's in the bath. We will take no chances. I've watched my DD grab for a toy and go under for a second right in front of me. there is not way that i could not be within reach if something happens.

Re: Bathing a toddler (safety related)

never DD always wants to get up and and stand so she needs someone in there at all times!! I wish she would just sit and play with her bath toys but she is to into the shower head etc