Water Safety
Swim Safety
Drowning can happen quickly and is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of 1 and 4. The number one rule is to NEVER leave a child unattended around or in a body of water. There should always be at least one adult, who is sober, able to swim, and knows how to administer CPR, supervising children around water. Consider having a designated water watcher whose sole responsibility is monitoring the children in the water.
It is also incredibly important to get your child swimming lessons. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infant swim lessons do not appear to reduce drowning risk (though it can still be a fun bonding activity) and it is recommended that children start lessons as a layer of protection against drowning beginning for many children starting at age 1. Here in Southington, the Recreation Department, YMCA and Mountain Grove Swim Club (for members only) offer swim lessons.
Just like dressing your child in bright colors makes it easier to spot them in a crowd, a neon-colored swimsuit makes it easier to spot a child in the water (both at the surface and under the water). Alive Solutions did multiple tests showing the best colors to wear in various bodies of water, as well as testing the effect of patterns on visibility.
It is also important to consider the use of Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs). Standards and recommendations for PFDs are set by the US Coast Guard, which you can learn about here.
Car seats are not built with the intention of being buoyant or to be used as flotation devices. Infants and babies should be held by an adult when near the water or on a boat.
Learn more about Swim Safety
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/water-safety-for-kids.html
https://alive-solutions.com/water-safety/
https://www.safekids.org/poolsafety
https://www.watersafetyusa.org/
Bath Safety
Bath time can be so much fun and a great bonding opportunity for you and your little one, but it’s important to make sure that your baby is safe and happy throughout the experience. Here are some tips to ensure that your baby stays safe and comfortable during bath time:
- Always keep an eye on your baby: Stay close and never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub, not even for a second. Make sure all bath supplies are within reach before putting baby in the water.
- Check the water temperature: Make sure the water temperature is just right, not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature is around 100°F (38°C). Double-check the temperature by dipping your wrist or elbow in the water before placing your baby in the bathtub.
- Use a baby bathtub: It’s best only to use an infant bathtub manufactured on or after October 2, 2017, so it meets current safety standards.
- Have FUN: Having fun in the bath will help make baby more comfortable and less fearful of the water and is a great bonding experience. Infants do not need toys for bathtime to be fun and interesting. Toys can be introduced once they are old enough for the bathtub. Stick to toys that are easy to clean to reduce the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Dry your baby carefully: After the bath, dry your baby thoroughly with a soft towel to keep them nice and warm.
Following these simple tips can help ensure your baby stays safe and happy during bath time. Bath safety is an important part of parenting, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember to always stay close and keep an eye on your little one, and enjoy the precious moments you spend together in the bath!
Learn more about how to keep bath time safe
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Bathing-Your-Newborn.aspx
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/water-safety-bathroom.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20044438
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Bathroom-Safety.aspx
https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/healthy-living/moldy-bath-toys-how-dangerous-are-they/
