Bathroom Safety for Toddlers

An ordinary bathroom is loaded with risks for a toddler.  It is a collection of poison, electricity, water, and other hazards.  The average toddler, however, thinks bathrooms are a blast.  To minimize hazards, it's necessary to use a mixture of containment, supervision, and common sense.  

When not in use, keep the door closed.  If your toddler remains curious, install knob covers.  If your door locks from the inside, be sure it can also be unlocked from the outside.

Preventing Poisonings
Bathrooms are a treasure trove of medications, cleaners, cosmetics, and substances that could be toxic.  Take steps to remove, store out of reach, or lock these items away.

The contents of your medicine cabinet are a definite risk.  Both prescription and over the counter medications can poison a young child.  Child poisonings are most common in children between ages 3 and 5.

The most common source of bathroom poisonings bathrooms is:

• Vitamins containing iron

• Aspirin or acetaminophen

• Topical ointments and sprays

• Tranquilizers and sedatives

• Cold preparations

• Rubbing alcohol

• Almost any prescription taken improperly

Remove any old, expired, or infrequently used substances.  Some kids between 2 and 3 can often figure out 'childproof' caps, given enough time.  Never allow them enough time by giving them empty prescription containers.  Outfit all medications with childproof lids, and latch your medicine cabinet door to prevent access.  If your toddler persists in attempting to open the cabinet, store medications elsewhere.
 
In case of poisoning, keep ipecac syrup on hand. Only use it under the direction of your local Poison Control Center.  Some poisons cause more damage if you induce vomiting, so consult the experts first.
 
Two other places that draw a youngster's attention are the trash basket and toilet.  While neither is particularly sanitary, they can also be sources of cuts or drowning.  Cover your wastebasket; there are many lids available that kids cannot open.   Use a safety latch on the toilet lid, and be vigilant of children in walkers around it.  Numerous drownings and suffocations are associated with toilets every year for this age group.
 
Electrical Safety
Water and electricity have to exist in harmony in bathrooms.  Reduce the danger by doing
the following:
 
• Unplug appliances after use
• Store electrical appliances out of reach
• Do not use electrical appliances around water
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters

Tub Safety
Burns, falls and drowning can occur in the tub.  A few simple steps minimize the risks:

• Lower the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit

• Install an anti-scald device to keep the water temperature safe

• Test the water temperature before your child enters

• Remove soap bars or shampoo from the side of the tub

• Empty the tub should when not in use

• Do not leave child under the age of 5 alone in the tub or shower

• Stay with the child during bathing

• Purchase a non-skid bath mat or non-skid decals

• Use a protective cover over the tub spout to prevent bumps and burns