The #1 Thing Your Toddler Needs in the Bathtub
The contained baby bath is the perfect vessel to wash up your little one, but eventually they will outgrow it. Some children quickly outgrow the baby bath, or perhaps they are sitting up and ready to move more. Whatever the case, transitioning to the big bath tub can be a fun time to share with your toddler, but also a time for caution.
The big bath can bring a whole new world of fun for toddlers, but parents should keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, is to never leave a toddler unsupervised, even for a minute in the bathtub. Children can drown in even an inch of water, so that means gather the supplies they will need (soap, towel, water toys) and you will need (book, phone, journal) ahead of time. If the doorbell rings, either ignore it or scoop up the babe out of the tub and take them with you.
Slip and fall accidents, which were not possible in the baby bath tub, now become extremely possible. Toddlers love to splash, play, and stand in the tub. The combination of water and their wobbly legs, plus the hard surfaces makes for an incredibly dangerous situation without the proper safety measures put into place.
The Most Needed Bathtub Product for Toddlers
This is why having a high-quality anti-slip bath mat is critical when bathing a toddler. Anti-slip bath mats not only provide added traction while standing, but also if they are sitting, playing with toys in the tub can help prevent them from sliding and slipping around.
Anti-slip bath mats can be used both in and outside the bathtub- it is recommended to have one located in both areas if you have toddlers. Having that added layer of traction provides additional protection to protect your toddler from painful bumps and bruises a slip and fall could create. With the amount of water splashing around there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing an anti-slip bath mat.
1. Material of the mat
A high-quality anti-slip bath mat should be made of flexible, antimicrobial material. This type of material will allow the mat to settle easily even on uneven surfaces and create the necessary grip to prevent shifting even in pools of wat. Antimicrobial material will ensure the mat is able to ward off mold and mildew which is a common concern with fabric bath mats.
2. Traction level
The bath mats traction is what prevents the slippage. You will want something that will be comfortable on little bare feet, but also get the job done. Consider a vinyl anti-slip bath mat in a fine grade for at home bathtubs. Public bath tubs might need to consider a higher level of traction.
3. Compliance
Yes, even anti-slip bath mats can and have to undergo certain testings and can meet certain requirements. Look for these on the boxes or product pages of the bath mats to make sure you are getting the product you need. Organizations that offer ratings and certifications on bath mats include: Prop 65, ADA, NFSI High Traction, and OSHA certified.
Additional Bathtub Safety Tips
Besides the addition of a non-slip bath mat and making sure you are present in the bathroom, there are several other simple and inexpensive ways to make sure your toddler has a safe, enjoyable bathtub experience.
● Wait until after the water is done running before you place your toddler in the bathtub. Make sure you check the tub temperature (it should be between 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit) before placing him or her in the tub!
● Keep the spout covered with a cushioned cover to protect your toddler's head from bumps. Many toddlers' heads fall just around the height of the spout and can easily hit it. A cushioned spout cover can protect your toddler's head from painful bumps. Also, be sure that any sliding glass shower doors are made from safety glass.
● Don’t overflow the tub- toddlers need minimal water! Make sure it is never higher than toddler waist high when they are sitting in the bathtub.
● Use soaps, bubble baths, and shampoos sparingly as they can quickly dry out children's gentle skin.
Anti-Slip Experts
At Jessup Manufacturing, we are experts preventing bathroom slip and fall accidents. Our products meet Prop 65, ADA, NFSI High Traction, and are OSHA certified. Shop our wide selection of anti-slip bath mats, tapes, and treads that can all be used to make your bathroom a safer place for young children.
Contact our team to discuss our top recommendations to make your bathroom safer.
