Safety
Water Safety & Drowning Prevention
Drowning is leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. Can happen in seconds, silently, in as little as 1 inch of water.
Most drownings happen in pools, but bathtubs, buckets, toilets also dangerous for babies.
Babies can't hold head up if face-down in water. 'Touch supervision' required - adult within arm's reach at all times in/near water.
What to Do
- NEVER leave baby alone in bath - not even for a second, bring baby with you if you must leave
- Keep one hand on baby at all times during bath
- Empty all water immediately after bath - don't leave standing water
- Keep bathroom doors closed and toilet lids down (consider lid lock)
- Empty buckets, containers, coolers immediately after use
- If you have pool: Install 4-sided fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gate
- Use pool alarm and pool cover (but these are extra layers, not substitutes for fence)
- Supervise constantly when baby is near any water - 'touch supervision' (within arm's reach)
- Learn infant CPR - drowning is silent, you may not notice immediately
- Don't rely on floaties or swim aids - give false sense of security
- Swim lessons can start at age 1, but don't make baby drown-proof
- Empty kiddie pools after every use - store upside down
- Watch for hidden water hazards: fountains, ponds, ditches, wells
When to call a doctor
NEVER leave baby alone near water (bath, pool, bucket) - even for a second to grab towel or answer phone. Drowning happens in seconds and is silent (no splashing or yelling).