From the moment you realize just how slippery a tiny wet baby is - to the time you know bath time actually means playtime for a toddler, you will give approximately 500 baths to your baby. That is 500 (or more) opportunities for you to take adorable pictures, but also for something to go horribly wrong.

It is heartbreaking to hear of an infant or toddler being injured or dying in a bath tub. We all know that it would never be an intentional act of a parent, and mistakes happen every day, especially during overly-common, daily tasks such as bath time. There is no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to water and your baby. Take the time to educate yourself on how to safely bathe your baby - from infancy through toddlerhood.

Baby Bath Safety

#1 One Hand On Baby: Never leave your baby unattended, even to grab a towel. Keep one hand on your little one at all times. By having all bath supplies within arm’s reach, you’ll easily clean up, rinse off, and rub down those baby rolls!

#2 Ignore Your Phone: A phone call or text chain can be enough distraction to take your hands off your baby. Put your phone on silent and check your messages later.

#3 Check the Temperature: Use a bath thermometer or just run your hand under the water before dipping any tiny toes into that tub. Water burns send infants to the hospital every day.

#4 Use a Small Space: A sink or an infant tub will work fine. The larger the bathing space, the harder it is to accomplish a simple bath.

#5 Skip Bubbles: Babies don't need bubbles. Stick with plain water, a wash cloth, and an occasional squirt of high quality baby soap.

Toddler Bath Safety

#1 Stay Within Arm’s Reach: Unlike an infant, a toddler can have more freedom in the water. However, a toddler is not fully capable of understanding how slippery something can be. Your tot can lean too far and fall over, roll over, or slip under the water faster than you can blink. Stay next to the tub and keep your eyes on him.

#2 Check the Temperature: Again, check that water to make sure it isn’t too hot.

#3 Watch the Water Level: Depending on your comfort level, you can fill the tub up with 3-4” of water or significantly more. This falls on your parenting shoulders to decide. Toddlers have drowned in 2” of water, so it all goes back to being present and not looking away.

#4 Use Natural Products: Skip the dyes, perfumes, and toxic chemicals. Keep your tot’s skin happy and healthy with high quality soaps and bubbles.

#5 Use a Non-Slip Mat: Toddlers want to crawl, stand, and walk - even in the bath tub. You can discourage walking around when your toddler is younger, but you won’t be able to prevent it for very long!

#6 Know Your Toys: Bath toys are a breeding ground for mold, so keep them clean or change them out regularly.

#7 Let Them Play: Get comfortable and let your toddler play! Bath time can be a time of getting clean and having fun.