Bathtub dangers for kids
Most warnings about bathtub safety focus on making sure the water isn't too hot to scald children and that someone is always watching the kids to be sure they don't drown.
Turns out, the more common danger to kids in the tub or shower is slipping and falling. In fact, tens of thousands of children end up in the emergency room each year after being hurt in the tub or shower, according to a study published today in the online issue of the journal Pediatrics. Eighty-one percent of tub or shower injuries are slips and falls. And more than half of the injuries occur in children under the age of 4.
The researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio say that scalding and drownings have gotten the most attention because of the severity of these injuries. Legislation and educational efforts have helped make strides in those areas. But, the study's authors write, "bathtub slips and falls should not be overlooked."
In the case of slips and falls, they add, the answer isn't only better supervision. Children should always be watched closely in the tub or shower but many injuries happen right in front of their parents.
Something as simple as better non-slip mats or slip-resistant surfaces in tubs, or grab bars in showers could make getting clean safer.
Now if the kids could just keep the water inside the tub.
Comments
That's so scary! I almost fell in my old shower last year. I strained my back trying to regain my balance. My new Steam Shower on the other hand has a bit of slip protection and my baby girl and I have never had any problems.
Posted by: Carol Crenshaw | July 15, 2009 3:58 PM