January is National Bath Safety Month and Tradewinds Imports would like to remind you to protect the well-being of you and your family! While bathrooms can be a dangerous place for infants and elderly adults, you may be surprised to learn that this is not always the case. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 235,000 people over the age of 15 are sent to emergency rooms each year due to injuries that occurred in the bathroom. 14% of those are admitted to the hospital.
Bathing and showering is the most common time that injuries in the bathroom occur, however, 14% of injuries took place on the toilet. Try to figure that one out! Those with pre-existing health conditions are often unaware that you can lose consciousness in the bathroom. Fainting in the bathroom can be caused by urinating, bowel movement, abdominal strain, or standing for prolonged periods of time. How about some quick bath safety tips to celebrate National Bathroom Safety Month 2014!
Bathroom Safety Tips for Babies
Newborn infants should not be bathed until the umbilical cord stump falls off on its own. Sponge baths will suffice until your baby has matured enough to give them their first bath. First and foremost, NEVER leave a baby alone in the bathtub not even for a minute! It only takes a few inches of water for small children to drown so gather all of your bathing supplies before you get started. Make sure you have a fresh change of clothes, tearless soap, and a towel within arm’s reach so that you don’t have to take your eyes off of your little one. Here are some more tips to keep in mind:
- Fill the bathtub to the desired level (2-4 inches) before putting your baby in the tub. Water levels and temperature can change if you place your baby in a tub with running water.
- Water temperature should be heated to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold water can shock the system and cause sickness.
- Never allow your baby to stand in the tub. It may be cute to see your baby take itty bitty steps in the bathtub but it is unsafe and could lead to slips and falls.
- Install no pinch child-safety cabinets in your home to avoid owies, boo boos, and bumps.
- Your baby doesn’t need to be bathed every day. Depending on the age of your infant, you will need to shower a newborn approximately two or three times a week. Just enough to keep them clean and smelling good!
Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors
Growing older in life comes with a few challenges. The things that were once simple and easy can become complex to seniors who have lost mobility and/or are experiencing problems with their body. When you get older, you lose your ability to balance yourself. Taking a shower can be a intimidating task when you are unsure about your footing. Non-skid pads are a great way to reduce the risk of falling. You can also install shower and bathtub grab bars to further assist seniors. Here are some additional bathroom safety tips for seniors:
- Place toiletries and personal hygiene products within reach to avoid the need to stretch. Place shampoos in clear view that won’t require you to turn around or bend down in the shower.
- Proper lighting can prevent hazards for senior citizens in the bathroom. You can install a heat lamp above your tub area that will serve a dual purpose; heating and lighting.
- Install a raised toilet seat to make it easier to use the restroom. Seniors may experience difficulty bending down to sit on the toilet or raising the seat.
- Install a shower bench to create a relaxing bathing experience. Standing for long periods of time can cause weakness and lead to fainting in some cases. You can also think about installing accessible bathtubs that feature side-entry. These accessible bathtubs don’t require you to lift your legs over the edge of the tub to get in.
Additional Resources:
1. Are Automatic Faucets Covering Your Hands in Germs?
2. 5 Creative Kids Bathrooms
3. Install Heated Flooring for Less than What You’d Expect!
About this Post
This post was written by Cheryl Khan who is a contributing author to the Tradewinds Imports Blog. While she has never had to make any trips to the hospital for a bathroom related injury, she has had a few close calls. Thanks for spreading the word about National Bathroom Safety Month 2014!
