Safe bathtime – baby bath aids

Babies and small children should always be supervised near water.

A baby bath aid gives your child some support while in the bath, but it does not keep them safe. Babies have drowned while using bath aids.

You need to be actively supervising your child to make sure:

• the bath aid does not tip over
• the suction cups do not come loose
• the child does not climb out of the bath aid
• the child does not slip through the bath aid and become trapped.

• Never leave your baby unattended in the bath — always supervise.
• Never leave your child in the bath in the care of an older child — they may not recognise or react fast enough if a baby is getting into difficulty.
• Always check the bath aid for any worn or broken parts before using.
• Don’t use a baby bath aid with suction cups in a bath with an uneven or slip-resistant base, or where the enamel is worn — the suction cups will not stick to this type of bath surface.
• Use only enough water to wet the child using your hands.
• Always supervise babies and small children in the bath, and always prepare the child’s clothes and towel before running the bath.
• If you need to leave the bathroom for any reason, take your child with you.