QOD: Can my child drown in my own home?
Believe it or not, babies can drown in only one inch of water, so you must be vigilant when your child is around any amount of water.
There are dangers in your home that you need to be aware of to keep your baby safe.
- Make sure there is no standing water in buckets or inflatable pools. Store them upside down or out of reach so rainwater cannot collect unnoticed.
- Be sure to keep toilet lids closed and use toilet seat locks to keep you baby out of harm’s way. Keeping the bathroom door closed is always a good idea too as an added layer of protection.
- Never leave your baby alone in the bathtub, even for a minute. Also, drain the tub immediately after bath time is over.
It is a good idea for all parents and caregivers to learn CPR in case of an emergency. Even if you think you have completely protected your child in your home, drowning can happen very quickly, so you can never be too cautious.
Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, March 2020
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