Bath time

Safety Basics
• Lower your water heater to 49 C.
• Apply decals to the floor of your tub to prevent slips and falls.
• To fill a tub, start and end with cold water so the faucet isn't hot.
• Fill the tub before your child gets in. If you must add water later, place her away from the faucet.
• Always stay within arm's reach and supervise your child; if you leave the bathroom, take her with you. A child can drown in seconds, in only a few centimetres of water.

• Test the bathwater with the sensitive skin of your elbow or forearm; the temperature should feel comfortable but not too warm. Remember that a child's skin will scald in one-quarter the time it takes for an adult's skin to scald.
• Use a bath mat on the floor to prevent slips.
• Keep electrical devices well away from the tub.

Now hair this!
Find me a toddler who loves having her hair washed and I'll find you a relieved parent. Here's how to make the experience less hair-raising for you both.

• Buy nonirritating children's shampoo and let your child help you rub it on.
• Give your child a watering can or pail for rinsing her hair. Tell her she's a flower and the water will help her grow.
• Adopt a ritual of "One, two, three: close your eyes and hold your breath" to avoid water in her mouth or eyes.
• Try a bath visor, such as the Eyes R Dry model (www.canadababy.com), to keep suds from dripping down onto Baby's face.