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Even Shallow Containers Can KillDrowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among children (after motor-vehicle collisions). Even a child who survives a near-fatal drowning may suffer a permanent neurologic disability because of the cutoff of oxygen to the brain. However, most people don't realize that more children drown in bathtubs than in swimming pools! Unattended Babies and Water Don't MixEven infants who can crawl and pull themselves to a standing position can drown in a few inches of water when left unattended or when left with an older brother or sister. An alarming number of children, most in their late infancy, drown each year in five-gallon buckets used for mopping floors. Toddlers are usually curious, unaware of danger and unable to balance themselves, especially at the edge of a pail of water or a toilet. Even if your baby has never shown an interest in your "work" before, there's a first time for everything.Baby Comes FirstIf you're going to mop the floor while supervising your child, keep one eye on the child at all times. If you're going to bathe your child, turn on your phone answering machine. In any event, if the phone rings while bathing your child, let it ring. Don't leave your child alone. If you hear someone knocking at your front door, don't answer it. Don't leave your child alone in the bath. Not even for a moment. Ever. |
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