At what age is it okay to leave my kid in the tub alone?
Our son is almost 4, and takes fairly frequent baths.
When he was younger, we of course watched him carefully in the bath. Now, as he grows older, it feels like we're almost to the point where we don't need to watch him while he's in the bath. Of course, we would still stay nearby, in an adjoining room, etc.
At what age would you consider this safe? What about for completely unsupervised time in the bath?
Just FYI, we usually fill the bath up about as far as it will go, and this would be to the middle of his chest (when sitting).
3 Answers
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This question made me chuckle because I know the "right" answer is never (until they're at least elementary school age), but I have not followed this rule!
To answer your question, I think a 4 year old can handle being in the bath alone if you have checked to make sure there is nothing he could reach that is poisonous if ingested or objects like shaving razors, etc. lying around and you check in on him frequently. My 2 year old is okay in the bath, but like Suzanne answered, I would never leave her in the tub alone with my 1 year old because that is tempting danger a bit too much (they play, shove, slip, etc.).
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I agree with the other answers. We rarely leave our 4-yr-old son in the bath for more than a few minutes at a time. And we never leave him alone with his sister (18 mos) in there, or her alone ever. The water level is usually waist-high. One thing that gives me peace of mind if I have to leave him is to ask him to sing a song. That way I can hear that he is okay when I'm in the other room.
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I agree with the other answers. Our 4 yo has been left alone in the bath since he was a 3 yo. As long as I can hear playing or singing, all is good and I'll check in every 3-7 minutes.
There was a period where Zac (4) was loving floating on his back in the tub (waist high water). He didn't float as much as I think his confidence in water was growing to a point where he loved the water over his ears. This literally scared the hell out of me when I couldn't hear him. Lots of attention during those time.
So can you boil water and make mac and cheese while the kid(s) bathe...I would say yes, but check on the kids during the long pauses in the cooking process! ;-)
I think that if you are in the house, checking in frequently to monitor, ( talking to him, peeking in etc ) that letting him have a few minutes of bath time alone is fine. I might keep the water slightly lower than at the highest level, but you can use your best judgement with that aspect.
I would NOT allow a younger sibling to be in the bath with him unsupervised. If they want to play together in the bath, supervise until the younger one gets out -- then let the older child have a few of his own minutes for water play.
- Suzanne, Apr 10, 2011