Local doctor discusses bathtub dangers

How you can avoid a bathtub slip or fall

By Stephanie Harris, WAVY-TV 10 - 7/13/2009

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Toddlers are naturally curious and in the bathroom that can be dangerous. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported Monday that more than 43,000 children are injured in bathtubs and showers every year.

"We see children that are injured in the bathroom every week in the emergency department," said Dr. James Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt works in the emergency department at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk. He's also a child safety expert who goes into homes and shows people how to make things safer for kids.

We met up with him in a Virginia Beach home and checked out the bathroom.

"When I walk in, the first thing I notice is there's a lot of tile everywhere, it's decorative and nice for cleaning, but it's a slippery surface."

We watched a two-year-old run in and almost hit the ground when a rug slipped from under him. Dr. Schmidt suggests a bath mat with a rubber grip. That way the mat would be less likely to slip, he said.

He also recommends covering the faucet. It takes only seconds for a child to get scalded. That's why The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting your hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees.

Also, if you don't have a non-skid tub, throw down a bathmat.

"All these things are just meant to minimize risk, there's no substitution for proper supervision," said Dr. Schmidt, because even kids who know the rules don't always know why and if curiosity takes over your child could end up with a bump on the head - or worse.

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