It’s terrifying when you realize your baby swallowed bath water – something dangerous. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about, and the object will pass through the digestive system without any problems. However, in some cases, objects can get stuck and cause serious health complications.
What should I do if my baby swallowed bath water?
It is highly common among kids to swallow some amount of water while bathing. Although it is not very healthy, it is also not hazardous until the amount of water is little and it goes directly to the baby’s stomach and not her lungs.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If The Baby Swallowed A Lot Of Bath Water
If parents discover that their baby has swallowed a considerable amount of bath water, they may become understandably alarmed. This is because babies who are younger than 6 months old should not consume any water at all.
The administration of water can cause the electrolytes in the baby’s circulation to be diluted.
If a newborn has ingested a large quantity of bath water and has yet to spit it up, the parents might take preventative steps as a precaution. Early indicators of water intoxication may include irritability, drowsiness, or any other significant mental change because brain activity will be restricted. Water intoxication can cause puffiness or swelling in the face.
The challenge water intoxication poses is that its symptoms are often subtle. If parents think their child may have consumed too much water, they should seek medical attention immediately. However, if treated early on, there is a lower chance of long-term effects.
If The Baby Swallowed Bath Water With Soap
Formaldehyde and lauryl sulfate are two common chemicals in soaps and shampoos.
Beyond that, it appears to have no severe side effects. As a result, babies are most likely to spit up immediately after swallowing it.
Dry Drowning
Some parents are concerned when their babies swallow bath water since it may lead to dry drowning. As described previously, water intake can be caused by failing to allow enough time for the airways to close.
Drowning in water exposed to heat can also lead to this condition. This is known as delayed or secondary drowning. Dry and secondary drowning, however, appears to be a point of contention online.
When the water enters the airway, the natural impulse is to spit or swallow it. This, however, does not usually last more than a minute. People are forced to breathe uncontrollably when they cannot go beyond their capabilities. As a result, true drowning occurs in minutes rather than hours.
How To Prevent Babies From Swallowing Water?
Prepare Everything You Need For Bath Time
Rinse cups, thermometers, soap, shampoo, soft hooded towels, wipes, soft washcloths, and toys are all examples of baby bath goods. The objective behind having everything ready is to prevent the parent from having to leave the infant’s side to obtain anything they have forgotten about. Constant supervision is strongly advised for the safety of the infant.
Never Leave Baby Unattended
It must be obvious that parents should never leave their children alone unsupervised, especially in situations where the baby swallowed bath water. Even if the baby can sit above the water line and splash about, they should never be left alone since they might fall into the water.
If the parent bathing their baby needs an item in another room, it is best to ask someone else to retrieve the item for them or have that person supervise the baby while the parent leaves the bathroom.
Use Baby Seat
Having a baby bath seat is an easy and alternative way to bathe your baby. It’s also more secure because it caters to immobilizing babies inside bathtubs. To ensure that the quality of the product is worth your money, check for suction cups at the bottom of the legs- this allows you to anchor and stabilize the seat onto surfaces like walls or sides of tubs.
Baby seats assist parents in keeping babies upright while bathing, making verifying that their heads are above the water line simpler. Some baby bath seats also feature swivels so parents can swing their children around to access hard-to-reach locations.
Bath Mats
While bath mats are available in a variety of materials, it is suggested that you use non-slip materials like rubber or latex to keep them from sliding while bathing.
Bathing Cap And Visor Types
It’s not that the parent isn’t paying attention; they are simply unaware of how much water the baby takes in daily. Getting your kid a bathing cap or a visor reduces the potential of water hitting their face by keeping it away from their face.
Keep The Water At A Lower Level
Although most babies enjoy bath time when the water is high enough to reach their chest, it’s important to remember that the higher the water level, the greater the chance of swallowing water.
Therefore, if your baby swallowed bath water earlier, keeping the water low will reduce this risk in the future. Even though a lower water level presents less danger, parents should never leave their baby unattended in a tub of any depth – even if just for a moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What happens if the baby swallows bathwater?
Ans: While it’s unlikely that anything bad will happen if your baby drinks a small amount of bathwater, it’s still best to try and prevent water from getting into their mouth. Baby products are minimally poisonous, but better safe than sorry.
Q2: How to know a baby is drowning?
Ans: Dry drowning is a serious condition in which the baby swallows too much bathwater. If your child has difficulties breathing after gulping bathwater, there’s a risk they may be suffering from dry drowning. Another indication of dry drowning is awareness.
Q3: Is it normal for a baby to drink soapy water?
Ans: Although it is technically safe to consume a minimal amount of your product’s soapy bathwater, we still advise against it. Furthermore, you should ensure your infant does not have access to or consume any of the bathwater.
Q4: Is it possible for a bath to induce dry drowning in a baby?
Ans: A bath can induce dry drowning in a baby if the infant swallows too much water.
Q5: Is it possible for my child to become sick from bath water and vomit?
Ans: Your child can become sick from bath water if they swallow too much of it. If your child starts to vomit, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as this could signify dry drowning.
Conclusion
Baby swallowing bath water is a common occurrence that isn’t caused for alarm. However, taking precautions is important to prevent your child from swallowing too much water. Bath mats, bathing caps, and keeping the water at a lower level can help reduce the risk of dry drowning. If your child starts to vomit or has difficulty breathing after swallowing bathwater, seek medical attention immediately. If you have any concerns about your baby’s health, please consult with a medical professional immediately.
