Keeping cool

By Heather

Do you know the safest way to fill a bathtub? Turn on the cold water then the hot water. Test it for temperature it using your hand with your fingers spread open or your elbow. When the temperature and water level are right, turn off the hot water then the cold water.

Rookie Mom confession
If you’re new to bathing babies and still not sure if the temperature is just right, here’s a little secret: I used to use a meat thermometer in the water the first several times until I could feel the right temperature on my hand. The safe and comfortable temperature for babies is about 100 degrees. If the water is too hot for you, it’s way too hot for your little ones.

Avoiding scalding
Little people can scald easily if the temperature on your water heater is set too high. Most allow you to reset to a lower set point. Reset your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (as a max) to prevent accidental scalding. Water will still feel hot enough to clean, but it won’t burn you or your children

For fire and burn prevention in the bathroom, there are three risk areas that come to mind: scalding water, flaming candles, and dangling cords. Here are a few tips to keep you safe and burn-free in the bathroom.

Use care with candles
Is it just me, or do people tend to like to leave candles burning in the bathroom unattended? Every now and then, I find myself at a cool cocktail party where the lights are dim throughout the house. I open the door to the dark bathroom and see a solitary candle burning bright. I’m here to tell you that it is never safe to leave candles unattended. So, quit it.

Don’t mix electricity and water
I never use a hair dryer or a curling iron. In fact, much to my mother’s disappointment, I don’t even know how. If you do use your personal appliances in the bathroom, make sure they are being set down on a dry space and that the outlet is properly wired for safety. A fool-proof solution is to dry your hair in your bedroom instead.

Be safe out there!