Never Leave Children Alone

• Children can drown in 2 inches of water, so never leave them alone in the tub.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  Be present whenever a small child is in the bath and never leave her alone to answer the phone, door or attend to other matters. Children can drown in only a few inches of water and can easily topple over in the tub, becoming submerged, so monitor them constantly. Gather bath items, such as towels and shampoo, ahead of time to avoid the need to leave. If necessary, remove the child from the tub to attend to any problems.
  
  

Balance Safely

• Shower bars and safety rails can help seniors get in and out of the tub easily.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Install handrails for balancing and maneuvering in the bath. Avoid grabbing or leaning on shower doors, towel racks and shelves, as they are not designed to support the weight of an adult or child and can give way, leading to injuries. Place safety railings in the shower or tub that can withstand pressure and can be used to stand up and get out of the bath, or help a person steady himself while showering.
  
  

Think Non-Slip

• Non-stick decals can turn a dangerously smooth shower floor into a safe one.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Place non-slip mats and decals in the bathroom to prevent accidents. Wet feet and a smooth tile floor or an unseen pool of water can cause a nasty and dangerous fall. Prevent accidents by placing non-slip decals on the floor of the shower or tub, making it safer to stand in by providing traction. Purchase a bathmat with a rubberized, nonskid bottom that won't slide when stepped on and remind children not to run and play in the bathroom.
  
  

Mind the Temperature

• Bathe babies in a warm room to keep them from getting chilled.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Check bathwater temperature before placing a child in the tub. The National AG Safety Database reports that 50 percent of burns to children result from being placed in water that is too hot, so always test the bath. Place an elbow in the water to test, or purchase a bathtub thermometer to ensure it's not too hot. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping the water heater thermostat to under 120 degrees Fahrenheit when bathing infants.