Key takeaways: Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and babies can drown in just a couple of inches of water. Never leave your baby alone near water, even for a second. Use layers of protection around pools, and learn CPR.
Drowning is fast and often silent. There may be no splashing or crying. Babies are top-heavy and can’t lift their heads out of water.
Bath Time
- Stay within arm’s reach the whole time. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a moment.
- Gather everything before you start.
- If you have to leave, wrap your baby in a towel and take them with you.
- Don’t rely on bath seats or rings. They aren’t safety devices.
- Don’t leave older siblings in charge.
- Drain the tub right after use.
Around the Home
- Empty buckets, coolers, tubs, and kiddie pools right after use, and store them upside down.
- Keep toilet lids closed and use toilet locks.
- Keep bathroom doors closed.
- Watch out for pet bowls, fish tanks, fountains, and decorative ponds.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book is a month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, including the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor.
Pools
The AAP recommends layers of protection:
- Four-sided isolation fencing, at least 4 feet high, that separates the pool from the house and yard, with a self-closing, self-latching gate. This can significantly reduce drowning risk.
- Pool covers that meet safety standards.
- Door and pool alarms.
- Water watcher: a designated adult watching the water without distraction (no phone, no alcohol). For infants, stay within arm’s reach. Take turns.
- Remove toys from the pool after use so children aren’t tempted.
Beaches, Lakes, and Boats
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets that fit your child.
- Inflatable floats and arm bands aren’t safety devices.
- Stay within arm’s reach.
Swim Lessons
The AAP recommends swim lessons for most children starting around age 1. Parent-child water classes before age 1 can help babies get comfortable in water, but there’s no evidence they prevent drowning. No child is “drown-proof.”
CPR
Learn infant and child CPR. Bystander CPR can improve outcomes after drowning.
If you find a child in water: get them out immediately, shout for help, call 911, and start CPR if they aren’t breathing. Seek medical care even if your child seems fine after a near-drowning.
The Bottom Line
Stay within arm’s reach around water, empty containers right away, and use layers of protection around pools. Supervision is the most important safeguard.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
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- Babyproofing Checklist by Stage: Before Crawling, Crawling, Walking
- How to Bathe a Newborn Safely: Sponge Baths to Tub Time
- Outdoor Play With Babies
- Choking First Aid for Infants: What Every Caregiver Should Know
Sources
- Denny SA, Quan L, Gilchrist J, et al; Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention. Prevention of drowning. Pediatrics. 2021;148(2):e2021052227.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning facts. https://www.cdc.gov/drowning
- Thompson DC, Rivara FP. Pool fencing for preventing drowning in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(2):CD001047.
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Pool Safely campaign. https://www.poolsafely.gov
- American Red Cross. Water safety. https://www.redcross.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
