Babies, Toddlers and Water: Your Questions

Toddlers are drawn to water but don't understand that it is dangerous, and they are not old enough to save themselves, the AAP (opens in a new tab) explains. The biggest threat is unexpected, unsupervised access to pools, tubs and standing water. Researchers found that 69% of drownings of children 4 and younger happened during non-swim times, when no one expected them near water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 (CDC (opens in a new tab)). See water safety for toddlers.

Sources: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab), cdc.gov (opens in a new tab)

The AAP does not set a specific age, but it is clear about how: the adult stays in the water within arm's reach the whole time. The AAP (opens in a new tab) says a parent-child water play class is fine to help a baby get used to the pool, and that lessons for children 3 and younger should be in water heated to 87 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Ask your pediatrician if your baby has health concerns. See swim classes for babies.

Sources: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab), healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab)

No. Water wings, floaties and inflatable toys are not safety devices. The AAP (opens in a new tab) says to avoid them because they can deflate and do not prevent drowning, and the CDC (opens in a new tab) says not to rely on air-filled or foam toys. If your toddler needs help floating, use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits, and stay within arm's reach anyway. See water wings, floaties and swim vests.

Sources: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab), cdc.gov (opens in a new tab)

A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket sized for your child's weight right now, not one to grow into. The Coast Guard (opens in a new tab) labels infant jackets for children up to 33 pounds and child jackets for 33 to 55 pounds. Water Safety USA (opens in a new tab) says infants and young children should wear one with a collar for head support and a strap between the legs. Check the label for approval and weight range. Use the and see life jackets for babies and children.

Sources: uscgboating.org (opens in a new tab), watersafetyusa.org (opens in a new tab), healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab)

Yes, as one layer of protection. The AAP (opens in a new tab) recommends swim lessons for all children and their parents, starting after the first birthday depending on readiness. It suggests weighing how often your child is around water, their emotional maturity and physical abilities, their interest and how comfortable they are in water, and says your pediatrician can help you decide. Lessons never replace close supervision. See what age to start swim lessons.

Sources: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab), healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab)

Stay within arm's reach for the whole bath, with everything you need set out beforehand. The AAP (opens in a new tab) says to keep a hand on young children, bring them with you if you must answer the door, and check the water with your wrist or elbow; the hottest tap water should be no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Drain the tub as soon as bath time ends, and never let an older sibling take over. See bath time safety.

Sources: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab), healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab)

Start teaching simple rules, but rely on barriers and adults, not on a toddler's memory. The Red Cross (opens in a new tab) suggests teaching children to always ask permission before going near water. At the same time, the AAP (opens in a new tab) notes toddlers don't understand that water can be dangerous, so it relies on fences, locks, door alarms and empty containers. Our guide how to talk to kids about water safety has words that work without scaring them.

Sources: redcross.org (opens in a new tab), healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab)

Yes. Crowds make it easy for every adult to assume someone else is watching. The AAP (opens in a new tab) says parties and picnics at the pool or lake are when it is easiest to get distracted, so assign a water watcher to keep eyes on the children, and pass a water watcher card to the next adult every 15 to 20 minutes. Keep the gate closed whenever no one is swimming. Print a and plan with how to host a safe pool party.

Sources: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab), poolsafely.gov (opens in a new tab)

The same rules you follow. Tell sitters, grandparents and nannies that a young child is never left alone in or near water, even for a moment, and never left in the care of another child, as the AAP (opens in a new tab) advises. Show them which doors stay locked, where the pool gate key is, and what to do in an emergency. The AAP also says everyone who cares for children should learn CPR. Leave the on the fridge and read rules for babysitters.

Sources: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab), healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab)

Within arm's length, in the water with them. The AAP (opens in a new tab) recommends constant touch supervision and says to get in the water with your toddler during swim time. If you need to get out, take your child with you, even if lifeguards are present. Put your phone away, and don't drink alcohol while you are watching. See how to supervise kids around water and Touch supervision.

Source: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab)

Check the water first, right away. The Red Cross (opens in a new tab) says seconds count, and CPSC (opens in a new tab) found that most children who drowned in pools or spas had been missing for 5 minutes or less. Look in the pool, spa, tub, pond and any containers before searching the house. Shout for others to help search, and call 911 if you find the child in the water. See drowning emergency first aid.

Sources: redcross.org (opens in a new tab), cpsc.gov (opens in a new tab)

Yes. The AAP (opens in a new tab) says children should always wear life jackets in, on or near natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers, and that the jacket must fit and be U.S. Coast Guard approved. The CDC (opens in a new tab) agrees that children should wear life jackets for all activities in and around natural water. On any boat, federal law requires children under 13 to wear one while it is moving. See lake swimming safety.

Sources: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab), cdc.gov (opens in a new tab), uscgboating.org (opens in a new tab)

Close the gaps a curious toddler can find. Put a lock on the toilet lid and a cover on the bathroom doorknob, empty every bucket and wading pool, and check that doors to the yard lock out of reach. Then sign up for an infant and child CPR class, which the AAP (opens in a new tab) recommends for parents. Our finds the rest, and water safety for babies and crawlers explains each step.

Sources: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab), healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab)