Question: At what age can you start leaving your kid in the bath unattended?
Is there consensus? Sort of. The expert sources largely acknowledged that there is a range of ages when you can leave your kid alone in the bath, but most converged around 6 years old.
Here’s what the expert sources said:
- A JAMA Pediatrics study asked 945 households when caregivers allowed children to do various activities alone, including bathing. The average age for bathing was between 6 and 7 years old.
- Medline Plus, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, says that “children younger than 6 years old should NOT be left unattended in the bathtub. They should also not be in the bathroom alone if there is water in the bathtub.” The guide was last updated by Dr. Neil Kaneshiro, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University Washington School of Medicine.
- Dr. Gary Smith, director of the Child Injury Prevention Alliance: “There is no official recommendation and no real upper limit because kids develop at different rates…Their independence and ability to handle situations varies greatly, so there is no clear answer. …At age 4, you might be able to reach around to the other side of the bathroom, and then eventually leave them alone for brief periods.” (Today.com)
- Dr. Heather Felton, a University of Louisville pediatrician and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics said that “some mature 6-year-olds may be ready to bathe unsupervised,” but cautioned that “some I would delay until they are older.” (Today.com)
- Dr. Ari Brown, an Austin, Texas, pediatrician and author of the “Baby 411” books series said “many children may be able to bathe unsupervised by kindergarten,” but parents should consider standing “in the wings” until age 6 or 7. (Today.com)
