Bathtime Tips and Tricks to Prevent Water Damage While Bathing Your Toddler

A lot of water flows through the average bathroom – roughly 75% of household water use occurs in them. While bathrooms are designed to confine the water to specific fixtures, it’s not uncommon for water to splash out of the sink, shower or bath.

And, if you have a toddler, you know that bathtime can easily turn a few splashes into a miniature tsunami in your bathroom. Water, soap, and bath toys don’t always stay in the tub when your little one decides to impersonate a fish during your daily bath routine.

Believe it or not, all that water can easily lead to damage, including mold and rot. Along with being expensive to fix, these issues can cause health problems in some people. So, how do you prevent water damage, rot, and mold when you’re trying to bathe a wiggling tot who loves to splash?

Pre-bath Preparations

Gather towels, toys, washcloths, shampoo and all other bathtime supplies before you bring your toddler into the bathroom. This way you don’t have to leave your little one’s side once bath ime has started. Not only can you help direct the splashing and fun, but you’ll be close by in case an accident happens. Never leave a child unattended – even in a couple of inches of water.

During the bath

Only fill the tub with a few inches of water. A good guideline is to let the water hit your child’s belly-button when he or she is seated in the tub. It’s safer for the child and will help reduce the amount of water that splashes out as your your babe attempts to swim like a fish.

Make a game out of it. Pretend that a monster is sitting next to the tub and will gulp up any water that lands outside the tub. Encourage all splashing to occur on the inside of the tub to avoid that thirsty monster!

Implement a strict “no standing” rule. This is important for safety reasons and will also help reduce bigger splashes when your child sits, or if he or she falls.

Use a bath mat. Anywhere water tends to splash out of the tub on a regular basis can be partially protected by placing a mat to absorb extra water.

Turn on the exhaust fan. If the running fan doesn’t bother your toddler, keep it on during and after the bath. Nothing works better than a fan to whisk moisture out of the air and prevent mold and mildew from growing. If your little one doesn’t like the sound of the fan running, make sure to turn it on after everyone has left the bathroom to draw as much moisture out as possible.

After-Bath Precautions

After your clean cutie is out of the tub, empty water from all toys and gadgets. Mop up excess water that splashed outside of the bathtub. Do a quick check around the edges of the bathtub to ensure that no water is left standing near seams and seals.

Drain the tub immediately. Standing water left in the bath for a long time can easily work its way into cracks around the drain and may cause long-term damage.

When and Where Water Damage is Most Likely to Occur

While bathrooms are specifically equipped with special sealants to handle water on most of the surfaces, a few places are more susceptible to water damage. Knowing how to identify these spots, and becoming familiar with the signs of water damage, may prevent it from happening. At the very least, being vigilant may keep any present issues from growing worse.

Check drywall anywhere frequent splashes occur. Look for discoloration, warps, or bubbly texture. Any of these could indicate that water has soaked into the drywall. If it isn’t obviously wet or soft, start by puncturing a few small holes to release any dampness and allow it to dry. This may be enough to save the drywall and prevent further damage. Once the wall is completely dry, putty the holes and repaint. If it isn’t clear where the water is coming from, you may need to check for leaks inside the wall. If you’re not a DIYer, Home Angels can help with this.

Check silicon seals frequently. The sealant that is used to prevent water from leaking between your fixtures and the wall may fail over time. Look for loose pieces or places where discoloration occurs. These spots may be prime real estate for water to leak into the walls and cause damage.

Replace torn or damaged shower curtains and check doors for leaks. The seals on shower doors are vulnerable to deterioration over time, so keep an eye on these to make sure that water isn’t leaking out or collecting in unexpected places. Shower curtains and liners are meant to keep water in the tub, so replacing every so often will make sure the H2O remains in its place.

Don’t Stress – Bathtime Should Be Fun!

Bathing your little ones should be an enjoyable experience for everyone. These tips may streamline the process so that bathtime can still be fun while helping to reduce the chance of water damage. Do you have a favorite way to prevent water damage while bathing your children? We’d love to hear about it! If you suspect water damage has occurred and you need help with next steps, give Home Angels a call.