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According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 250 incidents involving infant tubs have been accounted for since January 2004. While many of these incidents (about 216) were known to be non-lethal, a good number of injuries were still accounted for. Unfortunately, 31 of these incidents have led to the unexpected death of a child in one way or the other.

For children under the age of five, accidental death by drowning has been linked to being the second leading cause of death. Children in this age group are generally vulnerable to drowning in pools. However, a recent discovery has shown that infant tubs can be as well very dangerous.

Infant tubs are specifically designed for children. Typically, these tubs are designed to be put into adult-sized bathtubs, placed on top of surfaces or in sinks. This fixture for washing infant body comes in different types and models, including bucket-style, foldable, and inflatable. In fact, some tubs for infants come equipped with “spa features” such as whirlpool settings and handled showers. During supervised use, these bathtubs can provide them with the support they need in a variety of positions.

Most of these infant fatalities and injuries are majorly attributed to certain patterns which are typically being referred to as “hazard patterns” by the CPSC. Battery-related incidents, slippery surfaces, entrapment issues, allergy or mold issues, product failures, sharp edges, and leaving a child in a tub all alone or unsupervised contribute largely to these hazard patterns. These are some of the most frequently reported incidents in recent past which a Florida personal injury attorney can assist in handling.

Though some patterns led to drowning, others resulted in respiratory problems, bumps and bruises, lacerations, to mention but a few. The new federal standard is seeking to employ a range of safety requirements, such as static load testing, markings, and instructions, drowning and fall warnings, latching and locking mechanism requirements etc.

Some overall, safety guidelines have been provided by the CPSC once infant baths are given out. Here are some of them:

– Due to the serious consequences of drowning which can occur within seconds, learning CPR becomes essential. This can be learned online or even taken as a course.

– It is advisable to take the infant out of the tube if you must walk away due to an emergency. As a matter of fact, the tub should be kept at arm’s length when bathing an infant.

– A child should not be left under the care of a minor or supervised by a teenager so as to avoid injury or drowning incidents. Infants should be supervised by adults.

– Even with a minimal level of water present, child drowning can quickly or silently occur. So, you must avoid leaving a child alone in the tub.

Do not hesitate to call a Florida personal injury attorney particularly if you have any legal questions or concerns to clarify.