Bath Seats for Infants

Bath seats and bath rings for infants present a potential drowning hazard. These products are not safety devices. It takes only seconds for a child to drown. A parent or caregiver will not hear a child struggle: children drown silently.

The use of infant bath seats and bath rings has been linked to the drowning death of several infants in Canada. These deaths occurred when the babies were out of their caregiver's sight and reach for only seconds. Drownings and injuries have resulted from:

• the seat becoming unstable and tipping over in the bath
• the infant climbing out of the product
• the infant slipping through one of the leg openings and becoming trapped under water

Safety Tips

• Supervise children in the bath tub at all times. Keep them within arm's reach.
• Never leave a child unattended or under sibling supervision while in the bathtub.
• Do not rely on a bath seat or bath ring to ensure the safety of a young child in a bathtub.
• If you have to leave the room for any reason, take the baby with you.
• If you choose to use an infant bath seat or bath ring, know that these products should never be used with a baby that is unable to sit up on their own, and they should no longer be used once a baby can pull themselves up to a standing position.
• An infant bath seat or bath ring should be checked before each use for signs of damage or wear. Do not use a damaged or worn product.

For more information

More about bath seats:

• Facts for Infant Bath Seats and Bath Rings
  This fact sheet provides additional statistics and information on using bath seats.
• Health Canada reminds caregivers that constant supervision is needed while bathing infants
  A Health Canada advisory about bath seats and parental supervision.
• Canadian Paediatric Society - Infant bath seat survey: Results and next steps
  Health Canada has been working closely with the Canadian Paediatric Society concerning bath seats; their website features additional information such as survey results on incidents involving infant bath seats.

General information about the safe use of children's products:

• Is Your Child Safe?
  A practical guide to help parents keep their children safe and avoid common childhood hazards.
• Safety with Radar
  An activity booklet for children, highlighting key safety messages.
• Child and Youth Injury in Review, 2009 Edition - Spotlight on Consumer Product Safety
  A report on injuries among young Canadians, with a focus on injuries related to consumer products (in the second half of the report).
• Information for Shoppers of Second-hand Products
  This guide helps shoppers to be aware of potential hazards that second-hand products may pose.
• For Industry and Professionals
  An index page providing information on related guidance and regulations intended for industry and professional audiences.