8-Month Old Drowned in Bathtub

I really hate writing about these horrible accidents, but the more I read about them, the more I feel like I have to continue to spread this knowledge. If this helps just one family, if just one person who reads it changes their methods, the less often these accidents will happen. So please, keep reading.

An infant died last month after drowning in a bathtub at his grandmother’s house in Phoenix. Apparently there was a party going on and the 8-month-olds mother laid him in the empty tub for a nap. After about 20 to 30 minutes the baby was found submersed in water. Family members began CPR and fire officials took over when they arrived. The baby was not breathing and had no pulse when he arrived at the hospital. He was later pronounced dead.

According to Fire captain Alex Rangel there were several families there and children from 3 to 6 years old. As of right now, officials either do not know or are not divulging how the tub became filled with water.

This is one of the most terrible incidents I have heard recently, and one that will haunt this family forever. I do not want to sound callous in any way, however, in the hopes of preventing another tragedy like this one, I am going to say what some may feel I shouldn’t: What were these people thinking? Is there anyone reading who has ever thought the bathtub might be a good place to put your baby down for a nap? Stop right now and map out your thought process….

I have three (3) children, and fully understand what goes through a parent’s mind when away from home and your baby needs to nap. But never in my life did I think, hey, this bowl which is meant to hold water and has a water tap would be a good place to leave my child. I know people probably think, “well, an 8-month-old could never manipulate a faucet so why not?” OK, ummmm---I don’t care!!! Not a good idea! There are others in the house. There are little kids in the house. Nothing good can come from this. Nothing.

As adults it is our responsibility to think of the worst possible scenario when it comes to the safety of our children. Regardless of how “safe” it might seem, haven’t we all heard enough horror stories of child drowning incidents to give us 100% pause when we are around water with our kids?

Let me be clear on this by saying it one more time: A bathtub is not an acceptable place to lay your child down for a nap!!

If someone else is watching your child and something like this happens they may be negligent please seek professional legal help.  Parents trust that day care providers, baby sitters, teachers, and coaches will protect and supervise their children while in their care. When adults fail to supervise and adequately protect your children, they can be held liable if your child suffers serious injury.

Our deepest sympathies go out to this family. I cannot imagine their grief and pain, and sincerely hope that this is the last time that this ever happens.