Bath Safety For Children With Special Needs

• Posted on 20 January 2021
• By Accessibility Medical
• Posted in Bath Safety, Pediatric
• 0

Bath safety is not only in important issue for seniors and adults with disabilities, but for children with special needs also. Hard, slippery surfaces make using a bath tub or shower a potentially hazardous experience without the proper equipment.

The most convenient and effective place to bathe a child or adult is usually in the bathtub or shower.  It is also, however, important to remember that a shower and/or tub is a place that can create hazards for both the child and the parent or caregiver. 

There are many types of bath chairs that are built for children with disabilities but the one we will be discussing today is the Otter Bath Chair by Drive Medical.  Trying to bathe a child with poor body control without a supportive seat in a bath tub or shower would obviously be hazardous and challenging. 

The child needs to be able to sit or recline in a stable position in the chair so that the caregiver can perform bathing tasks without fear of the child falling or sliding. A reclining back is important for children with poor trunk control, and head supports and straps can further assist with maintaining a safe, secure, and comfortable posture.  In addition to the reclining back, however, the seat area of the Otter Bath Chair is also adjustable.  This helps in a couple of ways.  One is to remove pressure from the seat with a gentle tilt but it also helps use gravity to prevent sliding forward and out of the chair which a flat seat surface would not do.

The fabric on the Otter Bath Chair is a durable mesh that prevents the pooling of water and the plastic frame is water-friendly (no rusting).  The feet on the unit feature a non-skid material to prevent sliding on the tub or shower floor.  

Additional accessories for the Otter Bath Chair can be purchased separately such as the raised base that can help make the bathing process more comfortable for the parent or caregiver and also assist in transfers.  However, it is important to note that to use a tub as a bath rather than a shower for a child, the bath chair without the base would allow for a lower seating/recline position and so a higher water level.  

Please note that children using a bath seat such as this one should be attended at all times by a parent or caregiver and users should read the user manual for all safety and operational instructions prior to use.

At Accessibility Medical, we offer affordable pricing on the Drive Otter Bath Chair which can help improve safety and enjoyment for both parent or caregiver and child in three sizes at the following link:

https://www.accessibilitymedical.org/drive-otter-bath-chair.html