Bath time can be the best part of the day or the most challenging. Regardless, it should always be a safe experience, and I am happy to share some tips for making it so.

First and foremost, it is essential to never leave a child alone in the tub. I hope this goes without saying, but you would be surprised at how many tragedies occur when parents step away for just a few moments. Leaving an infant or toddler in the tub with an older child (and assuming that the older sibling will supervise the younger one) is no better. Again, the literature is full of scenarios where a younger child drowns while bathing with an older brother or sister.

To ensure you never have to leave the room, consider bringing a cordless phone into the bathroom so you won’t be tempted to step away should it ring. And do not rely on infant bath seats to keep an infant upright. Many of these products have been recalled, and even the best of them are no substitute for your immediate presence.

With the obligatory lecture out of the way, I will now share some tips and products which can make the bathing process safer and less stressful. Besides drowning, the hazards in the tub include scalding from the hot water, "bonks" on the hard tub surface and lacerations from the spout.

A bath matt will provide some traction and some cushioning. Our favorite is one that adheres to the bottom of the tub and remains in place semi-permanently and there is no need to remove it between baths (Gator Grips).

Numerous spout covers provide padding and decoration. A new product has just been introduced which combines a thermometer and padded cover in a single unit (4Moms). Alternatively, a stand alone thermometer which enables you to keep the temperature between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit eliminates any guessing and prevents burns and scalds.

An inflatable cushion is now available to pad the surrounding tub surface. This works well if the kids have their own dedicated bathroom. It’s also particularly helpful when bathing multiples.

Another new product is a Baby Bath Gate (Baby First) which acts as a barrier between the bathing area and the tub spout and valves. This is terrific for containing little ones to only half of the tub if sliding doors are present.

Following these principles and maybe picking up a product or two will ensure bath time is safe and a little less stressful. While you are at it, consider picking up a small gel padded matt (Orchard Supply) to give your knees some relief.