My child drank toilet water

While the thought of toilet water consumption may evoke concern, it’s essential to handle the situation calmly and take appropriate steps to ensure your child’s well-being. As a parent, unexpected situations can arise, and one of the most alarming moments might be discovering your child sipping from the toilet bowl. While this can be unsettling, it’s crucial to understand what you need to know about this incident.

Why do children drink toilet water?

1. Curiosity: Toddlers and young children possess an innate curiosity. The toilet bowl, with its flowing water, may seem like an intriguing water source, especially when they witness adults using it. Children are naturally drawn to explore anything that seems new or different, and the toilet bowl, being a large and accessible container of water, can pique their interest.

2. Exploration: Children explore their surroundings through all their senses, including taste and touch. To them, the toilet bowl becomes another item to investigate. They may not fully comprehend the concept of cleanliness or hygiene, and they might view the toilet water as just another form of water to taste or touch out of sheer curiosity.

3. Imitation: Kids tend to imitate the actions of those around them, especially adults or older siblings whom they look up to. If they witness someone drinking water from a glass, they might replicate the behaviour with the toilet. This behaviour is often driven by a desire to mimic what they perceive as normal or acceptable behaviour.

Understanding the risks

The idea of toilet water consumption raises immediate concerns about hygiene and potential health risks. Toilet water can contain harmful bacteria, chemicals from cleaning products, and other contaminants that pose health hazards if ingested. These risks may vary depending on factors such as the cleanliness of the toilet, the presence of cleaning agents, and the overall hygiene practices in the household.

Is it harmful?

Clean toilet water:

If the toilet water is relatively clean, such as when it has been recently cleaned, the immediate risk of harm is low. However, it’s essential to consider:

• Bacteria: Even seemingly clean toilet water contains bacteria, though most are harmless. The presence of bacteria is a natural part of the environment, and our bodies are equipped to handle exposure to small amounts of bacteria. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to discourage this behaviour to maintain hygiene standards and prevent any potential health risks.

  

  

• Hygiene: Reinforce proper hygiene practices with your child. Explain that toilet water is not suitable for drinking and emphasise the disparity between clean water and toilet water. Teaching children about hygiene from a young age helps them develop healthy habits and understand the importance of cleanliness.

Dirty toilet water:

In cases where the toilet water is visibly contaminated or dirty, immediate action is necessary:

1. Remove your child: Promptly move your child away from the toilet to prevent further exposure to the contaminated water.

2. Rinse mouth: Rinse their mouth thoroughly with clean water to reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances. This step helps minimize the risk of ingesting any harmful bacteria or chemicals that may be present in the dirty toilet water.

3. Observe: Monitor your child for any signs of distress, vomiting, or unusual behaviour. While most cases of ingesting dirty toilet water do not lead to serious health issues, it’s essential to keep an eye on your child’s condition and seek medical attention if necessary.

4. Seek medical advice: If your child displays symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or abdominal pain, or if you’re concerned about their well-being, seek guidance from a healthcare professional. They can offer tailored advice based on the circumstances and provide appropriate treatment if needed.

Immediate steps to take

• Stay calm: As a parent, it’s crucial to remain calm even in stressful situations. Panicking may escalate the situation and hinder your ability to respond effectively.
• Assess the situation: Evaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Determine how much water your child consumed and whether there were any visible contaminants or cleaning products in the toilet bowl.
• Provide clean water: Offer your child clean water or milk to drink immediately after the incident. This can help dilute any harmful substances and prevent further ingestion of contaminated water.
• Observe for symptoms: Keep a close watch on your child for any signs of illness or discomfort. Symptoms to look out for include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, or changes in behaviour.
• Seek medical advice: If you have any concerns about your child’s health or if they exhibit any unusual symptoms, it’s advisable to contact your healthcare provider or seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare professionals can offer guidance based on the specific circumstances and provide appropriate treatment if necessary. 

Preventive measures

Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your child from ingesting toilet water. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

1. Toilet seat locks: Install toilet seat locks to prevent unsupervised access to the toilet. Toilet seat locks are inexpensive and easy to install, and they provide an effective barrier against curious toddlers who may be tempted to explore the toilet bowl.

2. Education: Educate your child about the importance of clean water sources. Teach them that the toilet is not a suitable drinking fountain and differentiate between safe water outlets like taps and the toilet. Use simple language and age-appropriate explanations to help them understand why it’s essential to avoid drinking from the toilet.

3. Supervision: Always supervise young children, particularly around areas like the bathroom where potential hazards exist. Keep bathroom doors closed and use childproof locks or doorknob covers to prevent unsupervised access. By closely supervising your child, you can quickly intervene if they attempt to drink from the toilet or engage in other risky behaviours.

4. Lead by example: Children learn by observing the actions of those around them, so set a good example by practicing proper hygiene habits yourself. Avoid drinking from the toilet or using it as a water source in front of your child, and reinforce the message that toilet water is not for drinking.

Also read: 7 safety tips to teach your child

Disclaimer: This article offers general information and preventive measures for parents whose children have ingested toilet water. For personalised guidance or medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional.

Sources:

1. BabyCenter: My daughter drank toilet water ¹
2. Today’s Parent: Why does my toddler drink dirty bathwater? ²
3. What to Expect: Is Drinking Dirty Bathwater Bad for Babies? ³
4. 4aKid: My toddler drank toilet water. What must I do?