As parents, we naturally want our homes to be safe havens for our children. But one often overlooked area is the bathroom.
Bathrooms can harbor a range of potential hazards for children, from slippery surfaces and hot water to harmful cleaning supplies. But with some thoughtful adjustments and installations, you can transform your bathroom into a safe and kid-friendly zone.
Let’s take a look at some kid friendly bathroom safety features to keep your home safe!
- When it comes to bathroom safety, you'll want to think about the flooring, cabinets and storage, and your bathing structure.
- Always plan your bathroom with safety in mind as they can be dangerous for children.
- Keep your bathroom clean and organized to reduce the chance of accidents.
Reinventing the Floors
Let’s start from the ground up. (Pun intended!)
Floors are the primary point of safety concern, especially with the inevitable presence of water making them slippery. A child-friendly bathroom should have a non-slip floor of some sort. When selecting bathroom flooring, consider slip-resistant tiles or textured vinyl flooring, which offers excellent traction even when wet.
Remember, smaller tiles have more grout lines, which provide additional grip. If a remodel is not in your plans, consider strategically placed non-slip mats or decals, particularly in high traffic areas and around the tub.
A Closer Look at Bathtubs and Showers
Bathtubs and showers present their own set of risks. Opt for bathtubs with rounded edges or a specialized baby tub to reduce the risk of bumps and bruises. Install non-slip mats in the tub or shower and consider a tub seat for younger kids.
To avoid hot water burns, it’s crucial to adjust your water heater so that the temperature does not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius). Thermostatic mixing valves are also worth considering as they can ensure a constant, safe water temperature, reducing the risk of accidental scalding.
Safety-First Approach to Cabinets and Storage
Next, let’s talk about cabinets and storage.
Items like cleaning agents, medicines, and razors can be harmful to curious little ones. Store these items in upper cabinets, far out of children’s reach, or better yet, use cabinets with child safety locks.
Lower cabinets, accessible to children, should be designated for harmless items like towels and toilet paper. You can also build in steps into your cabinets that your children can use as a stool to reach the faucet.
For any sharp objects, such as tweezers or nail clippers, I recommend a wall-mounted magnetic strip high on the wall can keep them both organized and safely out of reach.
Balancing Aesthetics and Safety in Electricals
While we often enjoy having electrical appliances like hairdryers and straighteners in our bathrooms, it’s vital to ensure they are out of reach of children. Always unplug these devices when not in use and store them in a secured cabinet so your kids can’t get them.
Electrical outlets in the bathroom should be protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These devices are designed to automatically cut off power when an imbalance is detected, significantly reducing the risk of electrocution.
Ensuring Safe Access with the Right Fixtures
When it comes to child safety, fixtures play a crucial role. Opt for faucets with lever handles instead of knobs for easier operation. Install a soft-close toilet seat to prevent little fingers from getting caught, and consider a step stool with a non-slip surface to safely aid your child’s reach to the sink.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these features, you are making the bathroom a safer environment for your child. It’s about peace of mind, knowing that even the smallest room in your home is secure for the most important little people in your life.
Remember, the goal isn’t to stifle your child’s independence or exploration, but rather to ensure they can explore and become independent safely. By creating a child-safe bathroom, we not only protect our kids, we also teach them about safety, laying the groundwork for safe habits that will last them a lifetime.
Let’s be honest; it’s never easy being a parent. We’re always juggling a million things, and sometimes, it feels like we’re expected to have eyes in the back of our heads. But with a little planning and some small changes, we can at least make sure our bathrooms are safe spaces for our children. The peace of mind that brings is priceless. And our children’s safety? Well, that’s beyond any value.
KidSpaceStuff is a site dedicated to helping parents find the best interior design, activities, and inspiration for their kids.
