How to Create a Child-Friendly Bathroom

Anyone who has a child is well aware of the fact that these little ones are bundles of energy. Unfortunately, this can often lead to problems if they are not monitored at all times.

While parents are obviously responsible for the welfare of their children, creating a safe environment is just as important. This is even more relevant when discussing certain areas of your home such as the bathroom.

Are there any ways in which you can child-proof your bathroom? How can you rest assured in the knowledge that your little one will not suffer from an accident? The good news is that there are plenty of innovative options to consider.

We have therefore gone ahead and compiled a brief list of professional suggestions to keep in mind. Bathroom Planet has offered insights into how to make your bathroom  child friendly. 

Simplify Basin and Shower Taps

Most experts recommend installing single-lever basin and bath mixers. These are much easier to manipulate with little hands. Furthermore, two separate tap controls can sometimes be confusing and children may select the wrong one (a very real danger in terms of controlling the flow of hot water).

Always Make Sure that a Stool is Present

Stools can be an immense help within the bathroom. They will enable children to reach the top of the basin and to adjust their height when sitting on the toilet.

Without stools, there is always a danger that your child may lose his or her balance when reaching for an item such as a toothbrush. Stools can also be tucked away when not in use.

Cover Accessible Outlets with Plastic Plugs

Children are curious by nature and this can sometimes lead to trouble; especially when discussing the dangers of electricity in the bathroom. All outlets should therefore be covered with plastic plugs.

These will prevent your child from sticking items into the terminals and being shocked. Pay special attention to outlets located close to supplies of water such as toilets and basins.

Ensure that Storage Cabinets are Out of the Reach of Your Child

Bathrooms will often contain a host of dangerous substances. Examples include cleaning products, pills, razors, and scissors. It is obvious that these can cause serious injuries is handled in the wrong manner.

Make it a point to install storage cabinets out of the reach of your child. If you have no choice but to use an existing unit, install locks on the door so that it cannot be opened. These locks can thereafter be removed as your child grows and appreciates the potential dangers.

Apply Non-Slip Stickers Within the Bath

Baths and shower enclosures can present slipping hazards for children and adults alike. In fact, this is one of the most common types of bathroom injuries. It is therefore wise to purchase a set of non-slip adhesive stickers.

These are easy to install and they will require no future maintenance. Numerous designs are available and some of these will directly appeal to children. In terms of walk-in shower enclosures, it may be better to obtain a mat which covers the entire tray.

Install Support Handles Where Needed

Children learn balance with age and those who are extremely young may require a bit of extra help. Simple support handles should therefore be mounted in specific areas (such as on either side of the bathtub, near the toilet or in conjunction with a basin).

As numerous styles and designs of handles can be selected, they may also be used to augment the existing ambience of your bathroom.

Consider Anti-Scald Mechanisms

While adults take for granted the ability to access hot water at a moment’s notice, we need to remember that this very same modern amenity can be dangerous to a child.

While many thermostatic mixers (such as those found within showers) are designed to prevent accidental burning, this is not always true with basin taps. It is therefore prudent to install anti-scald hardware. These mechanisms will limit the amount of hot water that can be delivered at any given time.

Smaller Tubs for Infants and Toddlers

A growing number of parents are investing in smaller plastic tubs which can be fitted into a normal enclosure.

These are easy to manipulate and they will offer a greater deal of ergonomic comfort for smaller frames. They are also quite safe, as these units will not contain water at a depth that could lead to accidental drownings.

Create a Visually Stimulating Atmosphere

Although the majority of this article has been focused upon functional elements intended to ensure a safe bathroom, it is just as important to remember that children should be presented with a fun and visually stimulating environment.

This can lead to a more interesting experience and cause your child to view basic hygiene in a positive manner. Here are some additional tips and tricks:

• Try to ensure that your bathroom is provided with the maximum amount of light.
• Choose bright and vibrant colour schemes.
• Introduce fun elements including bathtub toys and instructional stickers (such as how to brush one’s teeth).

We can now see that creating a child-friendly bathroom is actually much easier than it may initially appear. Feel free to print out these suggestions or to bookmark this page for future reference. You will be surprised at how a handful of steps can make a profound difference!