Bathrooms can be dangerous places for children. Especially, young children who are notorious for slipping in tubs and shower surfaces. Fortunately, there are a number of straightforward precautions for making a bathroom safe for children. Katie Mills, a bathroom design expert, from www.poshh.co.uk explains a few things you can set in place to protect your little ones.
Think about the lock
You can tell your children to leave the lock open. But, in reality curiosity may get the better of a child. When children are young, it’s best to have a lock which can be opened from the outside. If, for some reason, that’s not possible, then it would be safe to remove the lock. Just put up a reversible sign for “vacant” and “in use”.
Floors with good grip
Children are going to run and probably jump as well. The younger they are, the less control they are going to have over their bodies. As a result, they are more than likely need to make a last-minute rush for the toilet. Floor coverings with a good grip will help in making a bathroom safe and avoiding falls.
Potty training seat with step to toilet
You want to make it as easy, safe and comfortable for your child to use the toilet during potty training. A seat with a step stool to access the toilet will go a long way in helping a child overcome fear of the “big toilet”. Furthermore, it helps in making a bathroom safe for children. It will also make life more comfortable for you. You won’t have to hold your child on the toilet, you can just be with them.
Step stool for sink
You want to get small children up to a height where they can use standard sinks comfortably. Most importantly, without the risk of them toppling over and banging their heads against the sinks. For similar reasons, you may want to upgrade your faucet so it operates with a press button or lever. Furthermore, a motion sensor is ideal. Likewise, make sure that soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste are all easy for your child to reach.
Easy access storage for bath/shower toys
Toys can be a tripping hazard for both children and adults. Easy access storage allows the toys to corralled in one place, and takes away the excuses for not putting them away after use.
Secure storage for “adult-only products”
People often think of putting first-aid products and medicines in a safe place. However, there common bathroom items which need to be kept out of the hands (and mouths) of young children. These includes cleaning products, electrical products, sharp objects and toiletries to name a few. Locks and/or childproof catches are the ideal solution. However, a magnetic closure would be better than nothing.
Child-accessible (or automatic) lighting
You can now buy motion-detecting bathroom lights, which switch on when the bathroom door is opened. Also, they switch off either when it is closed or after a specific length of time. Alternatively, there are now plenty of battery-operated LED lights. In addition to making the bathroom safer for a child, these can also make night-time bathroom visits much less intimidating.
Non-slip mats in the bath and/or shower
Next, baths are a convenient way to get younger children clean. However, it’s important to be very aware of the drowning hazard they pose. Adults can drown in very little water. Furthermore, children have smaller lungs in smaller bodies and are therefore more at risk. Never leaving young children unattended in baths is the first step to making a bathroom safe for children. And, even when they are attended, you can save yourself heartache and trips to the hospital by using non-slip mats. It imperative that toddlers and younger children have a secure grip when getting in and out of the bathtub.
Hand rails are a bit of a mixed call. They do provide a grip and hence security. But, can be dangerous if children fall and mouth or head. It could lead to lost teeth.
Depending on the age, showers are actually the better option. They eliminate the risk of drowning. Even so, it’s highly recommended that a non-slip mat be used. This is useful for adults.
