Make your bathroom child proof
The bathroom is one of the most important family rooms in the house but it can also pose some safety issues for households with young children.
With hot temperatures, slippery surfaces, and water there are numerous potential hazards but fortunately, it’s easy to make sure the bathroom is a safe environment for everyone to enjoy.
Most children love bath time and it is several years before they progress to using the shower. The most important thing to remember is never to leave a child unattended in the bath, even if you are using a baby bath seat. Small children can drown in just a few inches of water so it’s essential to supervise them at all times.
Temperature is also very important as it’s easy to scald delicate infant skin. Dip your elbow in to make sure it is the same temperature as your body or invest in a bath thermometer. You may want to take this a stage further by investing in thermostatic controls for your bathroom taps or shower that ensure that the temperature of the water is regulated and the taps and other bathroom accessories are not hot to touch.
Children like to splash about in the bath which can make tiled floors wet and slippy. Invest in a non-slip bath mat to go inside the tub and prevent slipping, and rubber-backed mats for the floor so you don’t slip up while lifting children in and out.
If your shower is over your bath then you may have a bath screen. Depending on the size of your bathroom it is best to make sure you can open this properly and access the whole of the bath tub so your child is not out of your reach at any time. A bi-fold or hinged bath screen is better for this than a fixed one as you can move it out of the way at bath time.
Bathrooms are full of potentially dangerous items such as razors, medicines, toiletries and cleaning products. Bathroom storage is very important to make sure these items are safely stored away. Whether it’s a vanity unit, a mirrored bathroom cabinet or a cupboard or dresser, keep dangerous items out of reach and invest in safety catches for toilets or cupboards to keep things safe from curious youngster
It’s easy to keep your bathroom safe and family friendly so bath time with small children is fun and not fearful. Keep a careful watch, avoid the risk of burns and contact with hazardous substances and make sure you have a firm grip on the situation at all times and your bathroom will be a safe and enjoyable space for children without being a worry for adults.