Creating a safe and kid-friendly bathroom is a top priority for most parents. With its slippery surfaces, sharp edges, and potentially harmful products, the bathroom can be a hazardous place for young children. That's why it's crucial when designing a bathroom to kid-proof this space to ensure little one’s safety.
From installing safety locks on cabinets to using non-slip mats and bathroom fittings designed with younger users in mind, it’s possible to make bath time fun and safe, create peace of mind, and maintain a functional space for the entire family to enjoy.
Here The Bathroom Showroom offers expert tips for creating a child-friendly space, to design a bathroom suitable for all ages.
Why Child-Proofing a Bathroom Is Important
Child-proofing a bathroom is essential for those homes with young children as it helps prevent accidents and injuries that could occur in this potentially problematic space. Bathrooms contain numerous hazards for children, including slippery floors, sharp corners, and toxic products. Yet, by taking proactive measures to child-proof a bathroom, these risks can be minimised and a safe environment created for children to explore and learn.
When it comes to child-friendly bathroom designs, there are several practical and creative ideas that can be implemented to make the space both more appealing and safe. One of the key considerations is accessibility. This means ensuring that everything a child needs is within their reach. Installing lower towel racks, hooks, and shelves allows little ones to easily hang their towels while reaching for their toothbrush or other toiletries. Having these items at a child's height promotes independence and encourages good bathroom habits.
Another important aspect of a child-friendly bathroom design is ample storage. Having sufficient storage space is essential when organising children's bath toys, towels, and other bathroom essentials. So, consider installing shelves or baskets specifically designated for their items. This will not only keep the bathroom tidy but also make it easier for children to access their belongings independently.
Common Hazards in the Bathroom for Children
The bathroom is filled with potential dangers for children. From hot water to sharp edges, it's important for homeowners to identify these hazards and take appropriate measures to eliminate or reduce such risks:
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Safety Measures for the Bath and Shower
One of the most common dangers is slipping on wet floors. Young children are full of energy and can easily lose their balance and injure themselves if the bathroom floor is wet. To prevent slips and falls, consider the type of flooring most suited for this environment. Choices such as ClickLux and Click Flooring are ideal vinyl choices that are waterproof and durable providing hard-wearing surfaces.
When using bath mats both in and out of the shower and bath, opting for a non-slip choice here is crucial. If not, adhesive strips should be added to provide traction and reduce the risk of slipping and accidents.
Child-friendly bathroom taps such as Roca Ona, Alfa, and Targa combine sought-after features such as cold start technology, soft turn technology and anti-scald device controls. Such tap choices help when selecting a safe water temperature for younger users both in the bath and when using the basin.
Shower designs that offer adjustable heights can make bath and shower times easier and indeed more comfortable for young children. Even better, those shower choices that promote personalised setups are ideal choices for child-friendly bathrooms. Offering Smart insights, the Mira Activate allows complete control from the app when setting perfect temperature and water flow, catering for each specific user every time.
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Tips for Securing Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers:
By securing bathroom cabinets and drawers, children's curiosity can safely be managed within the space and accidents prevented. Installing safety locks or latches on cabinets and drawers will prevent your child from opening them when unaccompanied.
With various types of safety locks available, including magnetic locks, sliding locks, and adhesive locks, there's a type to suit the needs of all bathroom furniture choices. These locks or latches work well on all those cabinets and drawers within a child's reach.
With such security in place, hazardous items, such as cleaning products, medications, and sharp objects, can be stored in these locked cabinets or high shelves that are out of a child's reach.
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Installing Grab Bars and Handrails In The Bathroom
By incorporating grab bars and handrails in a bathroom, there’s potential to create a more accessible and secure space for young children. This promotes independence while reducing the risk of accidents.
iflo grab bars installed next to the bathtub and shower area will provide support and stability for children when climbing in and out of these fixtures. They can also be placed next to the toilet to assist children with sitting down and getting up. Such rails can provide stability and prevent accidents, especially for younger children who are still learning how to use the toilet independently.
Grab bars will need to be securely attached to the wall and able to bear the weight of those using them. Yet, these additions will also need to be installed at an appropriate height for the child and adjusted long-term based on the child's height and needs.
Child-Friendly Bathroom Design Ideas
Creating a child-friendly bathroom is an important step in ensuring the safety and well-being of the youngest members in the home. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can transform the bathroom into a secure and enjoyable space for a child. With these measures in place, this increases peace of mind knowing that little ones can explore their independence in a secure and kid-proof bathroom.
If you're looking to help your customers create a kid-friendly bathroom, speak to us at the bathroom showroom. With over 280 showrooms and a renowned history of working with the trade, we're the experts in all things bathrooms.