10 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Safer for Kids

What are some safety measures to take in the bathroom for kids?

From bath time to potty training, the bathroom is an important room for toddlers and small children. Unfortunately, between wet floors, germs, and other hazards, it can also be a potentially dangerous one. Here at Watters, we talk to a lot of parents in the Fox Cities and Green Bay area who want to make their bathroom more functional and safer for their kids. Here are some straightforward and easy ways you can improve safety and make your bathroom a safe space for your kids.

1. Never leave kids unattended. This is pretty much an unspoken rule, but it’s worth mentioning. When left on their own, toddlers and young kids are at increased risk of drowning in the tub or getting into whatever is lurking in the bathroom drawers and cupboards, such as medications and cleaning supplies. Keeping the door shut, installing a baby gate, or using a child-proof handle is an easy way to prevent infants and toddlers from entering the bathroom unsupervised.
2. Check water temperature. Always do a quick finger test or use a thermometer to prevent burns from hot water. If your water is consistently too hot in your house, you may also want to adjust the thermostat on your water heater. Scald-guard faucets also help prevent your water from ever getting too hot.
3. Install grab bars. Grab bars are an easy way to prevent slips and falls in a wet bathroom — both for kids and the parents or caregivers who are assisting during bath time.
4. Keep dangerous items out of reach. There are plenty of common, everyday items in bathrooms that can be dangerous if a child gets ahold of them, including hot curling irons, medications, cleaning supplies, and choking hazards such as bobby pins and hair ties. Using a child-proof cupboard lock or storing these items out of reach can help prevent injury.
5. Use a nightlight. Nightlights are not only great for comforting kids who may be afraid of the dark, but they also help prevent tripping and injury when using the bathroom during the night. Nightlights are also less harsh than normal overhead lights, so they can make it easier to fall back asleep after using the bathroom as well. Call Watters Plumbing and ask about our toilet seat that has a built-in nightlight!
6. Install a toilet lid lock. A toilet lock can help keep kids out of the toilet and away from germs and bacteria that can make them (and the rest of your household) sick. It’s also a great way to prevent unwanted items from accidentally getting flushed down your toilet (which can result in a clog and emergency plumbing call).
7. Have an organizational system. Plenty of bathroom injuries happen because of tripping over bath toys, clothes, and towels left on the floor. Plenty of storage and a good organizational system can help prevent that from happening and keep the bathroom looking nice and tidy.
8. Check water quality. There’s no doubt that kids generally end up swallowing some water when playing around in the tub or brushing their teeth, not to mention what’s absorbed through the skin during bath time or while washing their hands and face. To keep you and your family safe, consider having a professional check your water quality. Water softeners and proper filtration can provide cleaner, fresher water for you and your family for bathing, drinking, and cleaning.
9. Easy clean surfaces. Germs, bacteria, mold, and mildew in your bathroom can be dangerous. Frequent cleanings can help prevent this. However, you can make life easier by utilizing easy-to-clean surfaces, like the durable acrylic used by Watters Plumbing, that helps to repel mold and mildew.
10. Add anti-slip rugs and shower mats. Much like grab bars, adding some anti-slip bath mats and rugs around your bathroom can help prevent slips and falls when kids (or other family members) get in and out of the tub.

Want more information on how to make your bathroom safer for kids?

If you have additional questions about how to make your bathroom safer and more functional for your family, the plumbing experts at Watters Plumbing are here to help. From a full bathroom remodel to new fixtures and accessories, contact us to discuss how to get the bathroom of your dreams.