9 Tips to Making your Kids Bathroom Safe
If you are a parent or are thinking about becoming one soon, the safety of your kids is a top priority. The bathroom poses lots of different risks. We need to know how to make this room a place that is safe.
As a professional interior designer in Bergen County, NJ, safety is number one on my mind when I plan a bathroom renovation. But sometimes we inherit a bathroom that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles and safety is still critical.
Here are some of the safety tips I advise my clients about so they are aware:
#1. Prevent Scalding.
You can readjust the water heater temperature to still be hot but not scalding. You never know when a child may reach up and turn the hot water handle up higher. If you are renovating there are anti-scald thermostatic mixers that take care of that problem that may be more costly but prevent lots of accidents.
#2. Electrical accidents.
If you make it a practice to keeps all electrical appliance out of the reach of children and unplugged when not in use, children will be better protected. Nothing electrical should be used near water.
#3. Toxic Poisoning.
Medications, cosmetics and cleaning supplies should be stored up high not below the sink. Kids can find them is they are below and these items are potentially life threatening if ingested. Unless you install a child-proof lock and make sure it is used correctly and every time you are finished in the room.
#4. The toilet.
What? Yes, you need a lid locker. Why?
Toddlers can open the lid and it can fall on their heads causing serious injury. They could potentially fall into the toilet which contains enough water for a child to drown—not to mention the bacteria/germs!!
#5. The slip and fall.
We hear about this all the time. The bathroom is a dangerous place~ for adults too!
Getting in
Getting out
Getting soapy
You need grab bars to help you get the kids in/ out and retain your balance and theirs.
#6. Get a grip.
Flooring selections in the bathroom are critical. Slick, glossy tiles are a no-no and worse when they are wet.
#7. Sharp corners.
Try to pick out bathroom fixtures and accessories that have curve rather than pointy edges so if there is a fall against something in the bathroom, it would not cause a serious gash.
#8. Assorted tips.
Wipe up slashes or puddles promptly.
Don’t use electrical devices near water.
Use a night light for sleepy wanderers
Use a strong fan to rid the room of moisture that causes mold build-up.
#9. The MOST important tip.
NEVER leave a small child unattended or not watched in a bathtub or shower. [That includes texting while watching!] Drowning can occur within minutes in even 1-2 inches of water.
