Ultimate Guide to Baby Proofing Your Bathroom
Growing little ones love to explore all throughout your home. One very important space to baby-proof is your bathroom. You may not realize it but your bathroom has a host of potentially hazardous areas that could harm your little one. When you baby-proof your bathroom, your area taking that extra step to protect your child from harm. Below we discuss all the different ways and areas you should baby-proof your bathrooms.
Why Baby Proof Your Bathroom?
Let’s first take a look at why baby-proofing your bathroom is important before we jump into all the ways to baby-proof it. Bathrooms contain multiple hazards such as the below:
- Slippery Floors: Floors that are wet can be dangerous providing a slipping hazard.
- Sharp Objects: Razors, scissors, and other personal grooming tools can cause injury to your toddler.
- Hot Water: Hot water can potentially burn your child.
- Medications and Chemicals: Medicines, toiletries, and cleaning supplies can be poisonous if ingested.
- Drowning Risks: Even small amounts of water, such as in the toilet or bathtub, can be dangerous to your little one.
Tips to Baby Proof Your Bathroom
Install Safety Locks
One of the most effective ways to baby-proof your bathroom is to install safety locks on cabinets, drawers, and toilet lids. This prevents access to dangerous items or areas.
Types of Safety Locks
Cabinet and Drawer Locks
There are several types, including magnetic, adhesive, and slide locks. Choose the type that best fits your cabinet and drawer design.
Toilet Locks
Nobody wants their toddler to play in the toilet. Toilet locks prevent curious toddlers from opening and playing with the toilet lid, reducing the risk of drowning and exposure to germs.
Secure Sharp Objects
Razors, scissors, and other sharp objects should be stored out of reach or in locked cabinets to prevent accidental injuries. Think about getting locks for all your cabinet doors.
Proper Storage Solutions
High Shelves
Store dangerous items on high shelves that your child cannot reach. Also, ensure that they cannot climb to those high shelves.
Locked Drawers
Locking your drawers is a great idea to prevent your little explorer from opening them. Use safety locks on drawers that contain sharp objects, and ensure they are securely fastened after use.
Control Water Temperature
Hot water can cause serious burns. Controlling the water temperature is vital for your child’s safety.
Water Heater Settings
Set your water heater to a maximum of 120°F (49°C) to prevent scalding. This is typically considered a safe temperature for households. Additionally, install anti-scald devices on faucets and showerheads to automatically regulate water temperature.
Use Non-Slip Mats
Slippery surfaces pose one of the biggest risks in the bathroom. Non-slip mats are an inexpensive and effective solution.
Store Medication and Cleaning Products Safely
Medication and household cleaning products can be extremely harmful if ingested. Therefore, you want to prioritize storing these safely.
Locked Cabinets
Use locked cabinets or medicine safes for storage of all medications and potentially harmful products. If you do not have a medicine safe or a safe place to store them, you can also place all dangerous substances on higher shelves out of your child’s reach.
Use Childproof Electrical Outlets
Electrical outlets can pose shock hazards, especially in a moisture-rich environment like the bathroom. Insert tamper-resistant outlet covers into all unused electrical outlets to prevent your child from sticking objects into them.
Ensure all bathroom outlets are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which cut off the electrical supply in case of water contact or a short circuit.
Supervise Bath Time
Drowning can occur in just a few inches of water. Constant supervision during bath time is non-negotiable. You want to ensure that you are always staying within arm's reach of your child during bath time.
Use of Baby Bathtub
For infants, use a baby bathtub with supportive inserts to prevent slipping. You want to ensure that you are able to provide a comfortable and secure bathing experience.
Keep the Bathroom Door Closed
To reduce the risk of your child accessing the bathroom unsupervised. Make sure to keep the door closed and consider using childproof door locks.
Door Security Options
Install doorknob covers or high-mounted locks that are out of reach of children. You can also consider self-closing or auto-close hinges that make it difficult for young children to keep the door open without help.
Install Faucet Covers
Bathtub spouts and faucets can cause injuries if a child slips and falls against them. You can install soft faucet covers that fit snugly over the faucet, cushioning any potential impact. Additionally, some covers change color to indicate when the water is too hot, providing an additional safety feature.
Educate Older Siblings
It can be challenging for parents who have older children in the household while you are trying to keep the younger ones safe. To make the process as smooth as possible, you will want to educate your older children about the importance of keeping their younger siblings safe while they explore the home.
Important Lessons for Older Children
Encourage them to lock away sharp objects, medications, and cleaning supplies after use. Also, you want to teach them the importance of putting lids down and cleaning up any spills to avoid accidents.
Bonus Tips for Enhanced Safety
Remove Small Choking Hazards
Ensure there are no small items like hair clips, safety pins, or cotton swabs that can pose choking hazards lying around inaccessible places. Also, if your child is tall enough to reach but not adept at controlling bathroom lights, you can use childproof light switch extenders to ensure safe lighting control.
Use a Bath Seat for Toddlers
For additional stability during bath time, consider using a bath seat specifically designed for toddlers. While still requiring supervision, this can help them sit securely in the tub.
Avoid Over-Clutter
Store excess toiletries, towels, and other bathroom items elsewhere to avoid making the bathroom an enticing playground for children. This reduces the chance of them playing with or tipping over items which could lead to accidents.
Keep Your Child Safe in the Bathroom
Ensuring your little one is safe around your home is critical. By implementing these practical tips—installing safety locks, regulating water temperature, using non-slip mats, storing dangerous items out of reach, and more—you create a safer environment for your little explorer so they can thrive without risk of injury.
You want to remember that no matter how thoroughly you baby-proof, nothing replaces your constant supervision and ongoing education about safety practices as your little one grows and explores. Combining robust baby-proofing measures with attentive parenting ensures your bathroom remains a secure space for everyone in the family.
