If you’re planning to have children or just received news that you’re going to be a parent in the coming months, then you may be wondering how you can prepare your home and your lifestyle to suit the new arrival. One of the very first things that you’ll have to consider is renovating your home in order to suit your children.
The most common things that people think about are security (such as installing cameras and removing any crawl-level hazards) and preparing a kid’s bedroom. People often overlook the importance of preparing their bathrooms for children as well. A kid-friendly bathroom doesn’t mean adding the latest comic book characters to the wall or having colourful tubes of toothpaste, so in this post, we’re going to go in-depth on how you can change your bathroom to be more suitable for children.
The most common things that people think about are security (such as installing cameras and removing any crawl-level hazards) and preparing a kid’s bedroom. People often overlook the importance of preparing their bathrooms for children as well. A kid-friendly bathroom doesn’t mean adding the latest comic book characters to the wall or having colourful tubes of toothpaste, so in this post, we’re going to go in-depth on how you can change your bathroom to be more suitable for children.
Consider your child's height
If possible, lower any kind of countertops and vanity areas so that your children can also use them. Forcing your children to stand on their toes or on an unstable stool or box could prove to be hazardous. Your child could slip, the object they’re standing on could break or they could spill something while they’re standing on their toes. If you want a long-term solution, consider having multiple heights for your bathroom countertops or having a more stable object (such as a step ladder) for your child to stand on. This will reduce the chance of your child injuring themselves when they’re not being watched, and if you choose the step ladder route then you won’t need to replace your bathroom countertops either.
Storage space for children
Your children are going to need some storage space as well. Make space in your bathroom cupboards and shelves by decluttering as much as you can before they start needing it. If your child is still a baby then you still have time, but don’t leave decluttering your bathroom too long because it can take a surprising amount of time. Try and keep most of their belongings available around the sink or in cupboards that are reachable. If you have multiple children (or plan to!) then remember to purchase different coloured tumbler sets so they don’t get mixed up with their siblings.
Toilet seats
Consider getting a toilet seat that allows your child to transition more easily from their younger habits to being older. Take a look at the choice of back to wall WCs on offer on the internet or in your local store and you’ll find there are plenty of options that are friendly for children and include some unique features. Just remember that your children won’t be small forever so try to pick long-term solutions that can be swapped out in the future. This will save you money in the long-run even if those options are slightly more expensive.
Non-slip surfaces
If you want the best protection for your children, then make sure to install non-slip surfaces where applicable. For instance, in your shower you should have a non-slip mat at the bottom so that your children can’t fall or slide when the floor is wet. If you have a bathtub, then make sure you install handrails for your children to grab onto as they get in and out of the bath, and put a non-slip mat at the bottom of the tub so that there is less chance they will slip when exiting. Textured floor surfaces are also preferable because your children will have less chance of slipping.
Keeping chemicals out
Your children might be curious and explore the bathroom when you’re not around. To keep them safe, make sure any nasty chemicals are kept out of the bathroom or in places they can’t reach. For instance, keep cleaning products and harsh air fresheners out of the bathroom so that your kids don’t play with them, and keep all razors and other sharp objects in your own personal storage areas that your children can’t reach. This will help to minimise the possibility of them finding and using your belongings and reduce the chance of them injuring themselves.
Final words
As you can see, there are many considerations that you need to think about when planning a bathroom that children will use. Don’t neglect the importance of giving your bathroom a small overhaul in order to suit their needs, and remember to plan for the long-term because your children will eventually grow up and will require less maintenance and specialised equipment in the bathroom.
Collaborative post
Collaborative post
