While your bathroom may seem perfectly safe, it probably has several things that could put young children in danger. Make the following changes to your bathroom so children can use it safely.
Install Child Locks and Safety Latches
Installing child locks and safety latches on bathroom doors and cabinets will make it harder for children to access areas where they shouldn’t go. You should definitely install special locks on any cabinets that contain things like:
- Cleaning supplies
- Plastic bags (including garbage bags)
- Soaps and shampoos
All of these items could become harmful in the hands of a child.
Put a Lock on the Toilet
It only takes a few inches of water to drown a child. That makes your toilet a dangerous place. By putting a lock on the toilet, you can prevent children from exploring the relatively deep water inside the bowl. Plus, you protect them from bacteria.
Adjust Your Water Heater
A child who wanders into the bathroom might start to play with faucets. If she turns on the hot water, then she could become badly burned. According to Public Service Enterprise Group Inc, 54 degree Celsius water can cause second and third degree burns to adult skin in just 30 seconds. A child’s skin will burn even faster.
By adjusting your hot water heater so that it doesn’t exceed 48 degrees, you make your bathroom safer for everyone. While children could still burn themselves, it would take several minutes. That gives adults a better chance of intervening before a child gets scalded.
Prevent Slips and Falls
Anyone can get hurt on a slippery surface. Children face an even greater danger since they lack the coordination of adults.
You can make your bathtub less slippery with a non-slip mat. Companies even make fun, colorful mats that will appeal to children.
You should also place a non-slip bathroom rug on the floor next to your tub or shower. This will make it safer when children climb out of the tub. Without a non-slip rug, they could fall and hit their heads on hard surfaces.
Cover Hard Surfaces
Slips can happen no matter what precautions you take. That’s why it’s important to use soft covers on hard surfaces. Rubber covers can be used on:
- Hard corners
- Ceramic rims
If a child falls on a protected area, she won’t get hurt nearly as bad. It could be the difference between kissing a bruise and rushing to the hospital.
These precautions don’t take a lot of time or money, but they can make a big difference for children. What dangers do you see in your own bathroom? How would you make it a safer place?