How to Childproof Your Bathroom without Sacrificing Style or Comfort

When you’ve a child at home, every part of your house can turn into a safety hazard, and that includes your bathroom. That’s why when you plan to redesign or upgrade the bathroom for your growing child, you’ve to think beyond the looks.

The good news is that with the right tools and changes, you can childproof a bathroom​ in your Utah home, making it safe for your little one. But this doesn’t mean you’ve to sacrifice style or even functionality.Here are ten bathroom childproofing tips that’ll help you do just that.

1. Secure Your Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers 

Most Utah homes have bathrooms with plenty of storage. If your bathroom has cabinets and drawers to store cleaning supplies, medications, scissors, and razors, your first order of business is to secure them. It’s the easiest way to childproof your bathroom. 

Children, even toddlers, can easily open cabinets and drawers, which places all these hazards within their reach. Use childproof locks designed specifically for bathrooms. You can go to the nearest Home Depot or any other hardware store. They’ll have plenty of options to choose from. 

2. Focus On Non-Slip Flooring 

Children love playing in water, but wet bathroom floors are a safety risk. Although it’s slightly expensive, installing slip-resistant floors is the best way to childproof your bathroom. It’s a more permanent and reliable solution. 

You can select textured tiles, vinyl planks with grip, or even rubber flooring, depending on your Utah home’s existing interior. It’s best to consult a bathroom remodeling contractor, since this job needs a skilled professional and may require permits if you plan to change the layout.

In addition to slip-resistant floors, you can place non-slip mats inside and outside the tub or shower for extra protection. These mats typically have a rubber backing, which prevents them from slipping. They add another layer of childproofing to your bathroom. 

3. Cover All Electrical Outlets 

Most bathrooms have power outlets for hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors. They’re a safety risk for children, especially where water is present. 

Covering these outlets is one of the best ways to childproof your bathroom. You can buy childproof plates or covers at the nearest superstore. They are typically plug-in plates or DIY covers. 

In addition to this bathroom childproof hack, be sure to unplug and lock away all your devices after each use. Keeping cords and electric devices away from wet floors will keep your child safe. 

4. Install Toilet Locks 

Toilets may seem harmless, but toddlers love to explore, and while checking out the bathroom, they may fall into the toilet headfirst. Children also like to play in water. They might play with the water in the toilet, which is unhygienic and can lead to health risks. 

Installing toilet locks is the best way to childproof this part of your bathroom. A lock keeps the lid shut, which also prevents your child from dropping small items or toys into the toilet. 

5. Maintain the Right Water Temperature

Whether your bathroom has a bathtub or a walk-in shower, maintain the right water temperature. The last thing you want is to get your child accidentally burned by hot water. 

Set your thermostat to 120°F or lower to prevent scalding. If you use a handheld shower, use the one with temperature and hot/cold controls. It’s a simple way to childproof your bathroom​. 

6. Use A Childproof Handle Lock for Bathroom and Sink Faucets 

Use childproof handle locks for your bathroom and sink faucets. These locks fit over faucet handles and restrict how far they can turn. It prevents your child from accidentally turning on the hot water or flooding your bathtub or sink.

Moreover, use faucet covers and spout guards. Faucet edges and spouts can be hard and sharp, which may lead to bruises and cuts. But these soft covers can protect your child from bumps and bruises. Both these solutions are low-cost and easy to install.

7. Make Your Bathtub Safe and Comfortable 

If you’ve a bathtub, your child will love spending time in it. In other words, you’ll need to make it safe and comfortable for your little one. First, add a non-slip mat or apply slip-resistant decals inside the tub to prevent slips and falls.

Second, add a step or a stool around the tub so your child can get in and out safely. Moreover, a childproof bathtub shouldn’t have sharp edges or polished surfaces. Adding a bathtub spout guard and a temperature-regulating valve will keep the water temperature at a safe level.

8. Install Grab Bars and Handrails 

Installing grab bars and handrails is not limited to only senior-friendly bathrooms. Your little one can benefit from this extra support in the bathroom. To childproof your bathroom, add grab bars or handrails near the toilet, tub, or shower area.

9. Turn Your Bathtub into a Walk-In Shower 

Bathtubs are a great choice if you’ve young toddlers or babies, but walk-in showers are much safer and spacious once your kids grow up. So, our next childproofing tip is to consider converting your bathtub into a walk-in shower.

The walk-in shower should be large enough for you and your child to fit in. While doing this remodel, add slip-resistant flooring and built-in benches to your shower. You can consult a bathroom remodeling contractor to make these changes, depending on your needs. 

10. Don’t Ignore Good Ventilation 

Good ventilation is another easy way of childproofing your bathroom. Moisture buildup during the showers and baths leads to slippery and wet floors. Open a window or install a window to remove moisture from your bathroom and keep it dry. 

11. Add Enough Lighting 

Our final childproofing tip is to add enough lighting because it prevents you and your child from accidents. Keep the lighting bright enough so you can easily see wet spots or small objects your little one might trip over or grab.

Natural light is equally beneficial. Adding a window or a skylight can help you get enough sunlight during the day. Do consider this when childproofing your bathroom. 

Childproof Your Bathroom the Right Way 

This is how you childproof your bathroom. It all starts with thoughtful planning, which involves protecting your child from sharp corners, slippery surfaces, wet floors, and open toilets. The best way to childproof your bathroom is to use a combination of permanent and DIY quick fixes. That’s where consulting a bathroom remodel contractor can help. 

If you live in Salt Lake City or Provo, Lifespan Bath Remodel is here to help. We can make structural changes to help childproof your bathroom. 

Call (801) 532-2000 or contact us online to get the ball rolling.