Kids in the Bath! Creating a Child-Friendly Bathroom
Let's face it; most kids do not love the idea of bath time, so it is up to Mom and Dad to provide a fun and safe environment that will make the process as painless as possible. This is also the room where plenty of learning will be taking place; from potty training to learning independence in tasks like washing hands and brushing teeth. When it comes to kids in the bath, adults need to make sure that this room is easily accessible and functional for the smaller people in the home, and that it is a completely safe haven for these munchkins to spend time in.
With Safety in Mind
There are many hidden dangers that can be lurking for kids in the bath, so child-proofing this room is a key to your children's safety. First, move bathroom cleaners out of the cabinet under the sink to a high shelf in the linen closet for safe storage. Turn your water heater down, so scalding water does not come out of the faucet to burn your child. Place skid proof mats both in and out of the tub to prevent slipping during bath time. Add a stool so your child can reach the essentials, to reduce the temptation to climb.
Since a bright bathroom will be much safer than a dark one, there are options you can install if your kids are not quite tall enough to reach the light switch. One solution is to install a motion sensor so the lights automatically come on when your child enters the bathroom. Along the same lines, you can install a hands-free faucet that will go on at a predetermined temperature when your kids put their hands underneath, and go off when their hands are removed. Not only will you prevent climbing; you may also save significantly on your water bill!
Storage Solutions
When you have kids in the bath, you are bound to have plenty of tub toys to grapple with. Storage becomes a problem with kids in the bath, but there are plenty of storage solutions that will keep those rooms neat and clutter-free. Start with a floor unit that includes a narrow cabinet, shelves and baskets or drawers. If possible, give each child his own drawer or basket to keep his own toys and accessories in. To keep the tub tidy, you can find mesh pockets that will hang from the side of the tub with suction cups. Simply toss the wet toys inside and they will be dry and clean for the next tub day.
When you have kids in the bath, you need to think safety and storage to keep that room tidy and easy for little ones to use. With a bit of advanced planning, you will have a child-friendly bath that the entire family will enjoy using.
