Bathroom Safety Tips
Read these 22 Bathroom Safety Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Child Safety Products tips and hundreds of other topics.
Splash Guard
When it's bath time at your house, does most of the water usually end up out of the tub and on the floor? This means that by the end of the bath, your floor is a slippery mess and could be very dangerous. Bathroom falls are a serious concern, but a bathtub splash guard is a bathroom safety product that can make a real difference for you and your children. There are different versions of splash guards, but one practical model uses suction cups to hold up a plastic shield or wall in place above the tub. While this provides a barrier to keep the water where it belongs, it also remains very flexible so you can reach your hand in at any time. For children old enough to take a shower, there are also models that look like modified brackets to hold your shower curtain in place so the water doesn't splash around it. No matter what style you choose, a splash guard is a bathtub safety product that will not only make your bathroom safer, but in the process can also save your floor and your walls from water damage.
The Other Rings In The Tub...
It's inevitable:
You finally get the kid in the bath and the phone rings. Perhaps the number one rule of bathroom safety is to never leave a young child in the bath or shower without your supervision.
If you have to answer the phone or the door, wrap your child in a towel. This will prevent your child from catching cold -- not to mention dripping all over the house!
Take your child with you to the telephone or door, even if it's a quick conversation you need to have. It only takes a second for a child to get injured or even drown. The extra steps of getting him/her out of the tub are well worth the alternatives!
Doorknob Cover
For just a few dollars, you can kick your bathroom safety regime up a notch by installing doorknob covers. This children's safety product is a plastic mold that goes over your doorknob and makes it difficult for most toddlers' little hands to open it. This can be an important way to keep your children from entering the bathroom without your supervision. You can also use a doorknob cover on your bathroom closet to restrict access to cleaning products, prescription and over-the-counter medications and other potentially dangerous substances. There are different door knob cover brands and styles available, so be sure to select one that fits your doors and is sturdy enough not to break. Also make sure all of the adults in your home can easily open the knob themselves in case of an emergency.
Potty Seat
If your little one is learning how to use the toilet, you might consider investing in a potty seat to make this process easier. These inexpensive bathroom safety products, which cost in the range of $25 or less, are proportioned for young children and can provide comfort and safety for them that could be missing on your adult-sized toilet. There are many stand-alone plastic potty models to choose from, and some come with extra features that are sure to entice your child. For instance, one popular potty design plays a recorded message when your child is successful, others make a flushing sound at the push of a button, and there is also a musical potty that is shaped like a throne. In addition, some potty seats featuring popular television characters. Most potty seats have a removable bowl that you can easily empty and clean. The most important thing to remember is that the potty must sit securely on the floor so it won't tip easily. For parents who prefer to have their child sit on the adult toilet right from the beginning, there are also toilet training seats you could use instead of a stand-alone potty. These seats are plastic or cushioned inserts that fit on the adult seat and keep your child from falling in. A folding training seat model is also great for taking with you when you travel to protect your child from germs. For any youngster who is learning to get out of diapers, a potty or training seat is an essential children's bathroom safety product, both at home and on the road.
Baby Shampoo
Baby shampoos are very mild formulas that are made specifically for the very sensitive eyes of infants and young children, and generally won't irritate them the way an adult shampoo could. This is important, since if your baby gets upset in the tub, he or she could fling around and be in danger of slipping. Some baby shampoos come in soothing scents to help your child relax and help them get ready for bed. Better yet, this children's safety product can also be used by older children and adults. Shop around for a kind you like and read labels to look for natural ingredients.
Water, Water Everywhere...
A key component to children's bathroom safety is keeping water where it belongs...and at the right temperature. Sloshing around in the bath is fun, but be sure to stay diligent about mopping up any spills. Even a small one can result in your child or you slipping. Also, lower the temperature of your home water heater to 120°F. Test the water with your elbow, wrist or a bath thermometer before putting your child in the bathtub. Maximum safe temperatures are between 90 and 100°F. The best temperature is 96°F.
Protect Yourself in the Bathroom, Too!
Here's something you may not have considered. Adults are also at risk for injury during baby's bath time. Besides the obvious concern for slipping in spilled water, there is also the added stress on your knees and back from bending over the tub to bathe your child. There are safety products designed with this in mind. Padded benches and soft rubber kneeling mats can be extremely effective in preventing injuries...and make bath time a lot more fun for you as well!
Bath Thermometer
How hot is your baby's bathtub water? Bath thermometers take the guesswork out of answering this question. Since young children are very sensitive to temperatures, it is essential that the water not be too warm for them. Some children's bath thermometers are contained in cute plastic shapes such as ducks or boats, allowing this essential children's safety product to also do double duty as a favorite bath toy. Usually these thermometers work by floating on the surface of the tub for 20 to 30 seconds before giving a reading. If the water is in the safe range, which is between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius, a black temperature strip on the bottom of the toy should turn color. If the strip remains dark, however, the water temperature is too hot or too cold. While children's bath thermometers are a necessity for houses with babies and young children, when it comes to bathtub safety, don't rely on this method alone without also using your own judgment. Always also stick your hand in the tub to confirm that the water feels right to your touch before allowing your child to get in. You can also look for baby bathtubs that have a temperature strip built right in.
Window Wedge
If your child likes to climb and explore, the windows in your bathroom could pose a hazard. That's why a window wedge is an essential children's safety product you can't do without. A window wedge uses adhesive to stick to your window and hold it at the height you desire. Your child won't be able to slide it further, which will prevent him or her from falling out or climbing out. In addition, the wedge is an important bathroom safety product that helps keep the window from closing on little fingers. You can use the wedges on either double hung or sliding windows, and they work with either vertical or horizontal openings. The best part is that when you are done using the wedge, simply peel it off and your paint will be unharmed.
Disposable Toilet Seat Covers
Bathroom safety shouldn't stop when you leave home. In fact, public restrooms can be full of germs and other hazards. But with disposable toilet seat covers, you can arm your children with an important bathroom safety product that will help keep them clean and germ-free. For convenience, stick a few travel toilet seat covers in your bag and take them out when your child needs to use a bathroom outside of your house. Most of these covers stay in place with an adhesive and cover the seat of the toilet, which could be dirty or wet. In this way, there is an important barrier to keep your child's skin from touching the offending area. When your child is through, simply unstick the cover and throw it away.
Baby Tubs: Fun and Functional!
* Has your baby has outgrown the kitchen sink for his/her baths?
* Is s/he still too small for the big tub?
Inflatable baby tubs are a great solution. Measuring around 27' x 17", they fit right inside your home tub, and have suction cups that stick firmly to the tub floor.
Infants are able to sit up, snuggled against the walls of the bath. They give infants and toddlers a secure space to bathe and shampoo. They're prefect for travel, too!
Basic Bathroom Safety Products
There are a number of indispensable bathroom safety products every parent should know about. Tub mats are ideal for keeping small children from slipping in the bath. An alternative to these are adhesive pads that stick to the bottom of the tub. Use drain covers and faucet covers to prevent the child from banging against the metal units. The latter product also assists in making sure your child does not turn on the faucets by mistake, risking scalding by hot water.
Simple Bathroom Safety: Cover The Lid!
Looking for a simple bathroom safety product? Since one of the biggest dangers in the bathroom is water, one of the most important safety items in your bathroom is a cover clamp for your toilet. This simple device snaps the lid of the toilet shut.
This product will keep curious kids from lifting the seat and exposing themselves to a potential drowning hazard. Not to worry, though, the clamp is easily lifted by more adept, adult hands!
Skeleton Key
What would you do if you child locked him or herself in the bathroom? With a skeleton key on hand, all you'd have to do in this situation is to turn the key to open the door in seconds. This is an important child safety product that offers a way to help protect your child's safety and at the same time, will provide you with peace of mind. The main thing is to make sure in advance that the skeleton key fits in your door lock so you are prepared in case you ever should need it. It is also a good idea to have two copies of the spare key, one you keep inside the bathroom and one you store outside of the room. Just make sure everyone in your family knows where they are. Also keep in mind that if a skeleton key won't work with your door, you can also have a custom spare key made. Or, if nothing else is effective, try disengaging your lock so your children can't use it. This is a very simple way to take bathroom safety to the next step!
Child Safety Caps
While your bathroom may be small, it is packed with potential dangers for babies and young children. For instance, your prescription medications could cause serious illness -- or even death -- if they got into your youngster's hands. That's why a child safety cap is an important bathroom safety product that pharmacies can put on all of your prescription medications. These special plastic caps screw onto pill bottles and liquid medication bottles and make them more difficult to open than regular caps because you have to push down on the lid at the same time that you rotate it. Many young children don't have the strength or ability to coordinate this process, so even if they got hold of your prescriptions, they would likely not be able to open them. However, some determined youngsters have figured out the system, so don't rely on child-resistant caps alone when it comes to keeping your children safe. Always store all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs and vitamins, hair and body products, cleaners and other poisonous substances in a locked cabinet in your bathroom or stow them away out of sight, on a top shelf in your bathroom closet. This is an easy, but important, way to ensure bathroom safety.
Step Stool
Step stools are great children's bathroom safety products that make it easy for young children to be more independent. Select from one of the many stool styles available so your child can reach to brush his or her own teeth, step up to the potty or reach for a towel without help. Children's step stools come in a variety of materials, including plastic and wood, and the array of designs spans a wide range-- from animals to cartoon characters and shapes – so there is sure to be one that appeals to your child's interests. For toddlers and pre-schoolers, be sure to pick a style that is low to the ground, so it will be easy for them to access safely. If space is limited in your bathroom, look for a stool that has a drawer underneath or folds up. By using this product, your child won't have to stretch to reach things and your bathroom will be safer as a result.
Bath Seat
To make bath time safe and enjoyable for your little one, try using a bath seat. This child safety product is an option for babies who are too big for their infant tub. In order to use a bath seat, your baby has to have enough control to sit up alone. The bath seat provides a secure way to keep your baby in the sitting position. However, while bath seats give your baby added support, keep in mind that they are no substitute for adult supervision. Therefore, always keep your baby within arm's reach and be on the lookout for tipping to ensure bathtub safety. Be sure to avoid older bath seat models that attach with suction cups and have larger leg holes, which could be hazardous for your baby. The newer models have more safety features, including a T-bar that goes between the baby's leg, and they attach with an arm that fits over the side of the tub (these don't work on sunken tubs, though). Always be sure that the clamp fits the thickness of your tub for safety. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation directions completely and test the product for safety yourself. Look for models that seem well made and have no sharp edges and look like the right size for your baby. You might also opt for a style that comes with bath toys attached, to entertain your child while bathing. Regularly check child safety product recall lists to make sure the model you select has not been recalled. Bath seats have been controversial since they do pose some risks, but when used correctly and carefully, they can be a step in your bathroom safety routine.
Adult Products and Kids' Safety in the Bathroom
Keep all adult toiletries (medicines, razors, cosmetics, mouthwash, etc.) out of reach of children in cabinets with safety locks. If at all possible, do not use electrical appliances like hair dryers in the bathroom. Doing so increases the possibility of electric shock. If you must use such items in the bathroom, have special wall sockets installed that will minimize the risk of shock. Be sure to unplug these appliances immediately after use. Store them in drawers or linen closets whenever possible, out of the reach of children.
Bathtub Safety Rail
Young children can benefit from the security bathroom safety rails provide as they step in and out of your slippery tub. Some of the simplest versions that are good for kids consist of plastic handles that self-install easily to the side of the tub without tools. It is important when selecting a rail to make sure that it locks into place and won't move when you lean on it. Also look for one that has a no-slip texture for the grip. The best part of most safety rails is that they can be removed, and reattached again, in seconds, without damaging your tub's finish. So with very little effort, bathtub safety rails can make your bathroom safety strategy better than ever.
Baby Tub
Your bathtub may be just the right size for you, but for a baby, it could feel too large and overwhelming. It can also be hard to keep a small baby, who doesn't have full muscle control yet, from slipping in your tub. That's why many parents purchase infant or baby tubs, which are an important children's safety product. Some models can be used either right inside your bathtub, or as a stand-alone option. Other infant tubs can even rest right across the top of your top, so you don't have to stoop to bathe your baby. Infant bathtubs usually have a reclined seat that props your baby up to make it easy for you to clean him or her. Whatever tub you select, however, never leave your child unattended. This is a bathtub safety must.
Antibacterial Hand Sanitizers
Keep germs at bay with the help of an antibacterial hand sanitizer. This popular children's safety product provides an easy way to keep bacteria from spreading throughout your household. The cleaner, which works without water, strips away the skin's outer layer of oil to prevent bacteria there. This is a good way to keep your family well and should be included in your household bathroom safety strategy. But keep in mind that while sanitizing your hands this way on the go is convenient, when at home, doing this alone is just not enough. According to the latest guidelines by the Food and Drug Administration, hand sanitizers should not take the place of regularly using soap and water. Therefore, whenever possible, make sure that everyone in your family not only uses an antibacterial hand sanitizer but also washes his or her hands thoroughly as well. In this way, you will cover all of your bases and make your bathroom a cleaner, safer place.
No Skid Mat
Keep your children on their feet with a little help from a no-skid mat. This is a bathroom safety product that can work in the tub as well as outside the tub. Look for a waterproof version that attaches with adhesive or suction cups to use inside the tub. This bathtub safety must should be durable and be made of plastic, vinyl or another fabric that will resist dirt, mildew and peeling over time. Some tub mats offer are cushiony to add extra comfort for sitting down, but make sure they will also be safe to stand on. For stepping out of the tub, select a no-skid bath rug or mat that can absorb water and won't get moldy. Foam is a good material for tub-side mats, since it is very absorbent and dries quickly and doesn't grow fungus. This eliminates the need to wash it constantly. In addition to keeping your children safe, this bathroom safety product will also come in handy for the rest of the family as well.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Joe Wallace |
