Anyone who lives in a household with children knows how difficult it is to make the rooms child-safe. Certain safety rules also apply in the bathroom. If you want to design your bathroom so that it is child-friendly, you should focus on two aspects: safety for the children and furniture that is easy to clean.
If you are setting up a bathtub specifically for children, then remember to design the room in such a way that your children feel comfortable around it - perhaps they suddenly wash their hands quite voluntarily.
Selection of other equipment
When designing a baby-proof bathroom, you can install floor mats around the bathtub - so that your little warrior does not slip out on his way to wash. Baby steps help your child walk confidently in her bathtub.
In the bathroom should also be a low mirror for the child - especially if you do not want to wash their hair in front of the tub or shower. For this purpose, almost any suitable corner shelf will work just fine and is easy to clean.
If you want to design an extravagant baby-safe bathtub then feel free to browse several online stores that provide information on various bathtubs and accessory products for kids and infants. If you need more ideas than what's presented here then I strongly suggest checking out those sites as they offer tons of great insight into creating the perfect playroom!
How to choose a good bathtub?
If you are planning to "baby-proof" the bathroom, then the first step should be choosing a suitable bathtub for children. If you are looking for one, make sure that it is easy to clean and does not have any parts your child could easily take apart or lose.
You can find many different products on the market - from simple plastic tubs with handles for small hands to beautiful resin models with colorful characters. Just try out what feels good to your family.
The best would certainly be if Baby could wash himself in his own bathtub, but this option is only possible after he's learned to walk well. So the next alternative is a dog shower, which will allow washing even at night or when parents do not have time.
The second best option is a bathtub for children that has only the basics: A simple tub with a drain and a few protective walls around it. You can also choose a small shower, which will save you space and will not take up too much of your budget.
You can even build your own bathtub from old kitchen cabinets or wood pallets. This variant does not need to be beautiful, but it should be cheap and easy to clean.
Child-safe fittings for bathtubs and showers
Sometimes it's just too fast. A small push, a movement of the arm - and hot water shoot out of the bath mixer.
Single-lever mixers with safety locks can prevent such accidents. Indispensable in child-safe bathtubs: Faucets with hot water locks and bath thermostats. In the shower, the shower mixer provides protection against scalding.
The choice of central heating is also important. If you are planning to use radiators, make sure they are connected to the thermostat. If this is not the case, make sure there is at least one control rod available.
Water supply and sewer connections should be protected against unintended opening by children using child-safe catches or caps with simple push buttons that need adult force to open them.
The temperature for the hot water in the bathtub should be freely selected
Hot water barriers that are permanently installed in the faucet are usually set to 38 degrees. Children and adults feel comfortable at this temperature. Electronically controlled fittings for bathtubs and showers are individually adaptable, safe, and easy to use.
With the electronic mixer, the desired temperature can be set in next to no time - and the child safety device is locked with a click. For children under six, it is best to opt for a bathtub with no shower. The little ones can quickly get into difficulties in the bathtub with water-saving showerheads.
Modern child-safe bathtubs have special anti-slip surfaces on the floor of the tub and at the bottom rim of the bath. A one-hole faucet makes it easier for small children to reach out for the handles or valves on their own.
Bathtub fittings that do not get hot
When choosing a childproof tap, make sure that children cannot burn themselves on the surface of the tap. This is ensured, for example, by the cool touch technology in the bath and shower thermostats.
Make bathtubs shockproof and slip-proof
Splash, splash, have fun: children like to bathe together - let off steam in the tub. Small accidents included. Inflatable bumpers, which can be easily removed and stowed away after bathing, protect against knocks on the fittings.
Spout protectors
Bathtub spouts can be covered with leg protectors without problems.
A flat bottom and a low step out of the bathtub allow safe access for children. In addition, you should also choose a tub that does not have rounded edges. Children's feet slip off them with little effort. The best is an anti-slip surface on the bath floor or on the rim of the tub.
In addition to conventional underfloor heating, radiant floors are also recommended in a child-safe bathroom. This allows caring individuals to turn off hot water in a jiffy if a small hand gets burned accidentally. A radiator valve with independent control makes this possible - even from another room via remote control or via a smartphone app.
Bath toys for your baby
The right accessories are always good, but what does the baby really need?
First of all, it depends on your preferences whether you buy him or her bath scales or a rubber duck. To make sure that the water in the tub is not too hot for your child, thermometers are often used. For babies, under six months it is best to take the temperature of the room with a digital ear thermometer.
Once you have taken these precautions, everything that follows should be a pure pleasure: Bubble wands and suction cups - perfect for children who enjoy baths more than showers - are fun for toddlers to play with during their nightly bath routine.
They can also learn how to properly work with soap foam while playing. It's simple: Put the soap in the shower cap and let them go.
Bubble wands, rubber ducks, and similar bath toys are not bad, but you should also think about a few more things. In addition to the temperature, water hardness is important as well as the quality of the bathtub surface. The better these properties are, the less dirt will accumulate on your baby's skin.
Bath Kneedler, bath pillow, rubber rings, and similar products are a must in the early months. Bath toys that stick to the body can help your child in difficult situations when you cannot quickly come to his rescue from another room.
Safety instructions for children in the bathtub
However, you should not only pay attention to child-friendly furnishings but also take the necessary safety measures to make the bathroom a safe space for your child. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Always unplug electrical appliances such as curling irons when they are not in use. Move dangerous objects such as scissors out of the reach of children.
- Attach a toilet lock when you use our toilet fresheners so that your child cannot get their hands on it.
- Check the water temperature and install an anti-scald device in the bathroom.
- Lock cupboards where medicines or cleaning supplies are stored, or install child safety locks.
- Attach anti-slip pads in the bathtub and shower to keep your child from slipping while bathing.
- Do not place decorative elements made of glass or other fragile materials in the bathroom.
- Do not leave your child alone in the bathroom, especially when bathing or when the water is running.
General tips on how to bath your baby
Cleansing bath: Fill the tub with warm water and add a bit of baby soap if desired. Regularly disinfect both the front and rear end of your baby, especially in the creases. This will prevent diaper rash. Rinse well.
Draining bath: In this type of bath, you rinse the dirt off your child under cold water from head to toe. Use a soft brush or comb for gentle stimulation of their scalp and hair while rinsing. Rinse well.
Shampooing bath: This is especially important in the first few months of your baby's life. Allow only a small amount of shampoo into their scalp, as this can damage the eyes later if it gets inside. Rinse well.
Wet towel with warm water and dry your child carefully with a soft towel or microfibre cloth. You can also use a hairdryer on the "breeze" setting to prevent over-drying.
Bottom line
Most children like to play in the water and sometimes make a mess. With the above tips and tricks for a child-friendly bathroom, you can ensure that your child enjoys bathing and that you don't have so much work afterward.