Creating a Child Friendly Bathroom
It’s often said that having children turns your life upside down, and that’s certainly true when it comes to your home. Smaller members of the family have to be taken into consideration when designing your home, especially in the bathroom or kitchen. So what do you need to think about when planning the ultimate child-friendly bathroom?
Thermostatic Controls
One of the most important features for any bathroom with children is thermostatic controls. These are most common on showers, and are designed to keep water flowing at a constant temperature. If there’s a problem with the cold water supply, the water will shut off rather than run hot, and potentially scald whoever is standing under the shower. You can also get thermostatic controls for mixer taps on baths and sinks. Smaller children should of course always be supervised while in the bath or shower.
Flooring
Smaller children aren’t known for their tidiness, and splashes on the floor are commonplace when bathing. It’s really important to have non-slip flooring in the bathroom. There is a very wide range of options, from textured tiles, to wood effect vinyl and even rubber, sold in a wide range of vibrant colours. Try to manage without a bath mat as these can add to the slipping risk. Teach the kids to dry themselves off inside the bath or the shower, before stepping out onto the floor.
Shower Enclosures and Bath Screens
By law, all shower screens and enclosures have to be made with safety glass which is at least 4mm thick. Many manufacturers go further though, and offer screens made with 6mm or 8mm thick glass. Opting for a thicker glass can provide some extra peace of mind when the space is being used by children.
Storage
Kids come with a whole heap of extra bathing accessories, from toothbrushes to bath toys and hooded towels. If you don’t want piles of bath toys cluttering up your bathroom, get some effective storage to keep it all hidden out of sight. A good choice is a free-standing storage unit with baskets which can be pulled out. This style of storage is easy to use for children, and makes tidying up simple too.
Colour and Design
If the bathroom is being used by the whole family, then it doesn’t make sense to design it purely for the needs of the children. However, if your kids are reluctant to take a bath or a shower, you can make the process more enjoyable by using stickers or bright artwork in the bathroom. These sorts of things are easily removed once the children grow past the awkward stage and no longer need persuading to get into the tub.
Get A Step
One of the most useful gadgets for a family bathroom is a small step. These cost less than £5 but will allow your child to develop independence by washing their own hands or brushing their own teeth without needing a parent to help. Keep the step under the sink so the children can access it themselves.
