Whether they’re bathing in the sink or splashing around in the tub, kids love to be in the water. Unfortunately, though, the bathroom can be a very dangerous place for children — which means it’s critical to take a few essential safety measures. To keep your kids protected, follow these seven bathroom safety tips.
1. Never Leave Your Little One Alone in the Bath
Did you know that younger children can drown in only a few inches of water? That’s right — even when the bathtub is less than one-fourth full, your kid is still in danger of drowning. Never leave her alone in the bath, even if it’s only for a few seconds. If you can’t ignore the doorbell or the phone, wrap her in a towel and take her along with you. And remember: never leave water in the bathtub when it’s not in use.
2. Keep the Floor Fully Dry
A slippery bathroom floor can be extremely dangerous for your child, so it’s important to never leave the floor wet or damp as it poses a high risk of injury. If there is any leak in the bathroom, call in a specialist like John C. Flood to investigate and fix it. Another great recommendation is to install non-slip strips around the bathtub, since this is an area prone to extra wetness.
3. Put Cushioned Covers Over Water Faucets
Steel water faucets are also quite dangerous. They can cause severe injury to your kid if he bumps into them, either while in the bathtub or when playing in the bathroom. Consider installing cushioned covers over them to help minimize injury and make the bathroom a safer place for your child.
4. Always Close the Toilet Lid
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For many toddlers, the toilet may appear fun and interesting, but there’s a high chance that they might accidentally fall in while playing. It’s best to keep the lid of the toilet closed at all times of the day and night so this risk is reduced to a minimum. You might also want to get a toilet lid lock to keep it closed while you’re not around.
5. Keep Hazardous Objects Out of Reach
A curious three-year-old who plays in the bathroom will probably find your razor blade quite interesting. The beautiful design of the shampoo bottle might also be very attractive — and if it happens to be a fruity one, he might even try to taste it. Keep all hazardous objects out of your kid’s reach. If needed, consider installing top shelves that your little one cannot access. Or, invest in locks that prevent him from touching and playing with any of the dangerous objects in the bathroom.
6. Don’t Leave Hot Tools Unattended
If you actively use hot tools such as the blow dryer, curling iron or flat iron, then you’ll want to be extra careful when your child is around. Don’t leave any of these unattended for a second (even just to answer the phone), as they pose a high risk for burns. The best thing to do is to keep all electronic items unplugged when your child is around, and especially when he’s in the bathroom.
7. Use an Anti-Scald Valve
Using faucets is child’s play — literally. Sadly, faucets can cause injuries to your kid, especially if he accidentally runs the water too hot. To prevent burns and scalding, keep the temperature on the water heater set below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. As an additional safety measure, install anti-scald valves that prevent the water from going above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is your bathroom in need of remodeling beyond these seven bathroom safety tips? The experts at John C. Flood would love to help! Call us at 703-214-5611 for same day service today!
