Keeping up with kids can be hard work. While as parents we’ve developed eyes in the back of our head to keep up with little ones, it only takes a minute for them to wander off and get themselves into trouble. The bathroom is home to a number of hazards, so it’s one room to be particularly safety conscious off. Here’s how you can go about it.
Use a Toilet Lock
Children have been known to throw things down the toilet and cause all kinds of problems! If you don’t fancy an overflowing toilet and water flowing through the floor and into the downstairs ceiling get yourself a toilet lock. Another reason these can be useful is it stops young children playing near it or putting their hands into it. They’re going to be met with either cleaning chemicals or bacteria, both of which can be very dangerous.
Keep Medicines and Cleaning Products Locked Away
The bathroom is a particularly hazardous room as it’s where we tend to keep medication. Even if you have a medicine cabinet, a curious child might climb up onto the toilet or sink- it seems like a stretch but these kinds of accidents happen every single day. Keep medicines well out of reach of children, at the very least put a childproof cupboard lock to keep mischievous little hands out. The same applies to cleaning products, many of us keep things like bleach and disinfectant next to the toilet or in a low down cupboard. Again cupboard locks can be useful here or put them so they’re well out of the way. All it takes is a few minutes alone for a child to get into something they shouldn’t have.
Don’t Use Appliances in The Bathroom
As adults we know that water and electricity don’t mix, and can be careful enough to ensure the two don’t come into contact. However children are a whole different matter, and this could make for a very dangerous accident. Your best bet is to follow the UK’s example and not have electrical appliances at all in the bathroom. Keep straighteners and blow dryers in your bedroom, well away from water. Don’t be tempted to use things like plug in heaters in the bathroom, heated towel rails are the way to go. They will warm the room, as well as make your towels toasty for when you get out.
Use Window Locks
Ideally you should have window locks on all of your windows. Around five thousand kids in the US fall out of windows each year so it’s something to be extra conscious of. The bathroom may be one room you have overlooked, be sure that it’s as safe as the other windows in your home.
Put a Lock on The Outside
If you’re still worried, a simple bolt on the outside (at the top so children can’t reach up and open it) will stop them from getting in there completely. If you live in a busy family home with people in and out often this might not be practical, but it could be suitable in some cases. You will just need to get into the habit of locking the door each time you leave the bathroom. And follow the advice above too, just in case it accidentally gets left open.
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