So you’re done with the nursery, and you’ve baby-proofed the master’s bedroom and the rest of the house.
But with so many risks and hazards in the bathroom, where do you even start?
What are the biggest dangers you should be worried about?
And how do you do a final sweep when you’re done?
A bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms for an innocent young child! We’ve got everything you need and more right here!
How to Baby Proof Bathroom Doors
The very first step of keeping your baby safe in the bathroom is not letting them inside the room in the first place (unless it’s bath time).
Mommies, do NOT keep the door open!
Here’s how to do it:
#1 Put Up a Sign
Lock the bathroom door and put up a sign reminding people to keep it locked.
It might take a while to get used to locking the bathroom after every use, so make sure there’s always a little reminder.
The sign will also help remind your guests to keep your baby out of the bathroom.
#2 Install a Baby Gate
You’ve probably installed a baby gate in other parts of the house, like the kitchen door and the nursery.
So why not put another one for your bathroom door?
A baby gate gives you an extra layer of protection just in case someone forgets to lock the door behind them.
It also makes the bathroom easy to access for parents since you can just walk over it.
Some childproof fireplace screens also qualify as baby gates, so you might want to consider getting those to make the most out of them.
#3 Add a Door Latch
If you don’t want to use a baby gate, you can also just put a door latch or a hook and eye lock.
Having a latch in sight will also remind you to lock it at ALL times.
How to Baby Proof Bathroom Sinks
Sinks are usually baby-proof since they’re too high for a baby to reach.
But if you have older kids who use a step ladder to reach the sink, eventually, your baby will figure out how to climb it (especially if they can see how their older siblings are using it).
#1 Remove the Step Ladder
Your older kid doesn’t have to completely do away with their step ladder, but maybe you could replace their solid plastic one with a foldable alternative.
This way, you can fold it after every use and stow it away to keep your baby from accessing it.
#2 Clean the Underside of the Sink
We sometimes forget to clean the underside of our sinks since we never touch it anyway.
But if your baby reaches up from the floor, they will get their hands on it and touch all the grimy stuff living there. Eww!
So make sure to clean every nook and cranny because everything your baby can reach-they will explore with their hands.
#3 Empty the Sinks
If you ever happen to fill the sink, make sure that you pull the plug after using it.
Although your baby reaching the sink will be unlikely if you have already safely stowed away the step ladder. But just as an extra measure of safety, drain all the water RIGHT AFTER you use it.
The same goes for your bathtub, which poses a greater drowning risk.
Babyproofing Bathroom Faucet
You might think faucets do not pose a threat to your little one, but it still has a few hidden dangers up their sleeve.
From bumping their little heads or backs to getting scalded by the hot water temperature, getting a spout cover will prevent burns for your baby and also your other small children in the house.
Babyproofing Your Toilet Bowl
Every parent’s nightmare is finding their child playing with the toilet.
#1 Child Proof Toilet Brush
You don’t want to enter the bathroom and find your baby holding or even gnawing on the toilet brush. And then rushing to the doctor, all because the brush is within your child’s reach.
So what’s the solution? You can choose to either hide away the toilet brush when not in use or get a child-proof toilet brush!
A child-proof toilet brush is stored in a container that you have to twist to open. It’s not only safe, but it’s also odorless and more hygienic.
#2 Toilet Safety Latch
The only thing more disgusting than the toilet brush is the toilet bowl itself. Toddlers find toilets extra enticing because it’s the perfect play area for their height!
Toilets will give them ample opportunity to try out hazards from drinking toilet water to putting their favorite toys in it. And although highly unlikely, they could also fall inside and drown.
That’s where a handy toilet lock comes in!
Try some toilet seat locks for the toilet lid to ensure the bathroom is still a safe place for your kids.
Just let everyone in the family know how to use it and remind them to lock it after every use.
A sign might also be helpful here! Put up a gentle reminder just above the toilet so no one will ever forget.
#3 Toilet Paper
A toilet roll doesn’t pose as much threat to your little one as other things in your bathroom, but it’s still very attractive to toddlers.
You don’t want to lose all your toilet paper to your toddler unraveling the entire toilet roll and running all around the house.
Fortunately, the simple solution is placing it inside the bathroom cabinet or in a high place that your toddler will not reach. You could also get a toilet paper lock.
Babyproofing Bathroom Cabinets & Counters
Let’s start with the bathroom cabinets:
Cabinets
If you haven’t noticed yet, most bathroom things that pose a risk to your child are advised to be hidden or kept locked.
Start with storing these things inside:
- Sharp objects like nail clippers and razors
- Your electronics, especially heating products like your curling iron and blow dryer
- Anything with long cords
- Soaps, shampoos, and other bath products
- Medicines
- Cleaning supplies and solutions
And then don’t forget to always have a LOCKED cabinet for safety!
If you have a linen closet inside your bathroom, make sure to keep that closet locked too.
Counters
#1 Keep Your Bathroom Counters Empty
NEVER leave anything on it, especially electronics and sharp objects. Not having anything on the counters will prevent injuries and potential hazards since nothing can fall down and hurt them.
It also removes the temptation for them to attempt to climb it.
Keep EVERYTHING stowed away in the cabinets!
#2 Unplug Everything
What if you’re in the middle of styling your hair, and you suddenly need to attend to something outside the bathroom?
Unplug the electronics and place them somewhere high!
While you’re at it, cover all electrical outlets too to discourage your child from putting their curious little fingers inside.
#3 Make Sure There Aren’t Any Dangling Wires
Your little one may not be able to reach the counter itself, but even toddlers can reach the cords and pull the hot styling tools down to them, causing burns and scalding.
#4 Take Care of Sharp Corners
Get some corner guards to ensure the safety of your kids from hitting their heads on the sharp counter corners. It will also help prevent scratches and wounds, even for adults!
This goes for the rest of the corners in the room, too, if there are any.
Child Proofing Your Bathtub
This is one of the major things in your bathroom in need of baby-proofing.
#1 Keep the Bath Tub Empty
Keeping the bath tub empty when not in use eliminates the drowning hazard for them. Even if your child manages to get in, they won’t drown if there is no standing water inside in the first place.
#2 Install a Non-Slip Mat in the Tub
Another way to prevent injuries when leaving the bathroom unsupervised is to prevent slips in the tub.
If your child manages to get in the tub, the presence of a non-slip mat will give them a layer of safety.
This will also keep bath time safe for your older children and other adults in the family!
#3 Clean Meticulously
Once they are inside the tub, your child will go around exploring. One thing you do not want them to do is to lick the remains of your Very Berry Strawberry bubble bath in the drains…
The bath tub will have so many enticing (and yummy) scents that will attract your babies. They might be imagining a candy corner inside with all the sweet scents.
So clean every nook and cranny right after each use!
#4 Hide Their Bath Time Toys
Leaving their bath time rubber duckies and swimming fish bath toys on display or just right there by your tub is basically the same as inviting them over to play inside.
Remember to keep bath toys out of sight when it is not bath time!
#5 Cover
Of course, you can prevent all of these incidents if your child has no access to the bathtub in the first place.
Consider getting a lid or installing a partition around the bathtub.
Baby Proofing Your Bathroom Floor
Place non-slip mats on the floor, especially in areas that are always wet like by the counters, around the toilet bowl, and by the tub.
Baby Proofing Your Bathroom Trash Can
Your bathroom garbage is another very attractive mystery to your toddler.
Make sure your trash can has a child-safe lid, or keep it out of your child’s reach by placing it in another locked cabinet.
You could also get rid of the trash can problem entirely by not having a trash can in the bathroom at all.
Dispose of your garbage in a DIFFERENT trash can in the house; somewhere your children do not go to.
The Importance of Baby Proofing Your Bathroom
Many mothers are aware of the obvious risks of drowning in the tub.
But in reality, the ENTIRE bathroom and EVERYTHING in it poses countless risks to your toddlers.
Children are naturally curious, and you can’t really prevent access to the bathroom from them forever.
It’s also equally important that you have the peace of mind and assurance that no serious danger will come to your children since you have already baby-proofed everything and removed all dangerous items.
Bathroom Hazards You Should Worry About
Still worried you might have missed anything? Here are the general bathroom hazards to look out for:
Slipping
Remove anything that has the potential to make your children slip and fall!
Air-dry the floors and the tub after a bath, wipe the counters dry, and double-check for water leaks.
We already mentioned placing non-slip mats in high traffic areas, or you could even opt to cover the entire floor with it.
Drowning
Even an inch of water qualifies as a drowning risk to your toddler.
When you pull the plugs to empty the water, DO NOT leave until you see them completely empty.
Electrocution
Does your house already have a ground fault circuit interrupter?
A ground fault circuit interrupter works by interrupting the flow of electricity when it comes in contact with water. They prevent burns, electrocution, and electric shock.
Some GFCIs are already installed in new houses, so check with your landlord first. If your house does not have one, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting one.
Just remember to have it installed by a licensed professional. You also want to make sure it is located in a locked place where your children can’t reach it.
Chemicals
Here’s how to deal with the toxic stuff:
Keep the Cleaning Chemicals in a Separate Cabinet
This way, you can take an extra safety measure and keep them under lock and key.
Or you could also store it in a different room to remove the risk entirely.
Switch to All-Natural Cleaning Agents
A simple 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar is a fantastic surface cleaner. Never again worry about your toddler licking off the bathroom walls after you clean!
And don’t worry, the sour smell goes away after the solution dries. Mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda also works wonders.
Or you could also purchase baby-safe, toxic-free cleaning solutions in the market as an alternative.
4 Babyproof Bathroom Tips & Guidelines to Remember
As a quick summary of the things you need to keep in mind, here are some general guidelines you should ALWAYS remember:
1. Keep Everything Hidden
Almost all of our tips just tell you to hide this, lock that away, cover this, etc.
Every single item out in the open is an invitation for your toddler to approach. To them, all those things are bath toys!
Hide. Store. Lock.
2. Keep Everything Dry
Yes, we know that bathrooms and water are like peanut butter and jelly.
But to your child, water just means slipping, drinking, or drowning.
Do not forget to drain and wipe!
3. No Hanging Things
From dangling electronic cords, a shower curtain, to a big bath towel, if children can reach the low hanging part of an object, they can pull it down.
And pulling it down can either injure their heads or pose a suffocation risk.
Keep those bars empty for now, and hang your bath towels somewhere else.
You can also check if the rods, rings, and hooks can accommodate your child’s weight should they ever pull anything down.
4. Limit Their Bathroom Access
From your bathroom windows to the toilet lid lock, if your child has no access to the biggest hazards, then you never even have to worry in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We’ve got you!
How Do I Keep My 1-Year-Old Safe Inside the Bathtub?
- The key here is to never leave them alone in the first place. If your eyes are always on them, almost any dangerous items can be prevented.
- Keep water level to a minimum. The lower the water level, the lower the drowning risk.
- Watch the water temperature. Babies have very sensitive skin, and they get scared easily. Make sure to always keep the water lukewarm.
- Use a baby bathtub. Most parents automatically get one when nursery shopping anyway.
When Should Parents Start Child Proofing the Bathroom?
Parents should have this done months before the child is due.
You want the child-proof bathroom to already be ready when your baby comes home.
This also applies to anything related to babyproofing when it comes to the safety of your infant.
How Do I Do a Final Check?
To make sure you got everything covered, get down on your hands and knees and look at the bathroom from there.
This is as close as you will get to your toddler’s viewpoint. This way, you will be able to see other hidden hazards or inviting things from their perspective.
Then remember to check and double-check everything regularly.
How Often Should I Bathe My Baby?
2 to 3 times a week is sufficient to keep your newborn fresh and clean.
But if your child seems to enjoy bath time, you could scale it up to every day to get them used to the habit.
Letting them play with bath toys will also make them love bathing!
Conclusion
And you’re all set!
We hope this article answered all your questions and got you all the information you needed.
Our final advice: Always accompany your little one to the bathroom or any room to minimize the stress and things to worry about!
Remember to stay keep them away from the dangerous rooms of the house!
For more tips and safety measures, we highly recommend checking out our complete guide to baby-proofing if you’re interested.
