Safety in the home is an important part of raising a child. Failing to take the necessary precautions to child-proof your home can lead to serious injuries. From slipping hazards to sharp corners, the bathroom can be a danger to your small children if not properly child-proofed. Here are six simple and realistic tactics for child safety in the bathroom.

Supervision

It might seem obvious, but child supervision is the most proactive method of ensuring safety. If you’re planning on leaving the bathroom, take your child with you. Leaving a child alone in a tub, for example, could result in accidental drowning.

Keep All Medications in Containers with Safety Caps

Remember that medication caps are child-resistant, not childproof. Store all medications and cosmetics properly and out of reach in a cabinet equipped with a safety latch or lock. Also make sure to keep toothpaste, soaps, shampoos, and other commonly used items out of reach and properly stored.

Install Safety Devices

The bathroom is full of hard surfaces that can lead to injury. Place slip resistant rubber strips in the bottom of the bathtub and consider placing a cushioned cover over the tub’s faucet to avoid accidental injuries. Get into the habit of closing the lid of the toilet because a curious toddler can accidentally lose his or her balance and fall into the water. Many parents opt to install a toilet seat lock to ensure safety, as well as to install rounded rubber covers on countertops.

Reduce Temperature

The warmest faucet temperature should be no more than 120 degrees; in many cases, you might need to adjust your hot water heater. To prevent burns, always turn cold water on first and take extra precautions when your child is near the faucets. Consider reducing the maximum temperature of your home’s hot water heater so that accidental burns cannot occur.

Unplug and Store Electrical Devices

If you use electrical appliances in the bathroom such as a hair dryer or straightener, be sure to unplug them and store in a closed cabinet when they aren’t being used. It’s even better to use them in another room without water, if possible. An electrician can install special bathroom wall sockets that can lessen the likelihood of electrocution if an appliance falls into the sink or bathtub.

Keep Your Bathroom Clean

Keeping your bathroom clean is also a very important and often overlooked aspect of child safety. Your home’s bathroom is host to countless germs, bacteria, and mold. Fecal bacteria can cause serious illnesses for young children, as well. Soap and water scum and mildew must also be cleaned because you don’t want your children to inhale or consume mold. Keeping toilet germs at bay and maintaining a clean and hygienic bathroom will greatly contribute towards protecting the health of your child.

Taking proper safety measures in the bathroom can ensure that you and your children’s bathroom time will be full of fun rather than danger. Did we miss any bathroom child-proofing measures that you recommend? Let us know!

This article was donated by Nina Wells from Steam And Shower UK. Sam has been writing articles for over 10 years and is a commanding voice in the health and fitness community with her articles high in demand.