Baby and Toddler Safety: Childproofing Bathrooms

As soon as babies begin scooting along the floor, a home can be a disaster waiting to happen. Messes aside, homes pose many dangers to babies, toddlers, and even bigger kids. Keeping a home safe is relatively easy if the right steps are taken to ensure safety. Parents should survey each room for potential dangers, even crawling on hands and knees to see the room from the baby or toddler's perspective.

The bathroom is potentially one of the most dangerous rooms in the house for a baby or toddler. Parents should make childproofing their bathroom a top priority when baby begins to become mobile. Certainly an easy fix would be placing an outside lock or childproof doorknob cover on the door to restrict access. While that is an option, there is the chance a baby could get through the door, or that a guest may forget to lock it when they leave the bathroom. Accidents can happen in seconds, so more preparation and safety measures are recommended for bathrooms.

Bathtub Safety

In order to protect babies and toddlers from potentially drowning in the bathtub, parents can place locking devices over the knobs of the tub. This not only prevents babies and toddlers from potential drowning, but prevents them from scalding themselves on hot water. Parents should never leave their babies or toddlers unsupervised, even for a moment. Small children can drown very quietly in a matter of a few moments. Parents should make sure to have all accessories needed for bath time before beginning their baby's bath.

Toilet

Babies can potentially fall forward into a toilet and down, unable to lift their heads out. Toilet locking devices can be found at stores such as Babies 'R' Us and other retailers who provide accessories for babies and children. They are simple latches any adult can unlock to use the toilet, but prevent children and babies from opening up the toilet. Even if a baby doesn't drown, they could put their hands in the toilet and contract such viruses as Rotavirus, from bacteria they find in the toilet.

Medicine Cabinet

As any parent knows, babies and toddlers can climb like little monkeys. It is not enough to have medicine in the cabinet, as children can climb onto counters and access it fairly easily. Medications should be kept in a locked drawer or container. Additionally, storing medications in the bathroom is not recommended, as the steam and humidity can degrade them. For safety purposes, it is best to keep medications elsewhere.

Trash Can, Diaper Pail

A locking diaper pail, such as a Diaper Genie, is recommended so babies and toddlers can not get into soiled diapers. If parents use cloth diapers, they should take extra care if they soak them. Babies and children can discover soak water and potentially drown, or drink it, causing illness.

Electronics

Keep electrical items such as blow dryers, hair straighteners, and electric razors under the cabinet with a childproof lock on it. This ensures children don't discover and play with potentially dangerous items. In addition, outlet covers on outlets are recommended.

Keeping babies and toddlers safe in the bathroom is important, and childproofing can help. However, it is also necessary to remember that nothing replaces parental supervision.