Bathroom safety
Written by: Denise Morgan
The bathroom can pose a lot of dangers to young children and it is imperative to out procedures in place that can help prevent potential accidents. Although many aspects of  safeguarding safety are common sense, here you will find a compilation of reminders about bathroom safety for children.
Never leave a child Alone in the Bathroom
Children under the age of six should never be left unattended in the bathroom, whether the bath is filled with water or not. Although it can be tempting to do other things whilst your child is in the bath, it only takes a split second for a child to fall or to become submerged in water. There are many hazards in the bathroom which intrigued children will be tempted to explore, including cleaning products, slippery surfaces and hot water –Â therefore, never leave them alone in this room.
Drowning
The bath is not the only place a child can drown: the sink and toilet bowl pose very real risks to a toddler and should be child-proofed accordingly. Invest in a child lock for the toilet seat and ensure there are no steps or surfaces onto which a child can climb to reach the sink. Always empty the sink and bath of water after use so that if a child does enter the bathroom unattended there is less risk of any accidents occurring.
Scalding
Taps are all too tempting, so to prevent scalding ensure little hands cannot turn the taps by turning the taps very tightly so they can only be turned by you or another adult. Let your child know from an early age that hot water can be very dangerous so that they grow being aware of this danger and are therefore less likely to want to turn the taps. You can also monitor the water temperature by setting the hot water temperature to below 120o F.
Falls
There are many products available that can help avoid accidents caused by falling. If possible, have carpet in the bathroom instead of tiling or linoleum, or place a non-slip rug by the side of the bath and any other areas your child will walk and stand. The bath itself is very slippery, but by placing a rubber mat in the bottom you will reduce the risk of falling should your child stand up in the bath. Encourage your child to stay seated in the bath so they will be less likely to fall. A good way to do this is by having lots of toys in the bath and by joining in as your child plays games with them as they take their bath.
Poisoning
Many people keep medicines and cleaning products in their bathrooms which, if ingested can be fatal. Ensure you have these products at a level that children cannot reach and preferably in a locked cabinet.
Harmful objects
Everyday objects such as razors, hair-removal creams and electronic devices pose a myriad of dangers to children and should be kept well away from children during bath time. If possible, remove dangerous objects such as these from the bathroom when being used by your child. Electronic equipment such as radios and electric razors should be kept away from water at all times to avoid potential electrocution.
House Rules
Begin explaining to your child the dangers and hazards of the bathroom at a young age, keeping your language age appropriate. This will instil in them a sense of awareness which will be present throughout their lives. If you employ house staff or child minders, or have relatives that look after your child, make them aware of the health and safety rules of your home and explain the importance of following these rules to keep your child safe.
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