By Kerry Hale

Family Bathroom Safety Tips

  • Thursday 14 November 2024
  • 5 minute read

The bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in a family home, so it’s important to design a space that is practical, stylish and – above all – safe.

In this guide, we explore how to create a safe bathroom environment tailored to the needs of each family member. From using non-slip mats to keeping hazards out of reach, discover our tips for ensuring your bathroom is comfortable and secure.

Why is bathroom safety important for a family?

Bathroom safety is essential for families with young children. The combination of water and hard surfaces can make bathrooms hazardous, so it’s important to add the right safety features to prevent falls and accidents.

Safe and stylish bathroom ideas

Discover our top family bathroom ideas below to create a safe and stylish space. 

You can find out more about making your bathroom safer with our accessibility guide.

Reduce clutter

Having a cluttered bathroom can make it difficult to move around and can increase the likelihood of accidents. Start by removing any unnecessary items to free up space, and organise your essentials into storage units.

Install grab bars

Bathrooms are a high-risk area for falls, so installing grab rails can help make them safer. Vertical bars can be fitted near the bath and shower to make it easier to get in and out.

Wondering where to place safety bars in a bathtub? These should be firmly attached to the wall and should be as long as possible to provide assistance when getting out of the bath.

Single-handle taps

Single-handle taps are a child-friendly choice, as they feature one lever that allows for easy control of flow and water temperature. Explore our range of taps at Mira to find a suitable option for your family bathroom.

Water temperature control

Temperature control is an important factor when creating a safe family bathroom. Set your water thermostat to a reasonable temperature, and consider installing anti-scald devices on taps and shower heads. These devices work by mixing cold water with hot water to ensure it’s a suitable temperature. 

Showers that offer thermostatic adjustment – such as our digital showers – are another great addition to family bathrooms, allowing you to set and maintain a safe water temperature.

Use non-slip mats

Non-slip mats can reduce the risk of trips and falls on wet surfaces. They provide a stable surface and help absorb water to make the floor less slippery. These mats should be placed anywhere where water is likely to collect or where there is frequent movement (e.g., in front of the bath, shower enclosure and sink).

Many anti-slip mats come with suction cups to help them stay in place. Before use, press your mats down firmly on the floor to ensure they adhere properly to the surface. You should also clean them regularly to prevent mould and bacteria from building up on the surface.

 

Anti-slip shower trays

Anti-slip trays have a special textured surface that lowers the chances of slipping while showering. Our Mira Flight Safe and Mira Flight Level trays feature market-leading anti-slip technology, helping to enhance safety in your bathroom.

Keep hazards out of reach

Another key safety tip is to keep hazards out of reach of children. This includes covering electrical outlets, ensuring electrical appliances like hair straighteners are switched off and safely stored away when not in use, and locking away toiletries, cleaning products and medicines. You could also install child locks on cupboards and drawers to prevent access.

Use night lights

Night lights can improve visibility during nighttime trips to the bathroom, reducing the risk of accidents. Motion-sensor night lights are ideal, as they automatically switch on when someone walks past. For maximum safety, install night lights in the bathroom and along the hallway leading to it.

FAQs

1. How to childproof a bathroom

There are several ways to childproof a bathroom, including using slip-resistant mats, removing climbable objects, locking the toilet and monitoring water temperature. These protective measures can help create a hazard-free environment for little ones.

2. What age can a child go to the bathroom?

The age at which a child can go to the bathroom by themselves is completely individual. On average, children gain toilet independence at around three years old, so you should make sure your bathroom is equipped with the right safety features.

3. How to make a bathroom safe for a baby

Bathrooms can be hazardous spaces for little ones. To make your bathroom safe, you should add latches to cabinet drawers to prevent children from getting inside and use anti-slip rugs to prevent falls. You should also ensure that bathroom cleaners and toiletries are safely stored and out of reach.

4. How to keep a toddler away from the toilet

One of the best ways to keep toddlers away from the toilet is to install a toilet lid lock. A lid lock is designed to stop your child from opening the toilet lid, but it doesn’t affect normal use. You can also prevent access to the toilet and bathroom by keeping the door closed at all times.

5. What are the safety rules in the bathroom?

Follow these rules to keep your bathroom safe:

  • Keep the floor dry to prevent accidents  
  • Keep the toilet lid closed 

  • Reduce clutter 

  • Install sufficient lighting 

Use a safe shower head

6. Do bathrooms need smoke detectors?

A smoke detector should not be fitted in bathrooms, as the steam may trigger it. A heat alarm may be more suitable, as it creates an alert when the room reaches a certain temperature. 

At Mira, we offer a variety of showers for family bathrooms. The Mira Select Flex is just one option, featuring a visually optimised design to ensure safe showering. It also works to keep heat stable and protect users from sudden temperature fluctuations. Shop the range today to find the right shower for your home.

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