How to Childproof Your Bathroom

If you have a baby on the way, here’s an important statistic: drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4, and it only takes a few inches of water to be fatal. While outdoor pools are the biggest risk, bathtubs are the second most common place a child can drown. Bathrooms also present risks like poisoning and electrocution. Here are the primary danger zones and tips for childproofing each area.

Danger Zone #1: Bathtub

Once your baby outgrows their infant bathtub, they’ll transition to a regular tub. Safety measures include:

• Set the water heater thermostat to no higher than 120°F.
• Test bathwater on your wrist before placing your child in the tub.
• Consider anti-scald faucets or showerheads if temperature control is limited.
• Never leave your child unattended, even for a moment.

Danger Zone #2: Electricity

Common bathroom appliances can pose serious electrocution risks. Protect your child by:

• Keeping all appliances out of reach or in locked storage.
• Covering all exposed outlets, especially near sinks or tubs.
• Making appliance safety routine as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.

Danger Zone #3: Products & Medication

Children are naturally curious, and poisoning is a common hazard. Protect your child by:

• Storing medications, cleaning products, and sharp items in high cabinets or locked drawers.
• Using latches to prevent access to lower cabinets or medicine cabinets.

Danger Zone #4: Toilets

Toilets can be surprisingly dangerous for curious toddlers. Prevent accidents by:

• Always keeping the toilet lid down.
• Installing a toilet lock and ensuring it’s re-engaged after use.
• Educating family members to close bathroom doors when not in use.
• Providing a stool for handwashing and brushing teeth so the toilet isn’t used as a step.

Other Bathroom Childproofing Tips

• View the bathroom from your child’s perspective to spot hazards.
• Move towel bars or other climbable objects out of reach.
• Ensure laundry chutes and hampers are inaccessible.
• Keep trash cans behind locked doors.
• Use bath mats that dry quickly to prevent slips and mold buildup.

Following these tips can make your bathroom a much safer environment for your child while giving you peace of mind.