Toddlers love exploring and getting into all the things they're not supposed to, and now that they're mobile, it can feel like you need eyes on the back of your head to keep up with them and keep them safe. There's so much to discover and play with in the bathroom, and as you'll be aware, the bathroom presents a number of safety issues. Here are three tips for ensuring your bathroom is safe for your toddler:
Control Access To Water
Toddlers are top-heavy and can be uncoordinated. If they fall when they lean over to inspect something they've spotted or pick something up, they may not be able to get themselves back on their feet. A toddler can drown in as little as 5 cm of water, so in addition to never leaving your child alone when they're bathing, control access to water sources in your bathroom. A young child may get into the bathroom for a few minutes without you realising, so install a toilet lock to prevent them being able to lift the toilet seat up, and fit tap locks on every tap. It's also a good idea to keep plugs for the sink and bath locked away when not in use.
Avoid Toxic Cleaners
Commercial cleaners contain a number of harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory problems and many, such as formaldehyde, have been associated with the development of some cancers. Choose natural cleaners that are plant-based, or use common household ingredients to make your own safe cleaners. Fill a spray bottle with one part distilled white vinegar to one part water to make an effective, safe all-purpose cleaner. The acidity of the vinegar gives it antibacterial properties, and if you want to add a pleasant fragrance and boost the antibacterial action of your cleaner, you can add a few drops of essential oils. Tea tree, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils are considered antibacterial.
Keep The Bathroom Free From Mould
The air in your bathroom has a high concentration of moisture, and this creates the perfect environment for mould to flourish. Mould can even grow on bath toys that haven't been dried off after your toddler has their bath. Toddlers often enjoy scraping mould around the bath with their fingernails and even eating mould, which can cause gastric upset. Breathing in mould spores can cause respiratory problems and has been liked to childhood asthma. You can keep your bathroom free from mould by opening a window or using an extractor fan during baths or showers and using a squeegee to remove condensation from the tiles and shower screen after each use. Bath mats should be hung up to dry, and toys should be stored in a way that allows ventilation, such as in a mesh bag.
Putting safety measures in place will enable you to feel more at ease as your toddler learns how to enjoy bath time safely and starts toilet training.
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