Bathroom Safety Tips for Toddler Potty Training
When you decide to start on the potty training journey with your toddler, your little one will be spending considerably more time in the bathroom than ever before. As he gets more and more comfortable with that room, he will venture in there unattended. It is therefore very important that it is a safe place for him to be. Bathroom safety is an often overlooked aspect of preparation.
Cleanliness
Your child will use his hands to steady himself when he is on the potty or toilet. He will also want to explore this room that he hasn’t spent very much time in before. It is therefore important that the bathroom is scrupulously clean. Antibacterial wipes are a handy tool for a quick wipe-over of all surfaces.
Step Stool
The toilet and hand-basin will both be too high for your tot when they start training. A sturdy step stool will allow him to climb onto the toilet independently, to push down when he is doing a bowel movement and to wash his hands.
Splash guards
There is conflicting advice on the little splash guards on the front of potties and toilet adapters. One school of advice is that the guard is there to prevent splashes, and should be left there to do its job. The other opinion is that the guard is a hazard, particularly for little boys. The fear is that private parts can be trapped, scraped and generally hurt by the guard. While you decide which way you will go, pay very careful attention when your child is climbing on and off the potty or adapter. A trapped penis incident could set potty training back by weeks or months.
Cover power outlets
If you have a power outlet in your bathroom, ensure that it is covered to prevent objects being put into the socket.
Check water temperature
As you will be teaching your child to wash his hands, it is important that the hot water is at a temperature that will prevent scolding.
Install safety catches on cupboards
Bathroom cupboards are often full of interesting bottles containing medication and other hazardous products. In addition there may be sharp objects such as razors. Install safety catches on these cupboards to keep young explorers out of harms way.
Nonskid mats under mats
Keep the bathroom floor free of loose items, such as mats which could be tripping hazards.
Remove glass
Exchange glass and ceramic containers with plastic to reduce the chance that they might get broken.
Pay attention to the rubbish bin
It is very easy to forget about what we put into the bathroom rubbish bin. Examples such as blunt razors, ‘empty’ cosmetic containers and shampoo bottles can all be dangerous in the hands and mouths of a curious toddler. Consider removing rubbish bins to remove the temptation to discard something without thinking through the consequences.
Window latches
…from a step stool, onto the toilet and up to the window… Windows which were once out of reach may now need to be reconsidered as candidates for window latches.
Shorten curtain or blind cords
Cords left dangling within reach of young children are a strangling hazard. Shorten them so that they are far out of the reach of a climbing, exploring toddler.
Backup key or remove lock
It may make a funny party story, but being locked out of the bathroom with your toddler trapped inside is not fun. Review the type of locks you have on your bathrooms and get spare keys or remove the lock if necessary.
Night light
To help your child find the potty or toilet in the dark safely, install a night light.
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If you are looking for easy, inexpensive activity ideas to do with your toddlers and preschoolers, check out my other website Doing Stuff With Kids.
