Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post.
With a young daughter, husband and pets, our family bathroom can be a very busy place. On the one hand, it needs to be the most functional of spaces in which we can get ready in the morning and prepare Erin for bed time with a calming bath. On the other hand, I would love it to be a peaceful, relaxing place in which I can unwind, relax and have a bit of well-earned “me time”.
When browsing those perfect family bathroom suites, you’ll need to think long and hard about how you can achieve this balancing act. If you’re working to a tight budget, like many working families these days, there are some thrifty ways in which you can achieve your desired look without spending too much.
I’ve come up with 4 of my top tips on what to think about when creating a bathroom that is both stylish and family-friendly.
Safety first
A bathroom can be a potentially hazardous place for our little ones, which is why safety should be at the forefront of your mind when choosing your new suite.
Many older properties still rely on a manual shower valve which simply mixes the water flowing from your hot and cold supplies. Whilst this may be perfectly adequate for your needs, it doesn’t always keep water temperature constant, especially if a tap is used elsewhere within your home. If you are using your shower to wash your children, it is far safer to invest in a thermostatic shower, which allows for precise temperature control. Most also come with an anti-scald device which cuts the flow, should the cold water supply fail for any reason.
It is also very important to ensure any blind cords are secured above the recommended height of 1.5 metres. A hanging cord can present a potential strangulation risk for young children.
Adapt your toilet for child use
Once your child is ready for potty training, it pays to help them get used to the toilet at the earliest opportunity. Things to look out for when buying your new toilet are soft closing seats, which lower slowly, avoiding trapped little fingers. Also, a toilet with a dual flush will help you be water smart—potentially saving you cash in the long run.
To help your child, keep an eye out for toilet seats which come with a smaller seat incorporated into the design. They are neat, unobtrusive and easy to fit.
Another thing to consider is cleaning. A fully shrouded toilet (one which has an enclosed back) or a back to wall toilet (which uses a furniture unit or stud partition wall to house the cistern) means no awkward little traps where dust, dirt and grime can accumulate.
Choose a basin that is easy to reach
Helping your children develop good habits from an early age isn’t always easy. However, by making sure they wash their hands and brush their teeth, you’ll help keep them healthy and hygienic.
The most common choice of basin is a pedestal basin, although these are only usually available at a set height which cannot be adjusted. A wall hung basin may be a better option, if your wall can support it, as you can install it at a lower height for your children. The only downside to this is if your child were ever to try and sit on it!
One very popular choice these days is the vanity unit. With a cupboard or drawers beneath the basin, you can use this often dead space to store all those bath time toys, so you can enjoy clutter-free relaxation, whilst getting your home organised. You can also find vanity units which come with a pull-out step, which is a much neater alternative to a freestanding step.
Store hazardous items up high
If you do choose a vanity unit, make sure only non-harmful items are stored there. For potentially hazardous things, like bleach, medication or razors, buy a wall hung cabinet which can be placed out of reach of small hands. Ensure there is no way for your child to climb up to it—they are naturally inquisitive, after all!
I hope you’ve enjoyed these family-friendly bathroom ideas and are suitably inspired to create your own space in which you can create special memories that will last a lifetime. Why not leave a comment below and share your family bathroom tips?
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