As parents, the bathroom is not just a place to get ready in the morning or wind down after a long day; it’s a multi-functional space that plays a crucial role in your family’s daily routine. Designing a family-friendly bathroom requires thoughtful consideration of safety, functionality, and aesthetics. Our steps will explore the key considerations when planning a new bathroom for a young family, from choosing child-proof fixtures to creating a space that grows with your children.
- Safety First
The safety of your little ones should be your top priority when designing a family bathroom. Here are some safety considerations:
- Non-Slip Flooring: Opt for non-slip flooring materials like textured tiles or slip-resistant vinyl. These will help prevent slips and falls, which can be especially dangerous for children.
- Temperature Control: Install anti-scald devices on your taps and shower-heads to regulate water temperature. This ensures your child won’t accidentally get burned while using the tap or shower.
- Rounded Edges: Choose bathroom fixtures with rounded edges instead of sharp corners to minimise the risk of injuries if a child accidentally bumps into them.
- Childproof Locks: Install childproof locks on cabinets and drawers to keep hazardous items like cleaning supplies out of reach.
- Grab Bars: Consider adding grab bars near the bath and toilet. These can provide support for both children and adults and can be especially helpful for young ones learning to use the toilet.
- Kid-Friendly Fixtures
When it comes to bathroom fixtures, there are several kid-friendly options to consider:
- Toilet seat reducer: A toilet seat reducer may help your little ones to feel secure and is a temporary and cost effective alternative to a low profile toilet.
- Handheld Shower-head: A handheld shower-head with an adjustable height feature is perfect as it can be lowered for younger children and raised as they grow.
- Double Sinks: If space allows, having two sinks can be a game-changer in a family bathroom. It reduces morning congestion and provides more space for multiple family members to get ready simultaneously.
- Babydam: Investing in a BabyDam Bathwater Barrier means that your new spacious bath will be perfect for babies and adults. It is adjustable to fit different bath sizes and can be positioned at various places to accommodate your little one as they grow.
- Step Stools: Keep step stools readily available for your children to reach the sink and toilet comfortably. Look for options that are easy to clean and have non-slip surfaces.
- Storage Solutions
An organised bathroom can make your daily routine with young children much smoother. Here are some storage solutions to consider:
- Open Shelving: Install open shelves or cubbies for easy access to towels, toiletries, and children’s bath toys. Make sure they are at a height that children can reach safely.
- Baskets and Bins: Use baskets and bins to categorise and store small items like bath toys, baby shampoo, etc. Label them to make it easier for everyone to find what they need.
- Vanity Drawers: Opt for vanity cabinets with deep drawers for storing items like brushes, and skincare products. Drawers keep things organised and out of sight.
- Wall Hooks: Install hooks at various heights for towels and bathrobes. Hooks are more accessible for children than towel bars, and they encourage kids to hang up their towels.
- Medicine Cabinet: Ensure all medications and first-aid supplies are stored in a locked medicine cabinet or a high, out-of-reach location to prevent accidental ingestion.
- BabyDam Bathwater Barriers are space saving and easier to store than a traditional bulky baby bath
- Easy-to-Clean Surfaces
With young children in the house, your bathroom is bound to see its fair share of spills and messes. Choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain:
- Tile Walls: Tile is a durable and water-resistant option for bathroom walls. It’s also easy to wipe clean in case of splashes or spills.
- Grout Sealing: Regularly seal the grout lines between tiles to prevent mould. This helps maintain a healthy and clean environment.
- Quartz or Solid Surface Countertops: These materials are resistant to stains and easy to wipe clean. Avoid laminate surfaces l which may not be as hardwearing.
- Wall-Mounted Vanities: On trend wall-mounted vanities are easier to clean underneath and around compared to freestanding models, which can collect dust and grime.
- Mould-Resistant Paint: Most paint brands now have a specialist bathroom range with a mildew-resistant element to prevent mould and can be wiped clean.
- Privacy and Functionality
Creating a bathroom that offers both privacy and functionality for your family is essential. Consider the following factors:
- Separate Spaces: If you have the space, consider separating areas so multiple family members can use the bathroom simultaneously.
- Adequate Lighting: Ensure your bathroom has sufficient lighting, including mirror lighting for grooming and ambient lighting for a calming atmosphere.
- Ventilation: Install an extraction fan to reduce humidity and prevent mould. There are a large range on the market so consider noise level, look, air extraction rate and energy efficiency.
- Accessibility: Design your bathroom layout to be accessible to all family members, including those with mobility challenges. Consider incorporating features like a walk-in separate shower or stand alone bath if there is room.
- Design and Decor
Lastly, don’t forget to infuse your family bathroom with a design and decor style that reflects your taste and creates a pleasant atmosphere:
- Materials: Matte black and brushed brass maybe on trend at the moment but these aren’t essentially the best finishes when you have children. Black matte taps in particular have a coating that makes them more vulnerable to discolouration and chipping than typical tap finishes. This doesn’t mean you can’t have an on trend bathroom but consider investing in quality fixtures and research first.
- Neutral Palette: Choose a neutral colour palette for the main fixtures and walls. This provides a timeless backdrop that can easily adapt to changing design preferences.
- Personalisation: Allow your children to contribute to the design by choosing their own bath accessories or selecting their favourite colours for towels and bath mats.
- Easy Updates: Design your bathroom in a way that allows for easy updates as your children grow and their tastes change. This could involve removable wall decor / pictures or interchangeable decor elements.
- We love this article from Good House Keeping for design inspiration – 20 Top Bathroom Trends Taking Over in 2023, According to Design Experts
Designing a family-friendly bathroom for when you have a young family requires a thoughtful blend of safety, functionality, and aesthetics. By prioritising safety measures, choosing kid-friendly fixtures, optimising storage solutions, selecting easy-to-clean surfaces, ensuring privacy and functionality, and adding a personal touch to the design, you can create a space that accommodates your family’s needs and grows with your children. A well-designed family bathroom not only makes your daily routine more manageable but also fosters a positive and enjoyable environment for your family.
Good luck and have fun designing your new bathroom!
Lots of love, Team BabyDam
