Childproofing the Bathroom: Water and Chemical Safety
How to childproof your bathroom covering toilet locks, cabinet security, non-slip surfaces, water temperature settings, medication storage, drowning prevention, and electrical safety.
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Toilet Safety
Install a toilet seat lock on every bathroom toilet
Toddlers are top-heavy and can fall headfirst into an open toilet bowl and drown in as little as 1 inch of water. Adhesive-mounted toilet locks are the most common type and require an adult to press a release button. Install them before the child can stand.
Keep the bathroom door closed or install a door handle cover
A childproof door handle cover fits over the knob and requires a squeeze-and-turn grip that toddlers under 3 cannot manage. This is the most effective single step you can take — if the child can't get into the bathroom unsupervised, most risks are eliminated.
Remove any step stools when not in use
A step stool left in the bathroom gives a toddler access to the sink, counter, and medicine cabinet. Put step stools away after each use or store them in a closet. A child standing on a stool can reach a sink faucet by 18 months.
Cabinet and Storage Locks
Install locks on all bathroom cabinets and drawers
Bathrooms contain razors, scissors, nail clippers, and personal care products that are all hazardous. Use the same type of magnetic or adhesive locks as the kitchen. Prioritize the vanity cabinet under the sink — it's at floor level and easiest for toddlers to reach.
Secure the medicine cabinet or move medications to a locked location
About 60,000 children per year visit the emergency room due to medication ingestion. Even child-resistant caps are not child-proof — 20% of young children can open them within 10 minutes. Store all medications in a locked box or high cabinet with a lock.
Move all cleaning products, bleach, and drain openers to a locked cabinet
Bathroom cleaners are among the most caustic household chemicals. Toilet bowl cleaner and drain opener can cause chemical burns on contact. Store them at least 4 feet off the ground in a locked cabinet, not under the bathroom sink.
Tub and Shower Safety
Place non-slip mats or decals on the tub floor
Wet tub surfaces are extremely slippery. Adhesive non-slip decals last 6-12 months and are easier to clean around than full mats. Cover at least 80% of the standing area. Replace decals when edges begin to peel.
Install a soft spout cover on the bathtub faucet
Metal faucet spouts cause about 3,000 head injuries in children per year. A padded spout cover slides over the faucet and cushions impact. They cost under $10 and take 30 seconds to install.
Set your water heater to 120°F or lower to prevent scalding
Water at 140°F causes a third-degree burn in 5 seconds. At 120°F, it takes about 5 minutes of exposure. Check the temperature at the faucet with a kitchen thermometer. Most water heaters ship from the factory set to 140°F and need to be lowered manually.
Install an anti-scald device on the bathtub faucet
Anti-scald valves automatically shut off or reduce water flow when the temperature exceeds a set limit (usually 114°F). They attach to the faucet head and cost $15-30. This is an extra safety layer on top of lowering the water heater temperature.
Drain the bathtub immediately after every use
A child can drown in as little as 1 inch of standing water in under 60 seconds. Never leave water sitting in the tub, even briefly. It takes a toddler only a few seconds to wander into an unsupervised bathroom.
Drowning Prevention
Never leave a child unattended in or near water — not even for 10 seconds
Drowning is the number one cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4. It happens silently — there is no splashing or screaming. If you need to answer the phone or door during bath time, take the child with you wrapped in a towel.
Stay within arm's reach of the child during every bath
Arm's reach means you can grab the child instantly without standing up or taking a step. Bath seats and rings are not safety devices — they can tip over. Children have drowned while seated in bath seats when a parent stepped away for under a minute.
Empty all buckets, basins, and containers of water after use
Toddlers are attracted to water and can topple headfirst into a 5-gallon bucket. Store buckets upside down or in a locked closet. About 15-20 child drownings per year occur in buckets in the home.
Electrical Safety
Install GFCI outlets in the bathroom if not already present
GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets cut power within 1/40th of a second if they detect a ground fault, preventing electrocution. They have been required in bathrooms by code since 1975. Test the GFCI monthly by pressing the 'test' button — it should click and cut power.
Unplug and store all electrical appliances after use
Hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors should be unplugged and stored in a locked drawer or cabinet. A plugged-in hair dryer that falls into a tub of water can cause electrocution even when turned off. Make unplugging a reflex.
Cover all unused electrical outlets with tamper-resistant covers
Wet hands increase electrocution risk significantly. Use self-closing outlet plates that snap shut when the plug is removed, or install tamper-resistant receptacles. These are more effective than plug-in covers, which toddlers can learn to remove by age 2.
Medication and Personal Care Storage
Store all medications — including vitamins and supplements — in a locked container
Iron-containing vitamins are the leading cause of fatal childhood poisoning from supplements. A small lockbox ($15-25) stored on a high shelf is the safest option. Never call medicine 'candy' to encourage a child to take it.
Dispose of expired medications promptly through a take-back program
The DEA holds National Prescription Drug Take-Back events twice per year. Many pharmacies also accept expired medications year-round. Flushing is recommended only for opioids listed on the FDA flush list. Mix other medications with coffee grounds or cat litter before trashing.
Move mouthwash, perfume, and nail polish remover out of reach
Mouthwash can contain 18-27% alcohol — a small bottle can be toxic to a toddler. Nail polish remover (acetone) is poisonous if ingested. These everyday items should be treated with the same caution as cleaning chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does it take for a toddler to drown?
A child can drown in as little as 1-2 inches of water in under 60 seconds. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. Bathtubs, toilets, and even buckets with standing water pose a risk. Never leave a child under 5 unsupervised in the bathroom, even for a few seconds. Toilet locks ($5-$10) prevent toddlers from lifting the lid, and drain covers stop standing water from accumulating in the tub.
What bathroom chemicals are most dangerous to children?
Toilet bowl cleaners, drain openers, and bleach-based products are the most caustic — they can cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach within seconds of ingestion. Mouthwash containing alcohol is also dangerous (a 10-ounce bottle can contain enough alcohol to seriously harm a small child). Store all products in a locked cabinet at least 4 feet above floor level. If a child ingests any chemical, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately before attempting any treatment.
Are bath seats safe for babies?
Bath seats (suction-cup rings that hold a baby upright in the tub) are not recommended by the AAP and have been involved in over 120 drowning deaths since 1983. They create a false sense of security — parents may step away, and the seats can tip over or detach from the tub surface. Instead, use an infant tub with a built-in sling for babies under 6 months, then switch to a non-slip bath mat for older babies. An adult's hand should be on the child at all times during bathing.
What is the safest bath water temperature for children?
Bath water should be between 98-100 degrees F (36.5-38 degrees C), which is warm to the touch but not hot. A baby's skin burns at temperatures adults find merely warm — at 120 degrees F, a child gets a third-degree burn in under a minute. Use a bath thermometer ($5-$10) for every bath until your child is old enough to test the water themselves (around age 5-6). Always turn on cold water first, then add hot, and test with your elbow or a thermometer before placing the child in the tub.
When can a child take a bath unsupervised?
Most child safety experts recommend constant adult supervision during baths until age 5-6, and within earshot until age 8-9. The AAP does not specify an exact age but emphasizes that children should demonstrate they can safely get in and out of the tub, keep their head above water, and call for help before being left alone. Even after granting more independence, check in every 2-3 minutes. Older children who bathe alone should know to never lock the bathroom door.