Childproofing Your Master Bathroom

Taking every precaution to keep your baby from harm with effective childproofing is practical and necessary. One trick make certain that you have covered all the bases is to sit on the floor in the middle of the room and take a look from your child’s perspective. It is as important to remove items of interest as it is to childproof items that cannot be removed.

Step 1 - Door Knob Covers

Likely the easiest of all childproofing tasks, doorknob covers prevent toddlers from accessing off-limit areas. The doorknob cover slips over the doorknob and is designed to spin around the knob unless properly squeezed. Small children cannot squeeze the cover tight enough to engage the knob.

Step 2 - Cabinet Latches

Cabinet latches are an effective childproofing, 2-piece assembly that attaches to cabinet doors to prevent small children from opening them. With a drill, make pilot holes on both the inside of the cabinet door and the underside of the cabinet doorframe. With a screwdriver, attach each half of the latch system to the cabinet. To operate, you push the latch (attached to door) down to disengage it from the catch (attached to the frame).

Step 3 - Outlet Covers

There are outlet covers that simply push into the outlet holes that prevent babies from putting their fingers on the sockets. A better option is an outlet that is covered with a spring-release hatch that can be slid aside by an adult. Using a screwdriver, remove the existing outlet plate and replace it with the safety outlet plate.

Step 4 - Door Alarm

The first line of defense for childproofing a bathroom is a door alarm. Battery-operated mechanisms will alarm when the door is opened. Drill pilot holes on the doorframe and on the edge of the door. Install one side of the alarm to the edge of the door and the other side to the doorframe. When the door is closed, the circuit opens, which disables the alarm. Opening the door completes the electrical circuit and the alarm sounds. Be certain that the pieces make contact when the door is closed.

Step 5 - Toilet Seat Latch

One thing that is often overlooked when childproofing is the toilet, but this is potentially the most dangerous spot for a wandering toddler. Curious babies can be kept out of the toilet with a latch that holds the seat down when not in use. The most basic toilet lock attaches to the rim of the toilet, and the latch snaps over the lid. Adults and older children can open the toilet with one hand by squeezing the latch to disengage. Babies and small children do not have the strength or manual dexterity to operate the lock.

Step 5 - Place Toxic Chemicals/Medications out of Reach

Even with door latches in place, it is strongly advised to place all cleaning products up high, out of the baby's reach. Additionally, childproofing with a lock box for all medications is essential to keep your child from ingesting medicine accidentally.