It cannot always be possible to have a dedicated kid’s bathroom in your home. That’s why you would want to customize your adult-size bath space to make it suitable for your kids. Remodeling a bathroom with children in mind can be advantageous. But it calls for attention to details and certain considerations. Any regular bathroom upgrade would cost $18,000, regardless of the smaller or larger features you add. However, the fact is kids will be on their own once they are age ten or so. If you install fixtures as per them, you will most likely have to revisit the renovation process when they grow up. It will pinch at that time.
Make your choices futuristic, including standard-size features from the beginning, something that everyone can use without facing any inconvenience. For example, you can select the tub, toilet, and vanity sizes suitable for adults. But you can find ways to make them accessible to kids. Here are some suggestions in this context to help you make your bathroom safe for all.
Bath/ shower
Tubs may not fit in a small space; thus, you choose a shower stall. Of course, it is not safe for infants and toddlers. But the challenge is you cannot trust the bathtub too as it can be too old and grimy for your little one. Because of these issues, you can get a traditional bathtub with an adjustable showerhead and a hand-held shower. Smaller kids cannot get inside without help. If you build a few steps, they can slowly climb over and reach it.
Another thing you would want to ensure is the cleanliness around this area. While it is relevant for all age groups, you have to be extra attentive about health and hygiene with kids. So, please invest in non-porous materials for the tub and surrounding wall. Non-porous surfaces don't absorb water, suds, and other things, which cause buildups and lead to mildew growth. Plus, these may not need grouts also. As a result, your cleaning job becomes easier.
Anti-slip surfaces
Slips and falls are common bathroom hazards that can happen to anyone across different age groups. But younger kids and seniors are more vulnerable. That's why it can be wise to introduce non-skid mats in bathtubs and shower areas. Besides, you can also use floor rugs and bath mats near the sink and toilet for the same reason. But these should absorb wetness.
Vanity
Your first instinct can be to opt for a petite size vanity to make it more comfortable for your kid. But it is not a favorable scenario for any adult, as they would have to bend over it a little more to perform their routine tasks. In addition, it can lead to backaches and other posture-related challenges. So instead, you can install taller or standard-size vanity, which can be at least 30 or 32 inches high.
Since kids tend to develop height pretty fast in their growth phase, it would be about just a few years for them to acclimatize to it. They can struggle to use the sink and faucet initially. But you can buy stepstools for them to increase their reach. Also, consider investing in quality faucets for the modern restroom. The new designs prevent splashing while being easy to operate. So, it will also add to their smooth bathroom experiences.
According to some experts, installing double sinks can be intelligent if you have more than one kid in the family. Or, add two faucets if you cannot have two sinks due to lack of space. It will take care of your kids’ needs and allow your restroom to get some free time.
Storage
Everyone knows it becomes a challenge to keep a home clutter-free when you have kids around, and the bathroom is not an exception. However, the benefit of this room is you can use flexible and intelligent storage solutions to avoid this problem largely. For example, your medicine cabinet can go on the wall above your sink. Children will not be able to reach there because of their short height. Hence, many risks get eliminated. Besides, you can opt for vanities with cabinets instead of leg designs. Make sure you add a few safety features to drawers and doors so that kids don't get hurt.
In this sense, doing away with sharp and rough countertop edges is one step. Then, you can store a step stool for kids inside cabinets to help them use it whenever there is a need. If you are not comfortable with the stepstool, you can design the lower drawer of the vanity to serve the purpose of a slide step. Then, once your kids grow up, you can use it for storing your materials. At the same time, you can have a few shelves on the lower level, which gives easy access to your kids to their shampoo and soap.
Other than this, you can fix a towel hook on a lower height comfortable for kids. They will get into the habit of hanging their bath towels there rather than throwing them on the floor, which may look quite messy. If there is a generous amount of room on your wall, you can stack towel racks at different heights.
Most homeowners get stressed when it comes to making their bathroom kid-friendly. They don't realize that transformational designs and features pave the middle path for everyone. It not only enhances the bathroom's versatility but also its safety and security for both kids and adults. So, if you were losing sleep over not having an additional bathroom in the house for your kid, you can relax now. Several design ideas are available online and through home improvement magazines. You can take inspiration from them. At the same time, you can talk to an interior designer to learn about more appropriate options.
While hiring a professional involves a cost, it can be worth going through this route. Interior designer's experience and knowledge can strengthen your decisions. Also, you can share your ideas with them to make this process more fulfilling.
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