In our house, we are all about giving our daughter independent access to as many age-appropriate household activities as possible, and that includes toddler-friendly bathroom activities. We also try to ensure anything we don’t want her getting into is out of reach, hidden, or locked. This prevents us from having to constantly follow her, hover over her, and say “no.”
Our bathroom is far from perfect, but it’s an example of a real-life, toddler-friendly bathroom.
Toddler-Friendly Bathroom Cupboards
Let’s start with the cupboards. They are locked. I have bathroom cleaning supplies, a toilet brush, a trash can, and other items that I don’t want my 20-month old getting into, so we installed these magnetic locks on all the cupboards and drawers. That white circle below the mirror is the lock.
A Toddler-Friendly Bathroom Sink
I wanted to give my young toddler independent access to the sink in order to complete personal care activities such as brushing teeth and washing hands. We added a double step stool so that she can reach the sink as well as a faucet extender so she can more easily reach the water. Also within her reach is a soap dispenser, a towel to dry her hands, her toothbrush, and her toothpaste. I think I’m going to add her hairbrush to the counter as well so she can practice brushing her own hair in the morning and after baths. As a note, she independently does all of these activities herself, but then afterward it’s “mommy’s turn,” when I make sure the job is done thoroughly.
If you have the extra space in your bathroom, I think child-sized self care stations are adorable. Many families with a toddler-friendly bathroom have outfitted small end tables or whatnot with a large bowl, water source, mirror, and shelf so their children have easier access to water and a sink to wash their hands, brush their teeth, and perform other personal care activities.
The (Almost) Baby-Proof Toilet
In our toddler-friendly bathroom, we never had a problem with our daughter messing with the toilet, but lately she’s been showing more interest in it. I recently purchased this toilet seat lock, but I forgot to install it before this picture was taken. Toilet paper has always been intriguing, so it has its own special place on the shelf above the toilet. I try to remember to put it back on the holder when we have guests over!
The Toddler-Safe Bathtub
Our bathtub isn’t much to look at. The only thing we did was add this faucet cover to protect our toddler if she accidentally hit her head on the spout. We would’ve also gotten a non-slip mat for the bottom of the tub if our tub wasn’t already textured. Another option to think about is a net with suction cups to keep bath toys contained when not in use.
The Little Potty
Families who are potty training have several options for the actual potty. The two main options are a potty seat (like the one pictured here) and a seat that fits onto the actual toilet. If you choose the latter option, consider a small step stool to help your toddler get onto the toilet independently. If you choose a potty seat, you may want to consider putting something underneath it to prevent it from slipping and sliding. Keep out wipes or a basket of toilet paper sheets for your toddler to use, but only the amount you’re willing to clean up if said toddler decides it’s a toy! Other options you may want to have in your toddler-friendly bathroom include a basket of clean underwear, a hamper for soiled underwear, and a basket of books.
The Bathroom Door
Although our bathroom is relatively baby-proof, I always keep the bathroom door closed when we’re not using it. My toddler is so used to it being closed that if it’s open, she’ll point to it and say, “uh oh!” However, when we begin potty training, I will keep it open so that she can use the toilet whenever she needs or wants to. We’ll most definitely need to make sure the toilet seat lock is installed!
Want to tour another local mom’s house? Check out Emily’s Coastal Bend Mom House Tour!
I used to leave a basket of board books in bathroom for reading during potty training!
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