Families are never static, and in a househeld with young children the bathroom should be flexible enough to adapt as they grow. Get the basics right by prcviding efficient heating, waterproof surfaces and rebust fittings that will stand up to the heavy wear they will inevitably receive, and respond to your children’s developing tastes by changing the decor and accessories.
Children tend to splash water around, and wall and surface materials that wipe down easily and won’t be damaged by water are ideal. Tiles or special bathroom paints are the most tolerant wall treatments, while laminate, tile or stone surfaces for shelves and the tops of units are good-looking and robust.
Provide plenty of storage in the form of pegs to hold dressing gowns, laundry bags and towels, open shelves for things in frequent use such as toiletries, spare towels, baby- changing items and toys, and cupboards — some of them lockable — to keep potentially hazardous cleaning products, medicines and perfume sprays out of harm’s way.
Try coIour—coding toothbrushes, mugs and towels to remind children to use only their own personal kit and fit rails lower on the wall to encourage them to hang up towels. Allow early independence by providing sturdy, stable step stools to give easier access to the basin and lavatory.
Very young children need help with every aspect of personal care from teeth-cleaning to using the lavatory, so bathrooms designed for families must have plenty of clear space to allow parent and child to move around easily. The bath in particular needs enough space for a parent to kneel or sit beside the tub to supervise bathing, read stories or just discuss the day before helping their child towel dry and put on their pyjamas.
When choosing fittings, opt for a bigger bath — preferably with taps and plug hole placed centrally — so two children can bathe at the same time. lf there is room, fit twin basins; they will be invaluable when children start school and the whole family needs to leave home at the same time in the morning.
Walls, floors and other surfaces should be both safe and practical. Floors must be waterproof, slip-resistant and warm to the touch. Materials such as rubber, linoleum, cork and vinyl have the right characteristics and, unlike ceramic tiles, provide a relatively soft landing if accidents do happen.