The bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in the house. Not only is it essential to modern living, it is also wide open when it comes to design choices. But did you know it's also an opportunity to make your home safer?

When it comes to designing a bathroom, there is a lot more than just color schemes and sink models to consider. Did you know there are almost 200,000 bathroom accidents per year in the United States, and many of them are preventable?

For instance, glass doors can be dangerous for older individuals if they try to use them for support in and out of the tub. Shelving must be secure so that bath products stay put and don't create a falling hazard if someone leans on them. Still, it is not just senior family members who need special consideration. The bathroom contains danger zones for the whole family, from babies, toddlers and teens to adults and seniors.

The market has responded by offering safety products that can seamlessly be integrated into the design of any bathroom. By familiarizing yourself with some common sense safety tips and considering and confronting these risks, you can create a space that is beautiful, functional and safe for all life's phases and ages.

I. Babies

Bringing home a baby can be overwhelming. Suddenly, there are many more products in the home than there were before. Changing tables, playpens and cribs are just the beginning, but baby safety requirements extend way beyond the nursery.

Babies require constant supervision in the bathroom. This is especially critical at bath time. Water temperature, water depth and even frequency of bathing all affect a baby's well-being. For instance, the National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests you keep your hot water heater temperature below 120 degrees to avoid scalding or burning the baby. To make sure you're at an appropriate temperature, use a thermometer; just be sure to use a modern one (older ones contain mercury). However, water temperature is not the only safety concern at this critical stage:

A. Always use a baby gate or keep the bathroom door closed to avoid having a baby in the room unsupervised. If you and the baby are in the room, always be within reach.

B. Invest in a portable baby tub - they're much easier for baby bathing. They are mobile, smaller and easier to handle, and they come in a variety of styles, including collapsible models.

Expert Tip: "Depending on where you use the baby's bathtub and how many bathrooms are in the house, store the baby's tub right in the base of the shower or bath, or on top of the washer and dryer in the laundry area. You can also try using command hooks and nylon rope to hang the tub someplace on the wall near the shower so you can still access your tub. If space is a problem in your home, I recommend finding a collapsible style tub." - Heather K. Powers, Professional Organizer, HKpowerStudio, hkpowerstudio.com

II. Children

Toddlers and small children are known for being curious during bath time. They are beginning to become more independent, standing up, getting in and out of the tub or shower by themselves, splashing and playing, and investigating cabinets and shelving. They love to explore their surroundings, but in doing so, they are sometimes at risk.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4 years old, and it takes only a few inches of water for a young child to drown. Most drownings in the bathroom occur when the parent leaves to grab a towel or answer the phone, or the child is left in the care of an older sibling and no adult is present. Just as babies require constant supervision at bath time, children need to be monitored in the tub and other parts of the bathroom, too. Here are some additional ways to keep children safe:

A. Non-slip treads keep active children from slipping in the tub when they stand. As adhesive technology continues to advance, there is a widening range of non-slip tub treads, from standard discs and strips to animal shapes, stars and a wide range of colors. If a tub doesn't have a built-in non-skid surface, non-slip treads are a safer option than a suction mat.

B. Toddlers need help learning to take care of themselves, of course, but that extends to specialty products that can help them gain independence earlier. A training toilet can be a useful tool during potty training, and a step stool can help little people reach the sink. However, make sure to store these items out of the walkway when not in use so that they do not present a tripping hazard for other family members.

C. Once out of the tub, immediately dry a child's feet to keep them from slipping.

D. Childproofing the bathroom is essential. Put items that need to stay visible out of reach, keep the toilet seat down and constantly supervise your child while in the room.

Expert Tip: "Childproofing is a measure of safety, which can make a home less convenient. However, it is not a permanent feature. Nothing will replace proper supervision." - Kenny Lynerd, Owner, Child Safe Home

E. Adding latches to cabinets and drawers is also recommended. There are a variety of styles on the market, from magnetic locks to slip or slide locks that can keep children out of unwanted areas and still make them usable for other household members. According to the 2014 annual report from the National Poison Data System (NPDS), children younger than 3 years of age were involved in 35.6 percent of poison exposures, and children younger than 6 years accounted for approximately half of all human exposures (47.7 percent). Proper storage of common household cleaning products is essential.

Expert Tip: "Keep toiletries, toys and other bathroom items contained and put them away under the sink, into drawers or up high. Keeping items neatly organized (with labels) and out of reach from the little ones is the best way to play it safe." —Heather K. Powers, Professional Organizer, HKpowerStudio, hkpowerstudio.com.

III. Teens

Teenagers are asserting their independence, and that often includes alone time in the bathroom and experimentation with personal style. This is also the first time many of them will use grooming tools, like hair straighteners or razors, and these tools can be serious health hazards. This means that management of the instruction, tools and cleanliness on all of the above is essential.

A. Many electric hair grooming tools are heated and can inflict serious burns and present fire hazards if left on or can be general safety hazards if not stored properly. Convey to teens the importance of making sure tools are off after use, allowing them to cool and properly storing them (including cords).

B. Razors are an essential tool for many, but mismanagement can lead to injury and infection. Make sure that a razor has drying time after use (to inhibit growth of bacteria) and replace blades or disposable razors often, as dull blades are dangerous. Also, store razors securely and high in the tub or shower to keep them out of reach of younger children.

C. Styling and other bathroom products can leave a buildup on surfaces if not kept in check. This attracts dirt, creates slippery areas on the floor and in general, diminishes the safety and beauty of the space.

Expert Tip: "To help keep bathrooms clean, make daily cleaning a chore. Towels should be hung up, not on the floor. Use disposable cleaning wipes for quick cleaning of the sink. Show the family how to clean and what the expectations are, and make it a routine or habit." —Sommer Poquette, Blogger. Author. Consultant, Green and Clean Mom.

D. According to the CDC, injuries around the tub or shower are most common among those ages 15 to 24, so instruct teens to be especially cautious and allow plenty of time for grooming as rushing can lead to injuries. Bathroom clocks can help the whole family manage time while getting ready, and they can lend a decorative or whimsical touch to the space as well.

E. Many teens begin to wear contact lenses, and proper care and cleaning of the lenses is essential. Make sure that each contact lens wearer in the home has a dedicated shelf for products and lenses, and if not, consider a small basket to keep cleaning solution and lenses organized. Easy access to cleaning solution and fresh lenses will encourage eye safety.

IV. Adults

Many adults want to recreate a spa retreat in their bathrooms. Just remember that proper product storage in the shower with shelving or shower caddies is important. Easy access of products equals safety, and accessibility of the room, no matter the time of day, is essential.

A. As far as storage, keeping things off the floor is the first consideration. In the bath/shower itself, built-in shelving is safer and provides a custom look beyond an over-the-shower head caddy.

B. An in-tub seat can help with safety for all members of the family as well as create a retreat-like space for relaxation and ease of bathing.

Expert Tip: "There are many options for seating in the tub and shower. Benches are great for the whole family, and then there are stools, as well as seats with backs that can help the less mobile members of the family." - Eddie Riddle, Marketing Manager, Bath Safety, Liberty Hardware.

C. Nightlights help the whole family. There are many styles available, from LED and motion sensing to those designed to create a soothing constellation of stars in the room. Whatever your preference, make sure to dedicate an electrical outlet just for the light so it is always at the ready.

D. Make sure that proper ventilation is installed in the room to prevent mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems if left unchecked. A high-quality ventilation fan is required, and many of the best performing models have Energy Star ratings.

V. Seniors

Growing older does not have to mean losing independence. Bathroom designs such as grab bars in the bath or shower and raised toilet seats increase senior stability and can also be helpful for the whole family. Injuries increase with age, especially over age 85, so prevention, as always, is the key.

A. Grab and assist bars increase stability. A grab bar should meet ADA requirements, including the correct distance from the wall and the ability to support up to 500 pounds. The assist bar can support up to 300 pounds, and both are becoming more standard in bathroom design.

Expert Tip: "It is important that grab and assist bars be installed directly into the studs or with grab bar anchors, so it's highly recommended that these are installed by a professional in order to meet ADA requirements." - Eddie Riddle, Marketing Manager, Bath Safety, Liberty Hardware.

B. Consider a multifunctional assist bar that doubles as a toilet paper holder or towel rack, or perhaps have a concealed mount grab bar integrated into a bathroom remodel to provide safety for the whole family.

Expert Tip: "The trend now is ‘hidden in plain sight.' If you have a towel bar, why not have a towel assist bar, for instance? Assist and grab bars are definitely becoming more integrated in bathroom design, and there are many designs that look good and can blend in with the room decor." - Eddie Riddle.

C. Raised toilet seats and lowered tub sides with adjustable height can address flexibility issues. An elevated toilet seat (with or without arms) is an easy way to add more independence for a senior. While an elevated toilet seat is as easy to install as a conventional one, the lowered tub sides must be installed by a professional.

D. Additionally, a transfer bench can help individuals move with ease on and off the toilet, as well as in and out of the tub. These are useful for people recovering from injuries, as well as those dealing with more chronic mobility issues.

E. As we get older, we need brighter lights to see well. Hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare, use static cling window decals to let light in while maintaining privacy, or replace an old window with glass blocks to act as a natural light source. Make sure all bulbs in bathroom lighting are replaced immediately when they stop working.

Conclusion

Each stage of life presents risks and the bathroom is filled with potential hazards.

The bath safety products industry has been responding to these risks and others, creating innovative products that are safe, multifunctional and stylish. Take whimsically-designed non-slip bath treds, for example, or integrated towel and assist bars. The combination of well-designed products and awareness of the hazards intrinsic in the bathroom can lead to increased safety in one of the spaces in our homes that receives constant use.

No matter what stage of life you're in, everyone can benefit from each of the safety tips mentioned in the guide above. Safety at any stage benefits people of all ages! A safe bathroom makes for a safe and happy home.