A children’s bathroom isn’t all fun and whimsy—though you certainly can take a light-hearted approach to the décor you choose. A lot happens in the family bathroom: bathing, washing, brushing teeth, playing in the tub. It’s a multi-purpose space that must include plenty of storage, easy-care surfaces, durable fixtures and accommodations for the little people.

It’s easy to get focused on designing a bathroom for little kids, and then in a couple of years, they’re eight inches taller. You can have fun with the design, but think about the fact that your kids will grow up fast, and you might not get back to the bathroom to renovate it when they’re older.

So choose durable, low-maintenance materials and neutral fixtures. Include conveniences that make the bathroom work for children (step stools), but think beyond potty training years.

Consider these features when designing a children’s bathroom:

A right-height work area. Consider lowering the vanity countertop height so children will stay off their tippy toes when reaching for the faucet. Or, for a longer-term solution, maintain the standard countertop height and include a lift-out step in a bottom vanity drawer. When children are younger, they can pull out the step to stand on it instead of having a cumbersome stool in the bathroom, and the step lifts out of the drawer for more storage when children no longer need it.

A toilet that transitions. Look for a toilet with a seat that takes a child from potty training to adulthood. Also, quiet-close toilet seats take the bang out of closing the lid (which parents will appreciate).

Plenty of stow-away space. Kids have lots of stuff, and their bathroom belongings can take over the tub and countertops. The more storage, the better. Opt for over-sized, deep tub niches where toys and bottles can be stored on shelves. If there’s room, consider a decorative toy box to stash towels (and more toys). Built-in vanity cabinets hide clutter rather than open-shelf storage (though bins can contain overflow). To keep the bathroom looking neat and clean, you have to make sure there are places to keep everything.

An easy-access tub. Improve access to your tub by including a graduated step down into the basin, or check out under mount models. Also, spring for an extra hand-held shower head positioned on a working bar. This makes it easier to get shampoo out of children’s hair and easier to keep your tub clean.

Also, faucets with anti-scald valves will prevent hot-water burns and adjustable shower bars will keep children safe as they grow. You want to make a room that is a chameleon that can change and grow as the child ages.

Non-slip, easy-clean surfaces. Test tile before buying it to determine if it will be slippery when wet. Porcelain is extra durable, and textured surfaces are best for avoiding falls.

Hardware that’s easy to handle. D-handle drawer pulls and levers are easier to grab and pull than knobs. Also, towel rings and hooks for washcloths and robes are easier to manage than towel bars. And when hanging a towel isn’t easy, it will end up on the floor. As children get older, a towel bar can replace hooks.

Remodeling a bathroom to be kid friendly can be challenging, especially when kids don’t stay little forever. You want a bathroom that will grow with the children. Head on over to PlumbTile for your bathroom remodeling needs. Our expert employees will be able to not only answer your bathroom questions, but will help you find the right supplies you need to create the bathroom that will grow and change, just like your family.