The Bath Time Bump That Changed Everything: Introducing the taphat® Bath Tap Cover for Baby and Toddler Safety in the UK
The First Solo Splash (and a Little Scare!)
The memory still makes me chuckle, though it definitely wasn’t funny at the time! There I was, a mum of a fledgling toddler about to enjoy a whole hour of freedom (bliss!), having bravely left daddy in charge of bath time for our one-year-old. Our little chap had graduated from his baby bath – those lovely, safe, new-born-friendly contraptions – and my hubby was tackling the ‘big’ tub solo for the very first time. I gave him a confident wave, secretly thinking, ‘Good luck, mate!’, and off I went.
Then, the phone rang. Half an hour of peace shattered. It was my hubby, sounding like he’d just wrestled a kraken. “Anne, love, he’s… well, he’s bumped his head.” My heart did that familiar mum-somersault. Apparently, in a bid to demonstrate the thrilling aquatic capabilities of a rubber duck, Clive had allowed our son to reach a little too enthusiastically, resulting in a classic toddler tumble and a direct hit with the bath tap spout. Not the gently curved bit, oh no, but the pointy-out bit – prime toddler head-banging territory.
A Bump Leads to an Idea: The Birth of taphat
I legged it back home, my dreams of grown-up time floating away like bath bubbles. Our little one was sporting a rather impressive bump, crying more from the shock than serious injury, thankfully. My hubby looked like a scolded puppy. It was a stark reminder that bath time with a newly mobile toddler in a big tub, even if you've done it before, is still full of potential surprises – and those hard bath taps are just waiting to join the fun in the most unwelcome way. It really highlighted the need for better baby bath safety and toddler bath safety.
That evening, amidst the scattered bath toys and damp towels, my hubby and I had a proper ‘we need a plan’ chat. That little bump, during his first solo bath as I bravely ventured out, was the unexpected spark that ignited the idea for taphat. My hubby, bless him, ever the one with a brain buzzing with new inventions (most of which never see the light of day, but that's another story!), started sketching on a napkin. We needed something soft, something that stayed put, and something that didn’t make our bathroom look like it belonged in a soft play centre.
More Than Just Our Family: The Hidden Dangers of Bath Time
Parenting is a rollercoaster. We spend ages baby-proofing everything, yet somehow those hard bathroom fixtures often escape our attention. But think about it – the bathroom is a slippery place, and those bath taps and spouts are just at perfect head height for a wobbly little one. Safety organisations are always reminding us that the bathroom is a high-risk area for accidents involving young children. Those metal bath taps are definitely a common culprit. It’s all part of the glorious chaos of raising kids!
Safety for All Ages: It's Not Just for Babies
And it’s not just the little ones. Even as they get older (and you think you’re finally in the clear!), there’s still the odd clumsy moment. Plus, who hasn’t knocked their own knee or elbow on a tap while trying to enjoy a relaxing bath? It’s hardly the height of luxury. You’re trying to unwind, maybe even sneak in a bit of peace and quiet, and then whack – a sharp reminder of the unforgiving plumbing.
From Kitchen Table Dreams to Reality: The taphat Journey
So, back to that bumped head and our determination to find a solution. We fiddled with ideas for years, between school runs and the endless laundry. I even tried sewing a padded sock onto one at one point – don’t ask! In 2012, we decided to formalise our efforts and set up a little company called Dalu Solutions – Dalu standing for DAmage Limitation Unit, which felt rather fitting! It wasn’t until 2014 that Dalu Solutions finally got our act together and launched taphat online at taphat.co.uk. We figured if we’d had this problem, other parents must have too.
Introducing taphat: Soft Protection for Hard Taps (Made with Clever Foam!)
Our taphat is made from this fantastic stuff: aviation-grade closed-cell foam. It sounds rather technical, but what it really means is that it's incredibly durable and brilliant at absorbing those accidental bumps – exactly what you need when little ones are around. Think of taphat as a cosy, impact-absorbing hat. Each taphat is crafted from 2cm thick pieces of this clever foam. It’s designed to fit snugly over most standard bath taps, turning those hard, pointy hazards into a soft, cushioned haven. It's a simple idea for bath tap safety, but sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. It's a little bathroom upgrade that makes a big difference.
Why taphat? More Than Just a Spout Cover
Think about that first solo bath again. Imagine if that hard spout had been covered in something soft and squidgy, made from a good, thick layer of protective foam. That little cry, that moment of panic – maybe it could have been avoided. That’s the kind of peace of mind taphat can offer. And for the grown-ups, it just makes that long-awaited soak even more enjoyable. No more awkward manoeuvring to avoid the cold, hard metal. It’s about creating a truly blissful bath experience for everyone.
While there are other bath safety bits and bobs out there, often just focusing on the spout, we genuinely believe taphat offers a more comprehensive and robust solution for the whole tap area, thanks to that lovely thick layer of aviation-grade closed-cell foam. It's a product born from our own slightly chaotic, but ultimately very real, parenting experience.
Time for Fewer Tears and More Bubbles?
Ready to say goodbye to bath time bumps? We've got you covered.
