Inclusive Design for Families with Young Children

Babies, toddlers, and young children have needs that are not always considered by designers. This can mean certain products present safety risks or are unsuitable for families with young children. This articles outlines ways in which designers can be more accommodating of very young users.

• Eliminate small detachable parts that might create choking hazards.
• Use non-toxic, durable materials, in case children gnaw or chew on them (teething babies put everything in their mouths)
• Eliminate sharp edges (toddlers who are learning to walk, or young children racing around often trip and fall)
• Use easy-clean surfaces as young children frequently make mess (non-porous surfaces, with few cracks or crevices for food, dirt, or bacteria to accumulate) or products that can be easily taken apart for cleaning
• Use stain-resistant surfaces, with finishes and coatings that resist staining if children spill or draw on them
• Include automatic shut-offs for irons and other appliances that might cause a fire or burning risk (in case children accidentally switch them off, or busy parents forget to turn off)
• Include child locks on dangerous products (i.e. car doors, preventing opening while driving)
• Consider parental or caregiver needs – such as ease of operation with one hand while carrying a baby, or multi-tasking with many children, or organisational features
• Have age-appropriate controls, helping children learn symbols or basic letters, or using basic colour coded systems
• Have large buttons for small fingers to press easily
• Include height and width adjustments, so that aspects of a product can be adjusted as a child grows
• Include training features that can be removed, such as training wheels on bikes, or toilet training seats
• Include interactive elements, educational content, or playful design elements to increase engagement and fun using the product

Opportunities for Product Modification

• Table lamps are often easily knocked over, with cords that create tripping hazards, and hot bulbs that children might touch. Redesign opportunities include weighted bases, cord management, and child-safe bulb access.
• Charging stations often create cord tangles, provide electrocution risks for young children chewing on cords, and may have sharp edges. Opportunities for organization, safety, and family device management.
• Blenders have sharp blades, loud noises that startles children, and easy-to-remove components. Could be redesigned with sound dampening, secure locking mechanisms, and child-safe operation modes.
• Bookcases can create heavy tip-over hazards, sharp corners, and allow children to access difficult for children to access inappropriate materials. Design opportunities include stability features, rounded edges, and height-adjustable shelves.
• Toy storage bins often have lids that can pinch fingers, or no lids leading to constant mess. Students could create safer closure mechanisms and easier access for both children and parents.