I recently remodeled the guest bathroom for my young daughter, aiming to create a fun bathing space. However, now that I've installed a steel tub, there's an issue: the textured surface is rough and prevents her from sliding around comfortably. She even had to finish her bath in the shower because the traction was too harsh, causing her some abrasions. I'm looking for a way to make the tub more comfortable without having to recoat it, and I'm skeptical that suction cup mats will even stick to such a coarse surface. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
Another idea is to check whether the tub is magnetic. If it is, a magnetic bath mat could be an option! If not, just go with a regular bath mat; it'll help with the comfort issue while still being easy to clean up later. Just make sure it’s weighted down with a few toys or something!
Putting down a smooth bath mat is definitely a safe bet. You’re right to skip any coatings since they can cause major problems down the line. Kids adapt quickly, so this rough patch won't last! Plus, when she gets older, you can go back to enjoying that grip again without any hassle.
It sounds like a tricky situation! One option might be to try a simple bath mat; even if it doesn't suction down, the weight of the water and your daughter should keep it in place. It won't be as slippery as a standard tub, but it might help reduce discomfort. Just make sure you avoid any sort of coating on the tub—it could lead to cracks or leaks, which you definitely want to avoid! Plus, your daughter will grow out of this phase, so it's more about temporary solutions.

Yeah, a bath mat really seems like the way to go! It's a simple fix, and it’s easy to remove later on when your daughter doesn't need it anymore.