Sinks, WCs and bidets

Toilets for children and seniors: reducer, adapter, step stool and grab bars

A family toilet does not have to be a compromise. A child reducer or a toilet seat with a child insert and a stable step stool can help children, while seniors can use an adapter that raises the seating height by 5 to 15 cm, or a higher toilet. The German standard for barrier-free apartments DIN 18040-2 states a seating height of 46 to 48 cm and folding grab bars on both sides 28 cm above the seat.

Prepared by: TGB Kúpeľne team, bathroom showroom in Senec since 1991updated 8. 11. 20265 min read

Illustrative image: wall-hung toilet with folding handles on both sides and a children's step

A child learning to use the toilet needs a smaller opening and something to stand on. A grandparent who has difficulty getting up needs a higher seat and firm support. Often, you address all these needs in one bathroom. Usually, you do not need to change the toilet – aids that can be removed later are sufficient. However, during renovation, you can prepare the bathroom to accommodate everyone.

Toilet height in numbers

A wall-hung toilet can be installed at a height of your choice – the height is determined by the installation frame. A floor-standing toilet has a height determined by the bowl. A comparison of both solutions can be found in the article Wall-hung or close-coupled toilet.

For children: reducer, child insert and step stool

• Child reducer sits on the toilet seat and reduces the opening. It usually has handles on the sides and can be hung next to the toilet.
• WC seat with child insert features a smaller seat built into the lid – the child can lower it themselves, and you won't need to store a reducer anywhere. We describe how to measure and choose a seat in the article WC seat.
• The step stool must be stable and have a slip-resistant surface and base. The child can place their feet on it, allowing them to sit comfortably and empty more easily. The same step stool can be used at the sink.
• Slow-closing seat protects little fingers from being pinched.

Do not install the WC or sink lower for children – they grow quickly, and a low WC would be uncomfortable for adults. You can find more tips in the article Bathroom for children and families.

For seniors: WC riser

The riser is placed on the bowl and raises the seat height by 5, 10, or 15 cm. Simple plastic risers, risers with lids, and those with armrests are available to assist with standing up. When choosing, pay attention to:

• Height – feet should rest flat on the floor when seated.
• Attachment – the riser must not move on the bowl. Check if it fits the shape of your bowl.
• Load capacity is indicated by the manufacturer, along with cleaning instructions.
• Armrests – helpful if there is no space for wall grab bars next to the WC.

Higher WC instead of a riser

If you are renovating, it is easier to install a wall-hung WC higher, for example, at 45 to 46 cm. You won't need a riser, and the WC will look like a standard one. For barrier-free apartments, DIN 18040-2 specifies a height of 46 to 48 cm including the seat. Test the height – it may be ideal for some, while too high for shorter household members. The simplest way is to sit on a chair or seat of similar height and see if you can comfortably stand up without using your hands for support. There are also solutions with adjustable WC heights.

Grab bars by the WC

A grab bar helps more with sitting down and standing up than a higher WC. DIN 18040-2 for barrier-free apartments specifies these values:

Grab bars are anchored to the load-bearing wall or to the reinforcement in the installation wall. Prepare the reinforcement during renovation, even if you do not need grab bars yet – they cannot be securely anchored into drywall without reinforcement. If the WC is next to a wall, a fixed grab bar can be placed on the wall side and a foldable one on the free side.

Space around the WC

Leave free space in front of the WC for movement – DIN 18040-2 for barrier-free apartments specifies 120 × 120 cm. For a wheelchair, it is 150 × 150 cm, with at least 90 cm on one side and 30 cm on the other, and a bowl depth of 70 cm, so a person can transfer from the wheelchair. We describe a barrier-free shower in the article Barrier-free shower for seniors, and the entire bathroom for seniors in the chapter Barrier-free bathroom for seniors.

Additional aids at the WC

• Bidet spray makes hygiene easier for children and seniors – see WC with bidet and bidet spray.
• Toilet paper holder within reach from a seated position, not behind.
• Flush control button that you can reach without twisting.
• Night light and contrasting colours for grab bars and seat for those with poor vision.
• Slip-resistant mat in front of the WC that does not crumple or slip – see Bathroom mat.
• Shower toilet for seniors who need assistance with hygiene.

You can find grab bars and barrier-free accessories in the e-shop under the category Barrier-free accessories and grab bars, and WC seats in the category WC seats. We can advise you on designing a WC for the whole family at our studio in Senec at Bratislavská 71.

We describe the entire bathroom for seniors – shower, handles, lighting, and burn protection – in the article Bathroom for Seniors.

Common mistakes

• Low WC for children – children will grow, and it will be uncomfortable for adults.
• Riser that moves – does not fit the bowl and poses a risk of falling.
• Grab bar on drywall without reinforcement – will pull out under load.
• Unstable step stool – the child could fall off it.
• Paper behind – a senior may slip while reaching for it.

Sources: DIN 18040-2 Barrier-free construction – apartments (seat height 46 to 48 cm, foldable grab bars, movement areas) according to overviews from Baunetz Wissen and Villeroy & Boch; heights of risers according to data from manufacturers and suppliers of medical aids; our articles Barrier-free shower for seniors and Bathroom for children and families. DIN 18040-2 is a German standard that we use as a guideline.

Terms in the glossary: Wall-hung WC · Barrier-free shower · Installation (concealed) frame · Close-coupled toilet · Slip resistance R9 to R13 · Installation wall