By Hustle Hack 
Traveling with young children can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their safety in unfamiliar environments. Hotels, vacation rentals, and even family members’ homes may not be childproofed, so it’s essential to bring along the right childproofing items to create a safe space for your little ones. This ultimate packing guide covers the must-have childproofing items for accommodations, practical tips, and links to helpful resources.
Why Childproofing is Essential When Traveling
Children are naturally curious and often explore their surroundings, which can lead to accidents if the environment is not properly secured. Hotels and vacation rentals may have hazards like sharp corners, accessible electrical outlets, or unsecured furniture. Bringing your own childproofing items ensures that you can quickly and effectively create a safe environment for your child, giving you peace of mind during your stay.
Essential Childproofing Items to Pack
1. Outlet Covers
Why They’re Important
Electrical outlets are often at a child’s eye level and can be tempting for little fingers. Outlet covers are an inexpensive and easy way to prevent electrical shocks.
Tips for Use
- Pack Enough: Bring a set of outlet covers to cover all accessible outlets in your accommodation.
- Easy to Install: Choose outlet covers that are easy to install and remove but secure enough to prevent a child from tampering with them.
Example
The Miller family packed a dozen outlet covers when they stayed at a vacation rental in the mountains. They quickly installed the covers in the living room and bedrooms, ensuring their toddler was safe from electrical hazards.
2. Corner Guards
Why They’re Important
Sharp corners on furniture like coffee tables, countertops, and bed frames can pose a danger to small children. Corner guards cushion these edges, reducing the risk of injury if a child falls or bumps into them.
Tips for Use
- Flexible and Soft: Choose corner guards made from soft, flexible materials like silicone.
- Adhesive Backing: Look for guards with strong adhesive backing that can be easily applied and removed without damaging furniture.
Example
The Smith family used silicone corner guards on the sharp edges of the coffee table in their hotel room. This simple addition prevented potential injuries as their active preschooler played in the room.
3. Cabinet and Drawer Locks
Why They’re Important
Cabinets and drawers often contain items that are unsafe for children, such as cleaning supplies, sharp objects, or fragile items. Childproof locks keep these areas secure.
Tips for Use
- Adjustable: Opt for adjustable locks that can fit a variety of cabinet and drawer sizes.
- Easy to Install: Look for locks that are easy to install without tools, such as those with adhesive strips.
Example
The Garcia family installed adhesive cabinet locks on the kitchen cabinets in their Airbnb rental. This prevented their curious toddler from accessing potentially harmful items, giving the parents peace of mind.
4. Door Handle Covers and Knob Locks
Why They’re Important
Young children can easily open doors, leading to potential hazards such as falls, access to unsafe areas, or leaving the accommodation unnoticed. Door handle covers and knob locks prevent children from opening doors.
Tips for Use
- Fit and Compatibility: Ensure the covers or locks are compatible with the type of door handles or knobs in your accommodation.
- Ease of Use for Adults: Choose products that are easy for adults to operate but difficult for children to manipulate.
Example
The Nguyen family used door knob covers on the doors leading to the balcony in their hotel room. This kept their toddler from accessing the balcony unsupervised, ensuring their safety during their stay.
5. Portable Baby Gates
Why They’re Important
If your accommodation has stairs or rooms you want to keep off-limits, a portable baby gate can be a lifesaver. These gates provide a physical barrier that keeps your child safe from dangerous areas.
Tips for Use
- Lightweight and Collapsible: Choose a gate that is lightweight, easy to transport, and quick to set up.
- Pressure-Mounted: Opt for a pressure-mounted gate that doesn’t require drilling or permanent installation.
Example
The Thompson family brought a portable baby gate on their trip to a cabin in the woods. They used it to block off the staircase, ensuring their toddler couldn’t access the stairs without supervision.
Related Resource
For more tips on childproofing your travel accommodations, visit the HealthyChildren.org website by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
How to Pack and Organize Childproofing Items
1. Use a Dedicated Bag or Pouch
Pack all your childproofing items in a dedicated bag or pouch so they’re easy to find and access when you arrive at your destination.
2. Prioritize Accessibility
Pack childproofing items in your carry-on or a bag that will be immediately accessible when you arrive, so you can quickly secure the space before letting your child explore.
3. Check for Reusability
Opt for reusable childproofing items that can be easily packed and used for multiple trips.
4. Review Your Accommodation’s Layout
Before your trip, review the layout of your accommodation (if available) to determine which areas may require childproofing, allowing you to pack accordingly.
Final Tips for Childproofing Your Accommodation
- Inspect the Space Upon Arrival: As soon as you arrive, inspect the accommodation for potential hazards and install your childproofing items.
- Communicate with Hosts: If you’re staying at a vacation rental, communicate with the host in advance to ask about child safety features or to request additional items like cribs or high chairs.
- Stay Vigilant: Even with childproofing measures in place, always supervise your child, especially in unfamiliar environments.
By packing essential childproofing items and taking proactive steps to secure your accommodations, you can ensure a safe and worry-free stay for your family. Proper childproofing not only protects your child from potential hazards but also allows you to relax and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
Related Sites for Further Reading
- HealthyChildren.org – Home Safety Checklist
- WebMD Childproofing Guide
- Safe Kids Worldwide – Childproofing Tips
- Consumer Reports – Babyproofing Essentials
- Parenting.com – Babyproofing Your Home