Nov

27

How to Childproof a Hotel Room

BY Jamie Pearson of travelsavvymom.com

One of the rules of parenting is this: If there’s a hazard, kids will find it. That’s why childproofing is so important. The good news is that hotel rooms aren’t any more dangerous than your home, just smaller. If you take the following precautions, you’ll be relaxing in no time.

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Cover Those Outlets

Bring your own outlet protectors or—even better—a roll of duct tape. Crawl around the room to get a baby’s eye view of things, so that you don’t miss any outlets.

Move the Furniture

Coffee tables and side tables with sharp edges and corners can be moved to the corners of the room (just be sure to put everything back before check out). This will also give your child more space to play.

Check Under the Beds

Things like coins, buttons and rubber bands are choking hazards and can be easily overlooked by housekeeping. Do a complete sweep of the room for peace of mind, paying special attention to places that are out of sight.

Unplug Things

Unplug unneeded appliances like phones, coffeemakers, lamps and alarm clocks so your baby can’t pull them down on her sweet little head. If possible, move things that can’t be unplugged to higher ground.

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Don’t Forget Windows and Doors

Make sure all the windows are securely latched, and move furniture away from them. Grab your tape again, and use it to secure any blind cords up out of reach.  Request a room without a balcony, and lock any sliding glass doors.

Barricade the Bathroom

Just like at home, the bathroom is full of hazards that are hard to avoid: scalding hot water, toxic cosmetics and toiletries, and a door that locks from the inside. Drape a towel over the top of the door to keep it from shutting, and supervise your child closely.

Seal Drawers

Still got that duct tape? Good. Use it to close drawers (which are a pinching and climbing hazard) and cabinets (which just pinch). You can easily remove and replace the tape if you need to store clothes inside.

Steer Clear of the Mini-Bar

Mini-bars are full of all kinds of temptations for children and adults alike. If yours doesn’t have a lock and key, tape it shut, too. It’ll be better for everyone.

CATEGORY: Travel tip

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