Babies are on the go these days, and - as every parent knows-- our little explorers can discover dangers in the most ordinary places. Below are some pointers for parents traveling to a hotel or resort.
Step one: ask what the hotel/resort can provide in the way of baby safety
Virtually every hotel of any size provides a crib on request. (Ask if it meets current safety standards.) Some companies will offer wall outlet covers and other safety devices too.
Step Two: Bring Along...
Some parents may feel the need to bring along specific safety aids they use at home, such as outlet covers, cupboard latches, toilet lid latches, even portable playpens.
Others may make do with masking tape and a couple of rubber bands. Use the masking tape to cover electrical outlets (and it doesn't matter if the outlet is a different type than at home!) Use the rubber bands to keep cupboards shut.
If you're renting, say, a 3-level ski condo, you may want to bring along a safety gate for the top of the stairs.
Step Three: Inspect the room
When you arrive, get down on your hands and knees and have a look around. Check under the bed: something unsafe -- a pill, a pin-- may have been overlooked by housekeeping staff. Ditto for the drawers: open them up and check if anything's been left; you know your toddler will find it!
- Do the drill about covering electrical outlets.
- If electrical or phone cords can be yanked, use the masking tape to position them out of reach, or fix them firmly to the floor or wall.
- Is there anything else that can be yanked? Are there any loose cords for curtains that a baby could get tangled in?
- Does the furniture have sharp edges that could hurt a toddler who trips? Tape a wash-towel on the sharp corner. Push the furniture around if need be.
- check the temperature of water in the bathtub: water may be hotter than you expect.
- is the bathtub more slippery than at home? how about the tiles in the bathroom?
- check the furniture on the balcony: be sure it isn't placed near the railing, so that a toddler could climb on a chair or table and fall over the railing.
Step Four: Practice The Usual Safety Habits...
Always drain the tub, keep the bathroom door shut, and do all the other safety duties just like you would at home.
... And a Few Extra Ones
balconies: be sure to keep any door to a balcony shut and locked. Also be sure that no furniture on the balcony is placed -- or could be easily pushed-- near the railing, so that a toddler could climb high enough to fall over the railing.
hard tile floors: if you're vacationing in Mexico or the Caribbean, your room will probably have ceramic tiles or marble floors -- very hard surfaces, indeed, if a baby or toddler takes a tumble. Be especially careful not to let these surfaces get wet and slippery: wipe up any drips from wet bathing suits! You may want to lay a towel on the floor to make a softer area.
