In my previous blog I shared one of the most haunting moments of my career as a television journalist. It is an incident that will remain with me forever, and one that has impacted the way I travel with my own child.
For starters I never book a room higher than the second floor (I always request the ground floor, but if rooms there are not available I will consider the second floor). Next, I always request a childproofing kit (some hotels offer them upon request). If you are not staying at a property that offers a childproofing kit there are simple steps you can take to make your room more kid-friendly.
One of the fist things I do is to spot-check the room for obvious dangers such as open windows and loose cords on window blinds. Here are some other precautions I take before I let my child run loose in a hotel room:
· Make sure that all doors and windows are securely locked.
· Cover unused electrical outlets.
· Move furniture away from the windows.
· Cover the sharp edges of desks and tables with
duct tape or washcloths.
· Remove any tablecloths.
· Check the water temperature in the bathroom. Children should not be exposed to water hotter than 120 degrees.
· Unplug all electrical appliances, including hairdryers, coffee makers, etc.
· Make sure there is a non-slip mat in the bathtub
· Put away any potentially hazardous products such as mouthwash, shampoo, or other complimentary toiletries.
Finally, a word about hotel balconies. What most guests don’t realize is that while the railings may be high enough to prevent a child from falling over, the real danger is the space between the balcony’s bars. Some hotels provide plastic mesh fences that fit in front of the bars so your child can’t slip between or through the bars and fall off the balcony. But the hotels that offer them are few and far between. Your best bet: lock the balcony door and keep an eye on your child.
Related Articles:
Traveling with Children: Finding the Best Hotel Room
Travel Tip: Beware of Hotel Cribs
Holiday Travel: 10 Hotel Safety Tips
What To Do In Case Of A Hotel Fire
What To Do In Case Of A Hotel Fire—Part 2