Hotel Child Proofing

Small steps to take for the safety of your child upon and after checking in a hotel.

Before You Book

When making a reservation, always ask the hotel if they have child-proof or baby-proof rooms or if the hotel supplies child-proofing materials.

If your child suffers from asthma, always ask for a room on a smoke-free floor and ask if they can provide hypo-allergenic pillows. (It may be best to bring your own if your child is particularly sensitive.)

Check It Out At Check In

Check the room completely before settling in and notify the front desk immediately of any concerns.

Get on your knees and view potential dangers from your child's point of view.

Get down on the floor and look for small objects like hairpins and straight pins (especially under the beds), and pills, which may have fallen on the floor and been missed by housekeeping.

Check drawers for any items (such as sharp objects or medicines) that may have been left behind.

Examine window and balcony door locks and push the screens to see how secure they are.

Test the locks on the windows and doors.

Open and close the closet and shower doors to make sure they ride securely on their tracks.

Test the water temperature in the tub and sink when it is turned to "hot."

If you have any concerns, or if the room doesn't meet your needs, ask to see another. And if the maintenance crew can't immediately fix problems, request a different room.

Settling In

Move chairs, small tables, or standing lamps, if you think they might be a hazard.

Move small items and any breakables out of the way. Request plastic cups to replace drinking glasses and put knickknacks, matches, and ashtrays on top of an armoire--or, better yet, have them removed from the room.

Keep the mini-bar locked, check that all outlets are covered, and check that electrical cords aren't frayed and exposed

Make sure the coffee maker, television set, and standing lamps can't be knocked over or tugged at via their cords.

Make a slipknot loop in window-blind cords and drapery cords (potential strangulation hazards).

If the room has a screened door or glass door, consider placing an "X" of masking tape across it to make the door more visible.

Get more Family Safety Tips at Nick Jr.'s Child Safety.

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Laura Manske is the editor of Family Travel: The Farther You Go, the Closer You Get.

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Important Disclaimer: This information is not meant as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a doctor with questions about your or your child's condition. NickJr.com does not recommend or endorse specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information provided by any sponsors or other third parties. Please also see NickJr.com's Terms of Use.

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