Staying safe with Children on Holiday

When on a family holiday, the last thing you want to worry about is your kids having an accident whilst they’re away. There are important things you should do before you leave home, like ensuring you have travel insurance and an EHIC card if you’re travelling in Europe – but one of the easiest ways to make sure there are no accidents is to child-proof your new holiday abode as soon as you arrive.
We’ve put together a handy checklist to help you ensure that your little ones are kept safe whilst abroad.

In the room

1. Check for any sharp corners on furniture which a child could catch themselves on. Securing a folded washcloth with tape can be a quick fix
2. Organise furniture to suit your needs and place pillows on dangerous areas
3. Ensure blind cords and power cables are kept well out of reach of small hands. Duct tape can be very useful securing this type of thing out of the way
4. Make sure plug sockets are covered with appropriate plug covers
5. If using a cot, check it is secure and loose objects are removed from reach
6. Check the floor is clear of small objects and hazards
7. Pack elastic bands or pipe cleaners so you can make your own make-shift door locks
8. Check out the balconies and windows. Remove chairs from the balcony so your child cannot climb on them and check railings are safe and secure
10. It is also worth explaining to little ones the dangers of climbing on or close to a balcony
11. Many hotels can offer the hire of safety equipment or know of local companies that hire them. So things like Safety Gates are accessible. Do your homework before you go.
12. Some hotels offer a child safety pack. Some will offer child gates, ID bracelets or baby monitors – make sure you ask when you arrive.

In the bathroom

It is also important to give the bathroom a once over for safety. It is very easy to unpack and forget about the safety measures you already have in place at home.

1. Water temperatures in hotels are often much hotter than at home. Always check the temperature of the bath and also warn little ones that the taps may be hot.
2. Ensure electrical items, such as shavers, are kept well out of reach
3. Your hotel bathroom may not have as much storage as at home, so remain vigilant about medications, razors and other toiletries being kept out of reach.
4. If your child is one that will mess with the toilet, pack snap locks or another handy tip is to secure the toilet lid with duct tape.

Out and about

1. Are your children aware of the danger of going off with strangers? Remind them to come and tell you if an adult they don’t know starts talking to them.
2. ID bracelets – these are readily available online and identify who to contact should your little one become separated from you.
3. Have you got a first aid kit in an easy to find place? Always keep one handy when you are out and about.

Remember, it’s your job to keep your child safe

You should never feel like you can’t make temporary modifications to your ‘new’ environment. You know your child better than anyone else and your child’s safety is paramount. Enjoy your trip and keep safe!

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Category: General