On-the-Go Childproofing Checkist: Make Holiday Visits Safer for Baby & More Relaxing for You

Visits away from childproofed, kid-friendly homes can be stressful and even downright unnerving for parents of young children. New surroundings inspire kids to touch, test and even taste whatever they find. Such curiosity is natural, but it tends to make holiday visits anything but relaxing.

It's easy to avoid much of this stress -- and potential dangers -- with a little safety pre-planning and some portable childproofing devices. Remember, even seasoned grandparents may have fragile collectibles, dangerous houseplants or dangling drapery cords in child-accessible spots.

Here are several simple things hosts can do to alleviate obvious safety hazards. Ask if they mind addressing these common safety concerns during your visit:

  • Move fragile or breakable items to higher spots in the room

  • Move houseplants to out-of-reach areas. Even if nontoxic, leaves, flowers and berries can pose choking hazards

  • Remove tablecloths or table runners. These can be pulled off the table, taking accessories with them

  • Move the kitchen knife block to a high pantry or cupboard shelf

  • Wind up dangling drapery cords

  • Protect exposed electrical outlets

  • Move or camouflage exposed electrical cords

  • Move heavy TVs back from the edges of cabinets

  • Move any medications, vitamins and hazardous kitchen and bathroom products to out-of reach or locked cabinets

Upon arrival, take a few minutes to conduct a "safety check" before letting little ones explore this exciting new world. Using removable safety devices, you can further childproof kid-safe zones and limit access to other areas of your host's home. Take along some handy portable safety items for temporary childproofing, such as:

  • Removable cabinet safety locks

  • Electrical outlet caps

  • Door handle covers or guards

  • A portable pressure-mounted baby safety gate

  • Finger-pinch door guards

  • Drapery cord wind-ups

  • Suction-style window and sliding door stoppers

  • Removable toilet locks

Temporary solutions are not the complete childproofing answer, so supervision is key to ensuring a safe visit. But addressing obvious, easily remedied safety concerns will make your destination safer for your child, and your visit more enjoyable for all.