Easy Baby Proofing for Peace of Mind on Your Next Trip

Nothing ruins a vacation like a trip to the ER with a baby. Excursions meant to give parents a desperately needed dose of relaxation, can quickly unravel if you show up to accommodations riddled with infant hazards. It’s often well worth it to travel with some simple baby proofing supplies. We’ve scoured the internet for the best lightweight, easy to install, easy to remove baby proofing gear. The list of must-haves will depend on your baby’s current mobility, how you’re traveling, and the destination. Bring what is most helpful and breathe a bit easier on your next family trip.

Easy-to-Pack Baby Proofing Gear:

• Outlet covers – A lightweight and easily removable set like this comes in handy when little ones start to explore with their hands and fingers.
• Door stoppers – Keep little fingers safe with door stoppers like these or these.
• Cabinet slide locks – Non-adhesive cabinet locks for the kitchen and bathroom are helpful if you’re staying in a house or apartment. We recommend types like this or this. Thick rubber bands that come with produce like broccoli will also work in a pinch.
• Socks with non-slip rubber soles – If your little one is walking, you may want to pack some non-slip socks so they don’t slip on smooth floors. You can also opt for letting them go barefoot.
• Toilet lock – Simply closing the toilet lid may be enough to deter many little ones, but if you know your child can open the lid and likes to throw stuff in, you might want to consider bringing along a toilet lock. Make sure it is non-adhesive and is easy to install and remove. We recommend this one. 

Bigger Safety Gear if You’ve Got the Space: 

• Bumpers – Easy on-the-go table bumpers can be made from pool noodles. Just slice the pool noodle lengthwise making sure to only cut halfway through. Then push the slit onto the table’s edge. You can also use pre-cut pipe insulators from a hardware store. Just don’t use the adhesive to attach them to tables or corners because the adhesive can be very difficult to remove. The downside is that they can be pulled off by a determined toddler, but can be helpful in warding off a few bumps and bruises.
• Non-slip bath mat – Bath mats are great for babies and toddlers who can sit up easily. For younger babies, it’s a little more tricky. Even the foldable baby bathtubs are still probably too big to pack unless you’re taking a road trip with a giant car. You can bathe the baby in a clean sink, just be careful of the water spout and have an extra pair of hands at the ready to keep them safe. Another option is to bathe together. Hold your baby securely in your arms supporting their head and neck. Keep at least one hand on the baby at all times and never leave the baby alone, not even for a moment. For more tips on bathing with your baby, check out this link.
• Tension baby gate – If there are stairs in the living space, consider bringing a tension baby gate if you have the space. Just remember they aren’t as secure as the wall mounted ones, so be extra careful if the gate is at the top of a stairwell or in another spot where a child could fall.

Things to Check Once You Arrive at Your Accommodations:

• Make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have batteries and work properly. Consider bringing your own plug-in carbon monoxide detector.
• Check that furniture, tvs, stereos, etc. are secured to the wall and stable. If not, keep the littles away from those areas.
• If there are window blind cords that hang low, tuck them far out of reach. If you have painter’s tape, you can wind up the cord and tape it to the wall.
• Close and lock the windows.
• If a crib is supplied, check that it meets current safety standards.
• Put the toilet lid down or install a toilet lock if your little one likes to lift the lid.
• Look for any choking hazards that a child can reach (or climb to). Put them far out of reach. 
• Anything with a battery (remotes, calculators, car key fobs, etc.) should be set out of reach. Phone or computer charging cords should be stored away when not in use.
• In the kitchen, store anything sharp far out of reach. Unplug appliances and tuck the cord out of sight.
• If your child can reach stove knobs, consider knob covers or keep them out of the kitchen. When cooking, use the back burners and turn the pot handles toward the back of the stove so little ones can’t reach them. 
  
• Check for sharp corners in living areas and cover them if possible.
• If there is a fireplace or radiator, put up a fireplace screen (if provided) or something to block your child from exploring this area.

Pro Tips: 

• Keep your travel baby proofing items in a pouch and leave it in your suitcase for your next trip – one less thing to remember to pack!
• When your kids are older, pass your travel baby proofing gear on to a friend. Print out this article, organize it nicely, and put it all in a gift bag and you’ve got yourself a helpful baby shower present!
• Most importantly – even the best baby proofing gear is not a substitute for adult supervision. Never leave your child unattended, especially when you are less familiar in a new space.