How to Baby-Proof Your Holiday Accommodation
Babies have a habit of learning to crawl, pull themselves up or climb at the least convenient moment, and a new place to explore is irresistible. Holiday accommodation is rarely set up for small children, so it pays to spend half an hour making it safer when you arrive. You don't need to transform the place, just deal with the hazards most likely to cause harm.
Do a sweep on arrival
Before you unpack, get down to your child's eye level and look around, or even crawl round the floor. You'll spot things adults miss: coins, pins or tablets the cleaners didn't find, trailing cables, low glass tables and sharp corners. Move anything breakable, hot or hazardous to a high shelf or a cupboard you can close.
The biggest risks first
Balconies and windows
- Check the height and spacing of balcony railings. If a child could squeeze through or climb over, keep the balcony door locked whenever they are awake.
- Move chairs, tables and loungers away from railings and windows, so they can't be used as a step.
- Check window catches and restrictors, and keep windows that open wide closed or locked.
Pools and water
- In a villa, find out whether the pool is fenced or alarmed, and keep any doors to the pool area locked.
- Never leave a baby or toddler alone near water, including the bath, a paddling pool or a garden water feature, even for a moment.
Blind and curtain cords
Looped cords are a strangulation risk. Tie them up high, wrap them around a hook or tuck them over the top of the blind, and position the cot well away from windows.
Furniture and TVs
Freestanding wardrobes, bookcases and chests of drawers in holiday properties are rarely fixed to the wall. Test how sturdy they are, keep drawers closed and avoid putting tempting objects on top. Push televisions back on their stands, or move them out of reach, as a determined toddler can pull one over.
Smaller fixes
- Sockets and cables. Unplug and tidy away cables for lamps, chargers and hairdryers. Socket designs vary between countries; where outlets are low and unshuttered, move furniture in front of them or tape over unused ones with low-tack tape (test it first, as it can mark paint).
- Doors. A sock or small towel draped over the top of a door stops it slamming on little fingers. Find out how bathroom locks open from the outside, in case a child locks themselves in.
- Sharp corners. Cushion low table corners with folded towels, or move the table aside for the week.
- Cupboards and the kitchen. Move cleaning products, dishwasher tablets and knives to a high cupboard. Hair bobbles or elastic bands can hold low cupboard handles together.
- Medicines and toiletries. Keep your own medicines, sun cream and toiletries out of reach, as holiday packing often leaves them in low bags.
- Stairs. If the property has stairs, ask whether a stair gate is available. Many villa owners and rental agencies can provide one if requested in advance.
Ask before you go
When booking, ask whether the accommodation can provide a cot, bed guard, stair gate or high chair, and check the condition and safety standard of any cot on arrival. Ask about the balcony, pool fencing and stairs too. Our hotel checklist for travelling with a baby covers the other questions worth asking, and our guide to travel cots explains what to look for if you would rather bring your own.
Extra eyes, extra patience
No amount of tape and rearranging replaces supervision. Children in a new place are curious and excited, and adults are often more relaxed than at home. Agree who is watching the little one at any given time, especially around water and on balconies.
A quick check on arrival, a few items from home and a watchful eye are usually all it takes to make holiday accommodation safe enough for a busy baby. For more on staying well while away, read family travel health: while you're there.