If you’re going to be spending the holidays away from home, you’ve probably already started planning for the trip, the items to pack, and making arrangements to protect your home while you’re away.*
However, there may still be a few things you haven’t considered, when taking small children for visits:
1. Bring childproofing items with you. Stores may not be open when you arrive. Pick up outlet covers and similar items before you leave. A baby gate won’t take up much room in your vehicle, so throw it in for good measure. It may come in handy.
2. When you arrive at the home you’ll be visiting, take a quick look around. If the family you’re visiting doesn’t have small children, their home is probably not childproofed. Consult with your host. People that feel close enough to you to invite you and your family to stay with them are not going to have a problem with a little rearranging to make sure your child is safe.
3. Check out bedrooms or playroom to make sure toys that aren’t suitable for your child are out of reach. Ask older children not to give your baby any toys without showing them to you first. Also, gently ask that crayons, markers, and any rough or sharp items are placed up high.
4. Keep an eye on any pets to make sure they are kid friendly, and if they seem uncomfortable around your child, ask your host to keep them in another area (never leave children unsupervised with pets!).
5. Ask that bathroom, stairwell, and exterior doors be kept closed (or pull out your trusty baby gate).
6. Ask that medicines, alcoholic beverages and other such items be put away.
Most parents with small children or babies tend to be very careful and protective. Due to that fact some might think such steps are unnecessary, because they intend to keep a close eye on their child. Please remember that it only takes an instant for a child to become injured, and unintentional injuries are the leading cause of trauma and fatalities for small children.
Here’s to safe and happy holidays!
*For ways to protect your home while you’re away, some of the tips in the following articles may prove helpful:
Before You Leave the House, II