Who doesn’t love to stay in a nice hotel for their holidays?
We know we sure do, whether we are checking in for a staycation here in Ireland this summer, or heading abroad in search of sunshine, culture and Mediterranean vibes.
However, when travelling with kids, expert have warned there are a few things parents should always check for the minute they check into a new hotel, and honestly, while some of these makes sense, other things we would have never thought about or realised how dangerous they can actually be.
As someone who has travelled a lot with my two children from they were just weeks old, I consider myself quite the pro at making sure we bring what we will need, and that our surroundings are as safe as they can be.
Making sure your hotel room is safe for kids and babies
Because did you know there could be dangers lurking in your hotel room that you never even thought about? It is true – and the good news is takes just minutes to run through a check-list once you have checked in and got to your room.
Speaking to Today.com, pediatrician and editor of website Kids Travel Doc, Dr Karl Neumann, explains:
‘Things are much safer than they used to be. Hotels and cruise companies have put a lot of effort into making guest rooms safer, but there are still risks – of falls, burns, choking, and more,’ Dr Neumann says.
In order to make sure your hotel stay is safe for little ones, here is what the doctor recommends parents check for straight away:
1. Bathroom
Neumann says bathrooms can be real culprit when it comes to safety.
‘When you arrive, check the door; if it can be locked from the inside, make sure it’s always left open a crack,’ he warns.
The doctor also says to remove razors and hairdryers that can be tugged off counters.
‘Supervise children closely, even if they’re used to washing up by themselves at home. Towel racks may be enticing to grab, taps may not be clearly marked, and the water may scald. Also, watch out for slippery floors and bathtubs.’
2. Floors and windows
The pediatrician advices parents the simplest way to make sure a room is safe is to get down to child level and scan the whole room for choking hazards and other potential problems.
Also always check windows and make sure they cannot open fully open. Always keep hotel balcony doors locked too, and keep keys out of reach for little hands.
3. Furniture
Furniture that are not properly attached to walls or put together can present a major risk of injury and even death for children, and it is something always worth checking when checking into a hotel, says Neumann.
‘Make sure that bureaus, bedside tables, and other pieces are stable and/or anchored to walls—pull out the drawers as an additional test. See that televisions are secured, too. Ask the hotel to remove any potentially dangerous items,’ he advices parents.
The doctor also says to always look inside drawers for anything that can be harmful, from pens to coins or even tablets left behind by previous guests.
4. Sockets and wires
Personally, when my kids were babies, I always travelled with socket covers, to make sure my kids never put their fingers into exposed sockets.
Some hotels might be helpful in doing this, and you can always make sure to ask this when you book the room. Another tips can do to move furniture around the hotel room to cover up potential hazards.
5. Travel cot
If you are using the hotel’s own travel cot, make sure you check it first.
‘It should have a firm, snug-fitting mattress. Drop-down sides are a no-no, as are slats with gaps large enough to fit a soda can through, hardware that sticks out, and decorative cutouts. And be sure to put the crib far away from window cords, outlets, and furniture that could help a kid climb out,’ Neumann tells parents.
