8 Ways to Babyproof Your Hotel Room or Airbnb: Essential Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel

Traveling with a baby can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with unique challenges. As parents, we want to ensure our little ones are safe and secure, even when we're away from home. That's why it's crucial to know how to babyproof unfamiliar spaces like hotel rooms or vacation rentals.

We've compiled a list of 8 simple yet effective ways to create a safer environment for your baby while staying in a hotel or Airbnb. These tips will help you enjoy your family getaway with peace of mind, knowing you've taken steps to protect your curious explorer from potential hazards. Let's dive into these practical solutions that can make a big difference in your travel experience.

1) Cover sharp corners with corner guards

When we travel with little ones, we always pack corner guards in our babyproofing kit. These handy devices can quickly transform a hazardous hotel room or Airbnb into a safer space for curious crawlers and toddlers.

We focus on tables, dressers, and nightstands first. These furniture pieces often have sharp edges at just the right height to cause bumps and bruises. Corner guards come in various materials, but we prefer soft, cushioned options for maximum protection.

Installation is usually a breeze. Most corner guards have adhesive backing, so we can quickly stick them on without damaging the furniture. We make sure to press firmly for a secure fit.

For oddly shaped corners or antique pieces, we might need to get creative. Foam pipe insulation cut to size can work in a pinch. We always bring extra guards, just in case we encounter more sharp edges than expected.

By covering sharp corners, we create a more forgiving environment for our little explorers. It gives us peace of mind knowing we've reduced the risk of painful accidents during our stay.

2) Secure electrical outlets

We all know how fascinated babies and toddlers are with electrical outlets. They're at the perfect height for curious little fingers, making them a top priority for childproofing.

When we arrive at our hotel room or Airbnb, we immediately locate all the outlets. We bring a pack of outlet covers with us on every trip. These simple plastic plugs fit snugly into unused sockets, preventing little ones from poking objects inside.

For outlets that we need to use, we opt for sliding outlet covers. These allow us to plug in devices while still keeping the outlet protected when not in use.

If we forget our covers, we can get creative. We've used strong tape to cover outlets in a pinch. While not ideal, it's better than leaving them exposed.

We also make sure to tuck away any loose cords or power strips. These can be tempting for babies to grab or chew on. We use twist ties or small cord organizers to keep them neat and out of reach.

3) Anchor heavy furniture

When staying in a hotel room or Airbnb with little ones, we need to be mindful of potential dangers. Heavy furniture can pose a significant risk if it topples over.

We recommend bringing along some furniture anchors or straps when traveling with babies or toddlers. These can be easily packed and are essential for securing dressers, TVs, and other large items.

Before using the anchors, we should check with the property owner or hotel staff to ensure it's okay to install them. Most will appreciate our safety concerns.

For dressers, we'll want to secure them to the wall studs if possible. If that's not an option, we can use adhesive-backed anchors on solid surfaces.

TVs are another concern. We should make sure they're on low, stable stands or mounted securely to the wall. If neither is possible, it's best to keep them unplugged and out of reach.

4) Use door knob covers

Door knob covers are a simple yet effective way to babyproof your hotel room or Airbnb. These handy devices slip over existing door knobs, making them difficult for little hands to grasp and turn.

We recommend packing a few of these in your luggage when traveling with young children. They're lightweight, easy to install, and can prevent curious toddlers from wandering into unsafe areas.

Most door knob covers are designed to be user-friendly for adults. We can still open doors with ease, while our little ones remain safely contained in designated spaces.

Remember to place covers on both sides of the door. This ensures our children can't access potentially dangerous rooms like bathrooms or balconies, even if they manage to slip past us momentarily.

By using door knob covers, we create an extra layer of protection in unfamiliar environments. It's a small step that can make a big difference in keeping our little explorers safe during our travels.

5) Check for small chokeable items

When babyproofing a hotel room or Airbnb, we need to be vigilant about small objects that could pose a choking hazard. These items are often overlooked but can be dangerous for curious little ones.

We should start by scanning the floor and low surfaces for anything small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll. This includes coins, buttons, batteries, and small toys left behind by previous guests.

Don't forget to check under furniture and in between cushions. These are common hiding spots for small objects that could easily end up in a baby's mouth.

We must also be cautious of items provided by the accommodation. Complimentary mints, loose screws on furniture, or decorative beads on lampshades could all be potential hazards.

It's wise to bring a small container to temporarily store any dangerous items we find. This way, we can keep them out of reach and remember to put them back before checking out.

6) Install temporary cabinet locks

We know curious little hands love to explore, especially in new environments. That's why installing temporary cabinet locks is a must when babyproofing a hotel room or Airbnb.

These handy devices can be quickly attached to cabinets and drawers without causing any damage. They're perfect for short-term stays and can prevent access to potentially harmful items.

We recommend packing a few adhesive cabinet locks in your travel bag. They're lightweight, easy to apply, and can be removed without leaving residue.

For added peace of mind, we suggest securing cabinets in the kitchen, bathroom, and any other areas within your little one's reach. This simple step can make a big difference in keeping our little explorers safe.

Remember to test the locks after installation to ensure they're working properly. With these in place, we can relax knowing our curious tots won't accidentally access cleaning supplies or other hazards.

7) Use a baby monitor with WiFi

We always recommend bringing a WiFi-enabled baby monitor when traveling with little ones. These devices allow us to keep an eye on our sleeping babies from anywhere in the hotel or rental property.

Many modern WiFi monitors connect directly to our smartphones through an app. This means we can enjoy dinner on the balcony or relax by the pool while still checking in on our little ones.

Some monitors even offer two-way audio, letting us soothe our babies with our voices if they start to stir. Temperature and humidity sensors are other helpful features to look for when choosing a travel monitor.

We make sure to test the WiFi connection and monitor setup as soon as we arrive at our accommodation. This gives us time to troubleshoot any issues before bedtime.

It's also wise to bring a portable battery pack for the monitor. This ensures we can continue monitoring even if we can't find a convenient power outlet in the room.

8) Block access to balconies

Balconies can be a serious hazard for curious little ones. We recommend keeping balcony doors locked at all times when not in use. If possible, place a childproof door handle cover on the balcony door for an extra layer of protection.

Consider bringing portable door alarms to alert you if your child manages to open the door. These small devices can be easily attached and removed without damaging the property.

For sliding glass doors, a simple wooden dowel or PVC pipe placed in the track can prevent the door from opening. This quick fix is especially useful in vacation rentals where permanent childproofing solutions aren't an option.

If you must use the balcony, never leave children unattended. Keep patio furniture away from railings to discourage climbing. Always supervise outdoor time closely, ensuring little hands and feet stay safe from any gaps in railings or barriers.