Make homes safe
before Children visit

When young children are taken on visits away from their childproofed, kid-friendly home, the new environment may not be as kid-safe. New surroundings inspire kids to touch, test and even taste whatever they find. Such curiosity is natural.

Krista Fabregas, founder of KidSmartLiving.com says "Before leaving home, parents should have a quick conversation with their host about ways to protect both child and furnishings from each other. Even seasoned grandparents may have fragile collectibles, dangerous houseplants or dangling drapery cords in child-accessible spots."

Though some safety issues cannot be solved without a full room-by-room overhaul, there are several things you can do to minimize obvious hazards. Look at this brief childproofing checklist prior to a visit:

• Move fragile or breakable items to higher spots in the room.
• Move houseplants to out-of-reach areas. Even if nontoxic, leaves, flowers and berries can pose choking hazards.
• Remove tablecloths or table runners. These can be pulled off the table, taking accessories with them.
• Move the kitchen knife block to a high pantry or cupboard shelf.
• Wind up dangling drapery cords.
• Move any medications, vitamins and hazardous kitchen and bathroom products to out-of reach or locked cabinets.

"Using portable devices, parents can further childproof kid-safe zones and limit access to the more dangerous areas of their host's home," says Krista. She recommends taking along these handy non-permanent childproofing items:

• Removable cabinet locks
• Electrical outlet plug caps
• A portable safety gate like KidCo's GateWay-to-Go(TM)
• Finger-pinch door guards
• Drapery cord wind-ups
• Snap-on door handle covers

Temporary precautions are likely to miss several child safety dangers in the home, including risks from stairways, exterior doors and windows, toilets and kitchen appliances. Remedying these may require more permanent solutions.

So keep an eye on the children. Adult supervision will always be the key to ensuring a safe visit.