Traveling with a baby or toddler is always an adventure — one that comes with its fair share of chaos and curiosity. And while you’ve probably spent months making your home “baby proof,” you won’t have that same setup when you’re away.
Whether you’re staying in a hotel, apartment, or Airbnb, a few simple tweaks can make your space safer for little explorers — without needing to pack half your nursery! You don’t need to do everything on this list, but even a few steps will give you that peace of mind when you take your eyes off them for a second.
Rearrange the Room
When we arrived at our apartment in Austria, the first thing I saw was a huge glass coffee table right in the centre of the room — sharp corners and all. Before I’d even unpacked, I was dragging it out of the way so the little one could play safely.
Rearranging furniture is one of the easiest ways to make any space safer. Move anything breakable or climbable out of reach, and push heavy or sharp-edged items out of busy areas. If you can, use furniture to block access to unsafe spots (like kitchen corners or balcony doors). Just remember to put everything back before you leave!
Bring Outlet Covers (Sometimes)
In the UK, plug socket covers aren’t recommended, but in some countries, they can be really useful. If you’re travelling abroad, check local safety standards — and if in doubt, a bit of tape or furniture in front of sockets works just as well.
Secure Loose Cords and Curtains
Cords from blinds, curtains, or lamps can be a hidden hazard. Wrap or clip them out of reach, or tuck them behind furniture. If windows open wide, move anything your child could climb on to reach them.
Cover Sharp Corners
If you can’t move a table or counter, bring along a few foam corner guards (they weigh nothing in your luggage). Even a bit of masking tape and a folded washcloth can work in a pinch.
Use Door Stoppers or Portable Door Alarms
To stop little fingers from getting trapped — or little legs from wandering off — pack a couple of door wedges or stoppers.
Portable door alarms or travel locks can be lifesavers if your accommodation doesn’t have secure doors. We once stayed somewhere with a door that didn’t lock from the inside — not ideal with toddlers who love to explore! Furniture barricades might work short-term, but a small alarm or lock is much safer (and easier to travel with).
Improvise With Everyday Items
You don’t need to buy loads of gadgets — half the time, you can baby-proof using what you already have!
- Pillows and cushions: Perfect for covering sharp edges or cushioning hard floors.
- Towels and washcloths: Roll them up to wedge under doors or block gaps.
- Shoes or bags: Great for propping open doors that slam shut.
- Hair bobbles or rubber bands: Use them to keep cupboards or drawers closed.
A little creativity goes a long way when you’re trying to make a space safe on the go.
Bonus Tip: Check When You Arrive
Before you unpack, do a quick sweep of the room. Look for cleaning supplies under sinks, fragile décor, or accessible outlets. A few minutes of rearranging at the start can save a lot of stress later.
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