What to Look Out for on Arrival

Practicalities Getting Organised Safety What to Look Out for on Arrival 

When you get there you will need to check your accommodation. What is important will depend on the age and character of your child/children.

If you feel that for some reason it does not suit (balconies, doors opening easily on to an unguarded pool, or whatever), in a hotel you should be able to change room. In a multi-unit self-catering property it should also be possible to swap. In a villa this is considerably less likely, making it even more important that you book through an operator which can offer reliable advice on the options.

• Check the safety of child equipment provided. It is wise to give cots a good shake and to ensure that they have been properly assembled. A baby can be seriously injured by a collapsing cot. For your own peace of mind check also the width of any bars. If they are wide enough to get a head through, a towel wound in and out between them may offer some deterrent.



• Check that there are no exposed electric wires or plugs children could put their fingers in. Many have sockets which do not have on/off switches and which remain permanently live. To prevent accidents you might like to take a roll of gaffer tape to tape over any potential problem points (while the children aren't looking so as not to arouse their curiosity). Also tuck away any trailing flexes, including to the phone.



• If there are plate glass windows make big crosses of tape prevent anyone walking through one. Alternatively mark with toothpaste or children's washable paints.



• Check which tap is hot and which is cold to avoid anyone scalding themselves. In Italy for example C stands for caldo which means hot.



• Check for unstable furniture and anything breakable like glass table tops. Either put it out of harm's way or ask for it to be removed/changed.



• Check the security of any balustrades or verandah barriers.



• Remove from reach anything your child/children might break. Favourites with toddlers in the UK for example are the in-room tea making facilities but ashtrays are another magnet.



• Remove any complimentary matches and other small objects such as pens and toothpicks, from counter tops, along with small change and probably the TV remote control.



• If there is a gas cylinder in the kitchen, turn this off , making it impossible for children to leave on the gas on the cooker.



• If there is an easily opened mini bar and your offspring might like to polish off something you would prefer they did not - from sugar high snacks to the vodka, ask housekeeping to take them away.



• If yours is/are too young enough to have grasped the rules about loo brushes, remove that from reach as well.



• Roll or fold up mats children might trip on. If the floors underneath are tiled or polished wood it would be a good idea to discourage running around in socks.



• Consider taking rubber bands/masking tape to keep closed the doors to items like the microwave plus any cupboards with items to need to be kept safe.



• Remove from reach any unfamiliar plants or flowers which might get munched.



• Think about wedging open any heavy doors inside the accommodation which could crush little fingers if they swung shut.



• Check in cupboards, particularly in the bathroom and any kitchen for any dangerous products. Keep an eye open also for insect and mouse poisons.



• Think of removing any plastic bags, for example from waste bins.



• Check the lift is safe for children to use if yours are old enough to venture round the hotel on their own. Even when accompanying children be wary of old-fashioned cage style lifts through which small people could stick fingers/hands/feet.



• Warn about hands and feet getting stuck in lift doors or any revolving doors.



• Out and about keep a look out for potential hazards like spiky plants, steep drops and of course roads.



• For older children set out your rules on arrival, including curfews if they are old enough to wander. Ask them particularly to bear in mind the time of sunset, which closer to the equator can be very sudden.