How to Quickly Childproof a Room

Childproofing is necessary to keep kids safe. Parents are generally well aware of normal household hazards, like outlets, drape and blinds pulls, cabinet locks and door knob covers. But, what if you are taking your child to a relative's house for a visit and you need to quickly childproof a room? This is a guide for parents to make a room safer when you're not in your own home.

First, make sure that you talk to the owner of the house to make sure that they will not be offended if you come in with your baby proofing gear. Ask permission to do a few things that will help you relax when you are visiting. Explain that your baby is getting into everything and that you have to know that it is safe for them to play before you can enjoy your visit. Most people will be totally fine with it, but ask ahead of time so that you don't take someone by surprise.

Pack some basics so that you don't have to go shopping when you get to the house. Some good items to have are door knob covers, outlet covers, power strip cover, metal clamps, zip ties, and a portable baby gate. If you can travel with these things, you'll be able to quickly child proof when you arrive.

A baby gate that expands to fit a space is great for blocking off stairs or other rooms that you don't want your baby getting into. If you're worried about the stoppers leaving marks on the wall, put a piece of paper towel or a wash cloth between the stopper and the paint. Use your best judgment and be sure to fix anything that you mess up.

Go around and plug the outlets that are within the baby's reach. Outlet covers are great if you have time to install them, because they keep the items that are plugged in safely behind a cover where the baby can't pull them out.

Cords can be gathered up and quickly tied together to get rid of strangulation hazards. Use metal paper clamps to secure drape and blinds cords up high where the baby can't get to them. Snap door knob covers on the doors that lead to the outside or to the rooms where the baby isn't allowed.

Walk around the house and check for chemicals and sharp or breakable objects underneath the counters. Sometimes you can put a thick rubber band on cabinet doors to hold two handles together. This is not a substitute for child locks, but it can be a deterrent. Move dangerous chemicals out to a garage area, laundry room, or anywhere that has a high enough shelf. Check for medications lying around and ask to move them into a high cabinet.

One thing that parents often miss is clothing. Lots of children choke every year on buttons, snaps, cord pulls and decorations from clothing. Little plastic cord pulls on winter coats are very dangerous. Encourage children in the house to hang their coats on infant hangers or children's hangers. Baby hangers are small enough for children to handle easily and they are more likely to use them.

About the Author: Kurt Adams is on the staff of Only Kids Hangers, a leading provider of infant hangers. The right baby hangers, like wooden baby hangers and children's coat hangers, keep baby clothers organized and children's hangers are great for retail stores.