How to Quickly Childproof the Grandparents' House

Grandma and Grandpa's can be a worrisome place when breakable or dangerous objects are within your child's reach. Here are some quick ways to help make the house child-friendly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Doorknob Covers
• Corner Guards
• Outlet Covers
• Chidren's Toys
• Infant/toddler Toys

1. Call first. Remind Grandma and Grandpa to move treasured figurines out of reach of little hands, preferably before your child sees them and wants to play with them.
2. Pack safety items you may need, such as simple press-on outlet covers, twist-ties to secure blind cords, or removable edge/corner guards for tables and low shelves.
3. Quickly tour the area your child will be in, preferably on your hands and knees. This will allow you to see possible hazards from her level.
4. Check closets and drawers, and remove dangerous objects like pens, lighters and matches. Remember to look under beds as well.
5. Move houseplants out of reach. Not only can some be toxic, but they also provide a great opportunity for your child to make a mess or injure herself with a falling pot.
6. Make sure that bags or purses containing medication are out of reach. Grandparents often replace childproof caps with caps that are easier for them to remove.
7. Lower the toilet lid and close the bathroom door. You'll reduce the risk of drowning and eliminate the opportunity for your child to lock herself in the bathroom.
8. Ask if outside doors and doors to other rooms within the house can be closed, and ideally locked. This makes it much easier to keep track of your child if she tends to wander.
9. Bring toys and books from home, making your child less likely to get into other things.
10. Be cautious with pets that may not be used to children and their quick, unpredictable movements.
11. Supervise! There's no substitute for the watchful eye of an adult.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child will be sleeping in a big bed, bring a portable guardrail, or pull a couple of high-backed chairs next to the bed so that she can't fall out.
• If your child has food allergies, remind grandparents ahead of time, and suggest a list of appropriate snacks. Allergy attacks are common when children eat unfamiliar foods.
• Ask Grandma and Grandpa not to leave out bowls of nuts or candy, which could pose a choking hazard.
• Watch out for dangling blind and curtain cords; ask if you can tie them out of reach with a twist-tie or piece of string.