When taking your baby on holidays, it is important to be aware of safety hazards in their new environment. This is the case when renting accommodation, staying in a resort, caravanning, boating or camping. Tips to help make your baby's holiday environment safer include:
Checking the place you are staying and the surrounding areas for potential hazards. You may wish to take some safety equipment that you use at home to help make where you stay safer.
Asking the owners/managers about any nearby drowning hazards - pools, spas, ponds, rivers, dams or septic tanks.
Being aware of cooking stoves, gas lamps (battery operated ones are preferable), barbeques, open fires, incinerators, fans and heaters etc. Consider having a playpen to help keep your child safe for short periods while cooking.
Looking for driveway hazards and where other cars are driving, especially at camp sites. Keep your child(ren) away from these areas. Know where your child is when backing your car out of a driveway or from parking areas.
Checking baby furniture that may come with the holiday house or flat or perhaps equipment you hire while you are away. Make sure cots are away from curtain or blind cords which can pose a strangulation hazard.
If staying on upper levels, make sure your child cannot climb on outdoor furniture on balconies or access windows they could fall out of.
Air out sleeping bags for 4 to 5 days after dry cleaning before using them again. There have been cases of children dying from breathing in dry cleaning chemical fumes when unaired sleeping bags are used in the confines of a tent (by the adult or child).
Water and children. Water is often a major part of many people's holidays, especially in summer. It is important to be aware that no child is 'drown-proof', even if they have had swimming lessons. Small children fall into water quickly and almost silently. Adults can be sitting close by, perhaps chatting, and not realise a child is drowning.
Take care if drinking alcohol while your child is around water. This factor increases the chances of a child drowning because you may not be as aware or observant. It is probably wise for one adult to abstain from alcohol and other forms of drugs so they can properly supervise children in and around water.
NOTE: Floaties, blow up toys and swimming aids are not life-saving devices and should never replace adult supervision. You should never leave your child in the care of older children around water. Your baby's safety is an adult's responsibility.
This article was written for Birth, Australia's leading pregnancy and baby website.
Read more about baby safety here.
Last revised: Saturday, 19 May 2012
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.