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Keeping little ones safe and sound while traveling to visit family and friends during the holidays can be simple and easy with a bit of preparation by parents.

While you may take childproofing for granted at your home, friends and relatives may not be accustomed to tiny tots with their eyes all aglow and their curious hands looking for things to explore. Save yourself the stress of chasing kids to keep them out of trouble by calling ahead and asking if your hosts would mind putting away breakable items and anything that might be at child level, such as poisonous Poinsettia plants.

Better yet, ask if you can bring along a portable safety gate so that you can confine your visit to a 'safe' room that has been cleared of precious or potentially perilous possessions.

If your stay will be extended, consider taking along a basic childproofing kit, such as the Dream Baby Safety Kit, $19.99, (www.shop4kids.com) that requires no tools and no screws, so you can easily affix and remove safety devices such as cabinet locks and electrical outlet covers without damage to your host’s home.

If you are traveling by plane without your car child safety seat, remember to arrange ahead of time for a car seat to be installed in the vehicle that will transport your little traveler at your destination. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until the last minute, or when you arrive at the airport, to try to figure out how to put in a car seat.

'I see a lot of seats put in improperly, which can put children at risk,' says Adam Lari, a certified child safety seat installer and owner of Infant Toddler Youth (www.ITYSafety.com). 'It’s always best to have a professional install a car seat for peace of mind.'

Lari, who makes house calls, gives instruction to his clients so that they can uninstall the car seat later and re-install it next time it’s needed.

Making your child’s environment safe for a holiday stay will give you one less thing to worry about. With a little forethought and groundwork, your vacation visits with little ones can be carefree and safe. Of course, lots of holiday treats and toys will make it even better.



K. Pearson Brown is a mommy blogger and travel writer living in Los Angeles. She blogs regularly at outwithmommy.com.

Comments to date: 4. Page 1 of 1. Average Rating: spenry   Location unknown 5:21am on Thursday, January 21st, 2010  You can do the same thing by plowing ALL excess cash flow above and beyond. Instant Cash Advances Online - Get Cash In Advance Till Payday Bad Credit. shopgirl   beverly hills 7:23pm on Thursday, January 14th, 2010  thanks for the great info. wish i had known about this service as i waited a month for an appointment at the police dept for an install. great idea to have an in-home installation service Monica Guaman   Woodland Hills 10:14pm on Thursday, December 17th, 2009  Great information! Having your car seat installed by a professional is vital. Specially if you will be on the road through the holidays...and yes snacks and toys help having a smooth trip!! Nela   Woodland Hills 3:02pm on Thursday, December 17th, 2009  I found this article very informative especially with the holiday's right around the corner. Preparation is key. Your Name: Your Location: Vote: Choose 1 - Dreadful 2 - Poor 3 - Fair 4 - Good 5 - Excellent Your Comment: Security check *