A Complete Guide for Family-Friendly Stays
Families make up a significant portion of holiday let bookings, with 16% of Reliance Retreats guests in 2024 travelling with children. By marketing your property as child-friendly, you can attract this growing audience and create memorable, stress-free stays for families.
Childproofing your holiday home is not just about safety—it’s about offering peace of mind to parents, enhancing their experience, and encouraging repeat bookings. This guide walks you through practical steps to make your property safer for young guests while boosting its family appeal.
Why Childproofing Matters
A family-friendly holiday home is a valuable asset. By addressing potential hazards and providing thoughtful amenities like cots and highchairs, you can:
- Increase bookings: Families actively seek out safe, well-equipped properties.
- Encourage repeat stays: Parents appreciate a worry-free environment for their children.
- Earn glowing reviews: A child-safe property shows care and attention to detail.
Let’s dive into how you can effectively childproof your holiday home.
Start with a Child’s Perspective
The best way to spot potential hazards is to view your property from a child’s perspective. Crouch down to a toddler’s height and look for risks, such as:
•Tables with sharp edges at head height.
•Climbable furniture like bookshelves or low windowsills.
•Loose or fragile items within reach, such as ornaments or fireside tools.
This exercise helps you identify areas that need adjustments to keep young guests safe.
Childproofing Key Areas
1. The Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most hazardous areas for children, but a few adjustments can significantly reduce risks.
Tips for a Safer Kitchen:
- Install childproof cupboard catches to restrict access to cleaning products and breakables.
- Store knives, graters, plastic bags, and glassware in high cupboards or drawers.
- Ensure highchairs are sturdy and equipped with safety straps.
- Keep kettle cords and other appliances out of reach.
- Use a bin with a secure lid to prevent children from rummaging.
2. The Bathroom
The bathroom contains multiple hazards, from slippery surfaces to dangerous items.
Tips for Bathroom Safety:
- Attach a catch on the bathroom door to prevent unsupervised access.
- Place non-slip mats in the bath and on the floor.
- Store sharp items, medicines, and personal products in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave electrical appliances in the bathroom.
- Use a bin with a secure lid to keep contents inaccessible.
3. The Living Room
The living room is a place for relaxation, but it should also be free of risks.
How to Childproof the Living Room:
- Tidy electrical cords and secure your TV to prevent tipping.
- Ensure bookshelves and tall furniture are stable or secured to the wall.
- Move fireside tools out of reach and install a fireguard.
- Use window catches to prevent children from opening windows.
- Add corner guards to sharp hearth edges or furniture.
4. Child Safety and Blinds
Blinds with cords or chains can pose a significant risk to children.
Make Your Blinds Safer:
- Opt for blinds that are cord-free or have hidden/tensioned cords.
- Retrofit safety devices to existing blinds if necessary.
- Refer to the British Blind and Shutter Association guidelines for further advice.
5. The Garden
Your outdoor space should be as safe and enjoyable as your interiors.
Garden Safety Tips:
- Secure the garden with fencing and gates to prevent wandering.
- Fence off water features like ponds or pools.
- Remove hazardous plants or replace them with child-safe alternatives.
- Lock away gardening tools and hoses in a shed.
- Replace gravel paths with safer materials for toddlers.
Extra Childproofing Tips
Beyond the main areas, these additional steps will further enhance the safety and appeal of your property:
- Install stair gates to prevent falls.
- Provide child-friendly beds or travel cots with bed guards for young children.
- Use doorstops or hinge guards to avoid trapped fingers.
- Remove small ornaments or items that could pose choking hazards.
- Keep a first aid kit in a visible and easily accessible location.
The Benefits of a Family-Friendly Holiday Home
By investing time in childproofing, you’re not only safeguarding young guests but also showing parents that you value their peace of mind. A safe, family-friendly property is more likely to:
- Attract new bookings: Parents will recommend your property to others.
- Boost repeat stays: Families will return to a trusted, worry-free environment.
- Earn positive reviews: Attention to detail enhances your reputation.
Ready to Make Your Property Family-Friendly?
Childproofing your holiday home is a smart investment in both safety and guest satisfaction. At Reliance Retreats, we specialise in helping property owners create spaces that families love. Whether you need guidance on safety features, marketing strategies, or property management, we’re here to support you.
📞 Contact us today to learn how we can help you make your holiday let the top choice for families.