| Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to | | | | each time your toddler/preschooler reaches |
| get on the road again. | | | | danger is exhausting! |
| | | | |
| After five years of marriage my husband and I | | | | 1.Travel with a child proofing kit: |
| had traveled to France, Florida, Missouri, | | | | electrical outlet covers, doorknob covers, |
| Georgia and the Caribbean. We had also taken | | | | string to tie cabinets closed and the number |
| many weekend trips around my husband's hectic | | | | to the poison control center. |
| work schedule. | | | | |
| | | | 2. Don't open windows or trust the safety of |
| That all changed January 16,1992 - or so we | | | | screens; they can be pushed out by an |
| thought. | | | | assertive toddler. |
| | | | |
| The next three months were a blur; bottles, | | | | 3. Check the room for hazards, such as lamps |
| diapers, and lack of sleep, times two. When I | | | | that can pulled down, sharp edges on coffee |
| finally returned to work, after twelve weeks, | | | | tables, poison plants or throw rugs. |
| my life had drastically changed. | | | | |
| | | | 4. Check for small objects left by previous |
| My husband and I did not venture on another | | | | occupants in drawers, cabinets or under the |
| vacation for seven years. By that time the | | | | nightstands or beds. |
| twins were seven and our youngest was two. | | | | |
| | | | 5. Take the knobs off of stoves and return |
| I quickly learned how traveling with our | | | | them when needed. |
| youngest children could be fun, exciting and | | | | |
| definitely not tiresome. With a family of | | | | 6. Remove electrical cords that might be |
| five our preferred mode of travel is driving. | | | | hazardous. |
| | | | |
| We make our hotel stops safe, fun, and | | | | 7. Remove chemicals from beneath the sink in |
| exciting by following some simple rules, and, | | | | the kitchen or bathroom. |
| with minimal planning, easy. | | | | |
| | | | Happy travels! |
| Just remember that jumping up from your chair | | | | |