Traveling in an RV with your family can be magical. The freedom of the open road, nightly campfires, and star-gazing are just a few things that make RV travel with children worth it.
But if you've ever watched an infant or toddler explore a new room, you know how it's like unleashing a tiny safety inspector out into the world.
Every surface becomes uncharted territory, every drawer or cupboard becomes a treasure chest waiting to be opened, every knob begs to be turned, and every step is a new opportunity for your child to get into trouble.
All that to say, when traveling in a RV with an infant or toddler, childproofing isn't just a great idea... It's a necessity.
RC childproofing is the secret sauce that allows parents to enjoy all those RV family adventures, without spending time worrying or yelling: "Don't touch that!"
Below, we've put together a comprehensive guide on how to child proof an RV, camper, or travel trailer.
Why Is RV Childproofing Important?
When we think about RV security, most people think about first-aid kits and fire extinguishers, not how to keep a feral toddler from getting into the cupboard under the sink.
However, when you're traveling with young children, it's important to take childproofing seriously. And as we'll explain below, assessing your RV’s interior and exterior for potential hazards is the first step in creating a secure environment for children.
Childproof locks, outlet covers, and bunk rails are a great starting point. But there are many other ways to protect your children while living in an RV or camper. A well-childproofed RV provides peace of mind for parents, as well as a safe space for kids to play and sleep.
That said, it's important to remember that childproofing is not a one-time ordeal. Kids always find new and exciting ways to get into trouble. So regularly inspecting your RV for new or overlooked dangers is essential to maintaining a safe environment on the road.
Click here to download our comprehensive guide how to childproof an RV, camper or travel trailer. We list the various areas in an RV, the most common hazards, and how to keep your children safe while living on the road.
Assessing RV Hazards
Whether you're a first-time parent or a hardened child-bearing veteran mom or dad, you know how pretty much anything can become dangerous in the hand's of a child. So it's crucial to assess your RV or camper for anything that might be a hazard.
Keep an eye out for sharp edges, unsecured cabinet doors or drawers, and reachable dangerous items like knives, lighters, scissors, or heavy objects.
Conducting a thorough assessment of both the RV’s interior and exterior can help you pinpoint key areas that require attention. Then, create a list of potential hazards and work your way through it, preferably before heading out on the road with your family.
Now, unlike a house or apartment, there is less space in an RV, which means there are likely fewer hazards.
But you still need to consider the unique challenges of RVing with kids, such as living in a tight space with multiple people, trip hazards, age-appropriate car seats, preventing falls from bunk beds, as well as the keeping all chemicals or cleaners locked up and out of reach.
You might also want to consult with other RV owners or parents who can provide valuable insights and suggestions for childproofing an RV or camper.
Securing The RV Interior - Baby Gates, Outlet Covers, And More
One of the simplest ways to childproof your RV is to install child-proof latches on drawers, cupboards, and doors to prevent children from getting into them.
You may also want to use finger-pinch guards on doors and secure the RV toilet with a latch to add an extra layer of protection in high-risk areas like the kitchen or bathroom.
We also recommend securing heavy items and storing them in a safe location to prevent them from falling on children, especially when the RV is in transit. Anti-slip materials and storage containers can keep such items secure, while also helping you keep your space organized and clutter-free.
RV Kitchen Safety & Childproofing
An RV's kitchen is one of the most high-risk areas for kids.
It's where you keep knives, sharp utensils, scissors, and kitchen cleaners. But it's also an area where high-heat and propane flames are present. So it's an area where children are most likely to get burned or accidentally start a fire.
That's why it's crucial to childproof kitchen drawers or cupboards, especially where utensils or chemicals are stored. You should also use an oven lock and stove guards to prevent burns and other kitchen-related accidents.
Here are a few other important types of childproofing your RV kitchen:
- Add knob covers or remove stove knobs when you're not cooking
- Fridge locks or latches can keep tiny hands out
- Secure the table and seats to prevent kids from climbing on them and falling off
- Store sharp objects and cleaning supplies out of reach
- Install a baby gate to block access to the kitchen, especially while cooking
- Always supervise children closely while cooking
Image courtesy of Alp Duran @ Unsplash.com
RV Bathroom & Bedroom Safety
The bathroom is another area where people often keep chemicals, cleaners, and even soaps or detergents that can be dangerous in the hands of an unknowing child. So it's another area where you'll want to keep doors, cabinets and drawers secured with toddler-proof locks or latches.
If your RV has bunk beds in the sleeping area, and your child is old enough to sleep alone on them, you might want to install bed rails or bumpers to prevent falls and ensure a safe sleeping environment.
Otherwise, you can simply use a baby gate to temporarily block access to bedroom and bathroom areas.
It's also a good idea to make sure that all windows, doors, and vents are securely locked, especially at night.
You can also use a nightlight, motion-activated lights, or other soft lighting options to create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for the whole family.
Pro Tip - We also recommend using a fireproof document holder or carrying cases with locking mechanisms to protect valuables items like IDs, jewelry, and cash from fires and floods. But they can also prevent young ones from being able to get into things they shouldn't!
Exterior RV Safety
When there are children around, childproofing the exterior of your RV or camper is just as important as childproofing the interior.
Keeping the door locked or using a baby gate is the best way to prevent children from getting in or out of the RV when you're not paying attention.
You should also secure all exterior doors, windows and storage compartments with locks (and keep them locked at all times) to prevent kids from accessing and crawling into these tight spaces where they might get hurt.
Some RV families use portable fences or baby barriers that can be used to create safe play areas for kids. These are great because the can be moved around as needed, and they can be used inside or outside to keep kids safe.
Ultimately, whether you're inside or outside of your RV, it's important to supervise children closely while playing to keep them safe and prevent accidents.
Protecting Kids From Sharp Corners And Edges
You should also use edge bumpers or foam padding on sharp cabinet edges, table legs, or corners to prevent injuries. Some RVers and DIYers even get crafty with pool noodles or other soft repurposed materials to childproof and soften corners.
It's important to keep an eye on your child in an RV. But all it takes is a split second for them to get into trouble when you're not looking. So don't think watching your child is safe enough.
It's crucial to childproof your RV and create a safe environment, where the risk of accidents happening is reduced as much as possible.
Childproofing Strategies, Additional Safety Measures & Other Options To Toddler-Proof Your RV
There are no catch-all rules when it comes to how to child proof an RV. Instead, it's important to assess your RV, camper, or trailer, and to create a childproofing plan that meets the specific needs of your space.
Here's a recap of the best ways to childproof an RV, camper or travel trailer:
- Install child-proof locks and latches to prevent accidents and keep kids safe
- Use baby gates to block access to high-risk areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom
- Always supervise kids while they play inside or outside the RV
- Regularly inspect the RV or camper for new or overlooked dangers
- Install a wireless door alarm or RV security camera to monitor if kids enter or exit the RV
- Use outlet covers to prevent electrical shocks
- Install stove guards and an oven lock to prevent burns and kitchen fires
- Ensure all safety measures, locks and latches are installed properly
- Focus on maintaining a safe and secure RV environment inside and out
- Consult with other RV owners for more childproofing tips and ideas
Finally, it's important to understand that keeping your child safe is an ongoing endeavor, especially when traveling in a recreational vehicle or camper.
Although you'll use many of the same childproofing measures as you would in a home, it's important to understand the unique risks and hazards of staying in an RV with young children.
It's only through ongoing vigilance and childproofing that you can create a safe and enjoyable RV environment for the whole family!
Frequently Asked Questions - How To Child Proof Your RV or Camper
Your family's safety is crucial, especially when traveling in an RV with young children. That's why it's important to take steps to childproof your RV and keep your children safe. Here are a few frequently asked questions about RV childproofing that we've often heard from our readers.
How to secure children in an RV?
It's important to use age-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts to keep young children safe. We also recommend securing lose items, like toys, coolers, and other larger items that could become projectiles in the event of a crash.
Do toddlers need to be in a car seat in an RV?
Yes, infants and toddlers need to be in age and weight-appropriate car seats and travel systems while riding in an RV. Most RVs have tether systems and connections points, which allow for the easy installation of child car seats and booster seats.
Can kids walk around in an RV while driving?
No, children or adults should never walk around in an RV while driving. Seat belts are the law, no matter where you're traveling. Always stay seated, keep children in their car seats, and never walk around while the RV is in motion.
What to do with a toddler in RV?
It can be tricky to keep a toddler entertained in an RV, especially while driving. That's why it's a good idea to bring small toys like blocks or books. Also, do your best to stick to your regular routine and to get outside for fresh air as much as possible.
How can I child proof an RV door?
Consider purchasing and installing childproof latches on RV doors, cabinets, drawers, or closets. And whenever possible, use a baby gate to block access to high-risk areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or bunk area.
Can I legally live in a camper with my kids?
Generally, yes, you can legally live in a camper or RV with children. However, laws surrounding RV or camper living vary from one state to the next. So make sure to know and understand your local laws in regards to zoning, permanent residency, and child safety.