Childproofing your Recreational Vehicle

When an infant or toddler is exposed to a new environment it provides an opportunity to learn and explore, but also increases the risk of injury. Be prepared, because constant supervision, while recommended, is not always 100% possible. The following layers of protection will help fill any slight gap in supervision:

• Install latches on drawers and cabinets.
  
• Turn hot water temperature down below 120 degrees
• Install electrical outlet covers
  
• Use gates (leading to exit stairs, climbable areas, kitchen)
• Use of travel cribs for use while relaxing, cooking, bathing​

​Be aware of:

1. Unexpected climbing areas where toddlers can climb onto, such as from a bench onto the kitchen counter or stove, etc.  (falls, burns, cuts, strangulation risk)​
2. Doors and cabinets where a child can easily get inside and become trapped. This can include closets, bathroom, bedrooms, or even the RV itself
   
3. Stairs/exit ways, doors, windows (window and door screens are not meant to keep children from falling through)
4. Loose cords, tie downs, duffle bags with cords, window shades, etc. that might be within a child's reach can become a strangulation risk
   
5. Electrical heaters-make sure a baby cannot put their fingers or other item in resulting in fire or burn risk
6. Low level storage doors, vents, utility access, etc. where a toddler can enter
7. Access to medications, chemicals, etc. 

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Childproofing Supplies

The following childproofing preventive measures will help to reduce exposure to injury risk in the recreational vehicle.

Cabinet Locks: Temporary cabinet locks to prevent lower cabinet entry.

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Doorknob Covers: Temporary doorknob covers can be purchased to prevent entry in bathrooms and exit doors. When these are not possible use "baby safety gates for traveling" (described below).

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Outlet Covers: Temporary outlet covers to prevent access to lower level outlets.

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Oven Knob Covers:  Temporary oven knob covers are also available for when baby safety gates to prevent access to kitchen area is not possible.

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Baby Safety Gate for Traveling:  A lightweight, easily store-able safety gate to provide a barrier to exit stairs, climbable areas, kitchen, etc.

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Sleeping: For both infants and toddlers, when sleeping in a new environment a fall from the bed is always a risk. However, a baby travel bed will help prevent a fall. These are lightweight, fold able, take up little space and are available for both infants and toddler size.

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Changing:  Be aware of the potential fall risk from not having appropriate changing tables.  Infants are always at risk of rolling over and falling. As a preventive measure when in the RV use a changing pad. These store easy, are lightweight and will help to prevent a fall.

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Travel Crib:  Great for use of while adult is busy cooking, bathing, cleaning RV, etc.

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Travel Highchair:  A travel highchair is lightweight and stores easily. Follow instructions carefully and make sure to use harness strap as recommended for each use. This prevents a child from reaching and pulling themselves over and/or standing and falling (these rules apply to highchairs at home as well).

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REMEMBER: Never leave a child alone in an RV or motor vehicle. Not even for a moment!

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Questions call 323-491-6197

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Recommended Citation
For use of this information on public agency, hospital, and other organizational websites, please cite the following recommended citation on your website and handout materials:
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Recreational Vehicle and Child Passenger Safety Working Group & Pro Car Seat Safety. (2026). Childproofing your Recreational Vehicle. PRO CAR SEAT SAFETY. https://www.procarseatsafety.com/rvhomesafety.html

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