Small Children in an OKW GV?

[PamOKW]

I just wanted to get some opinions on whether a family with small children in an OKW GV is a good idea. Are the stairs a problem? Both the stairs to get in the front door and the stairs within the unit. Do you need to bring gates to protect toddlers? Just curious whether it is a concern or if I'm overthinking it. The children belong to another family, not mine so I'm not sure what's a problem with strollers, etc. and what's not.

 

[laughinplace199]

I haven't stayed in a GV, but maybe a piece of furniture or the Pack N Play (without a baby in it, of course ) could be moved to block the stairs inside the unit? We've stayed at OKW on the second floor and the outside stairs were not an issue. We either carried the kids up the stairs or held their hands while they walked. We had four adults and two children in our group, so two adults could carry the children and two others could carry the folded umbrella strollers up the stairs into the unit.

 

[donald...really]

Hi Pam-

We just visited with a one year old and a three year old in a GV at OKW. Yes, you had to be on your toes with the one year old and the stairs. There is a trunk like thing on the second floor landing, and we used that to block the stairs from the second floor. The baby would stay on the second floor and look through the railings to the first floor and couldn't get over/around the trunk. It was like the landing was her own big play pen. Of course mom or grandma was also on the second floor with her.

Blocking the stairs going up was more of a problem. She was CONSTANTLY heading for the stairs and people were making a mad dash to grab her. We tried blocking it with the pack and play, but it didn't work very well. Maybe you could stop by walmart and pick up an inexpensive child gate.

 

[PamOKW]

Thanks for the input. I won't be on the trip but I was considering "surprising" the group with a GV instead of 2 bedroom. Then I started thinking about the 1 year-old and the 3 year-old on the stairs and the stairs in and out and got concerned that it might be more of a problem than a treat.

 

[ErinC]

Pam, do the children have stairs in their own home? My almost 2 DD does fine, because she is used to them. There may be several other hazards that I'm not thinking of because, I've never seen an OKW GV. On a better note, we'll be in an SSR 2 bedroom with my SIL, and parents Feb. 6-13th, and we would love a special upgrade to a GV if your in giving mood!!!!!! You're so sweet to even consider doing this for your guests!

 

[PamOKW]

Yes, they do have stairs in their house. Maybe I'll let fate decide -- if it's still available Monday, I'll book it. If not, they'll have to "suffer" with the 2-bedroom. LOL!

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

Wow! What a great "surprise" that would be!!!

If it were me, I would want a baby gate. If they are planning on doing a grocery trip to Wal-Mart it would be easy to pick up. Or they could go with wegoshop.com

 

[rocketriter]

The GVs have wood floors. You might want to watch the thumping and floor pounding that toddlers love, since it transmits through the building a bit.