LONDON - Michael Jackson was so obsessed about the safety of his children that he “child-proofed” hotel rooms with cardboard boxes, and inspected every meal before letting them to eat, according to the late star’s former personal photographer.

Snapper Ian Barkley said that the singer insisted on taking his three children, Prince Michael Jr., 12, Paris Michael Katherine, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, known as ‘Blanket, with him while he trotted the globe.

But the King of Pop allegedly ensured every hotel he stayed at was made super-safe so that the chances of his kids falling ill or injuring themselves were lessened as much as possible.

The ‘Thriller’ hitmaker was also said to be obsessed with making sure the youngsters took healthy meals.

“His kids totally love their dad and he was extremely protective over them. Even when we were just around his staff, he was protective,” the Daily Express quoted Barkley as having told Eonline.com.

“We would baby-proof everywhere, like really expensive suites. They would tape up every corner with cardboard and make sure the kids couldn’t hurt themselves, and they were very strict on what the kids would eat to make sure they didn’t have allergies. To some it was odd, but under the circumstances it was understandable,” he added. (ANI)