Traveling with kids can be a delightful adventure, but ensuring they get a good night’s sleep when you are away from home can be tricky. This blog with give you tips on setting up your child’s sleep space in a hotel room.

Newborns (0-3 months)

Essentials to Pack:

  • Portable bassinet or travel crib
  • White noise machine or app
  • Swaddle
  • Travel blackout curtains

Setting Up:

  1. Safe Sleep Space: Set up the portable bassinet or travel crib away from windows, vents, and any potential noise sources.
  2. Comfort: Use the same swaddle baby was sleeping with at home. (Babies are very reliant on their sense of smell so don’t even wash it!)
  3. Noise Control: Use a white noise machine to mimic the comforting sounds of home and drown out unfamiliar hotel noises.
  4. Light Control: Use blackout curtains to keep the room dim, replicating the sleep environment at home.

Infants (4-12 months)

Essentials to Pack:

  • Travel crib
  • Favorite sleep sack
  • White noise machine or app
  • Travel blackout curtains

Setting Up:

  1. Designate a Sleep Area: Choose a quiet corner of the room to set up the travel crib. Ensure it’s away from direct sunlight.
  2. Familiar Items: Bring along your baby’s favorite sleep sack to provide a sense of security and familiarity.
  3. Sound and Light: Continue using a white noise machine to mask unfamiliar sounds. Blackout curtains are crucial to maintain a dark environment conducive to sleep.
  4. Routine: Stick to your baby’s usual bedtime routine as closely as possible to help them feel secure and ready for sleep.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Essentials to Pack:

  • Portable toddler bed or travel crib
  • Favorite blanket and stuffed animal
  • White noise machine or app
  • Travel blackout curtains

Setting Up:

  1. Create a Sleep Zone: Set up the portable bed or travel crib in a quiet, darker part of the room. If space allows, create a separate area with pillows or furniture to visually divide the sleep space from the play area.
  2. Familiar Comforts: Bring along their favorite blanket and stuffed animal to help them feel more at home.
  3. Sound and Light Management: Use a white noise machine to provide a consistent background noise and blackout curtains to keep the room dark. 
  4. Maintain Routine: Try to replicate the bedtime routine from home, including storytime, songs, or any other rituals that signal sleep time.

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Essentials to Pack:

  • Portable bed or bed rail
  • Favorite pillow and blanket
  • White noise machine or app
  • Blackout curtains or shades
  • Nightlight

Setting Up:

  1. Bed Safety: If using a hotel bed, consider a bed rail to prevent falls. Alternatively, bring a portable bed or sleeping mat.
  2. Comfort Items: Ensure your child has their favorite pillow and blanket to provide comfort and familiarity.
  3. Noise and Light Control: A white noise machine can help with unfamiliar sounds, and blackout curtains will keep the room dark for a good night’s sleep. A nightlight can help ease any fear of the dark.
  4. Consistent Routine: Stick to your home bedtime routine, including any calming activities that prepare them for sleep.

School-Aged Children (5-10 years)

Essentials to Pack:

  • Comfortable bedding or sleeping bag
  • Favorite pillow and blanket
  • White noise machine or app
  • Blackout curtains or shades
  • Nightlight (if needed)

Setting Up:

  1. Bed Setup: If sharing a bed is an option, ensure it’s comfortable and spacious enough. Otherwise, set up a sleeping bag or portable bed on the floor.
  2. Personal Comforts: Familiar bedding items like a favorite pillow and blanket will make the hotel room feel more like home.
  3. Manage Environment: Use a white noise machine to maintain a consistent sound environment and blackout curtains to block out light.
  4. Routine: Maintain your child’s usual bedtime routine to help them wind down and feel secure in the new environment.

General Tips for Setting Up Your Child’s Sleep Space in a Hotel Room

  1. Hotel Crib/Bassinet: Call ahead to ensure the hotel provides cribs or bassinets if you prefer not to bring your own.
  2. Safety First: Always check the sleep space for potential hazards and ensure it meets safety standards.

When setting up your child’s sleep space in a hotel room you really want to think about how to make sure your child feel as comfortable as possible. This can significantly impact your child’s sleep quality and overall travel experience. By following these age-specific tips, you can help your child feel well-rested, no matter where your adventures take you. For a full guide on traveling with kids, check out the Travel Sleep Guide.