Baby Safety – Overnight Stays

In Hotels

• Scan the rooms for anything that could be dangerous to your baby, especially if he or she is mobile. Tie up loose blinds or curtain cords and check the floor for small objects, peeling paint and/or exposed electrical outlets.
• If your baby is creeping or crawling, bring outlet covers, cabinet locks, duct tape, and a portable safety gate. Call your hotel ahead of time to see if they offer childproofing kits.
• Consider bringing your own portable crib that meets safety standards rather than relying on a used hotel crib that could be outdated or recalled.
• Make sure the sides of the crib are secure and the mattress fits snugly in the frame.
• Put the crib in a safe location, away from windows, blinds, lamps, or reachable cords.
• Don’t forget to bring your baby’s nightlight – not only for their comfort but to help navigate an unfamiliar room.
• As much as possible, try to stick to the same bedtime routine that you had at home.
• Be extra careful around hotel swimming pools – don’t ever let them go swimming unattended – and bring a life jacket or swimmies if you know you’ll be using it.
• Do your best to make reservations at reputable hotels ahead of time. When you get there, familiarize yourself with fire escape procedures and count the number of doors to each exit.

At Friends’ and Relatives’ Homes

• Talk to your hosts ahead of time and remind them that some child safety precautions will need to be taken, including putting away that priceless antique vase on the book shelf.
• When you get there, scan the room for anything that could be dangerous – especially if he or she is mobile. Ask if you can tie up loose blind cords and check the floor for small objects, peeling paint and/or exposed electrical outlets.
• If your baby is creeping or crawling, bring outlet covers, cabinet locks, duct tape, and a portable safety gate.
• Consider bringing your own portable crib that meets safety standards, even if your relative says they have an old one in the basement. It could very likely be outdated or recalled.
• Don’t forget to bring your baby’s nightlight – not only for their comfort but to help navigate an unfamiliar room.
• Keep the bedtime routine as consistent as possible and bring familiar items like their stuffed animals and blankets.
• Don’t forget the baby monitor.