Baby Travel Sleep: Hotel Nights, Home Reset

Before you unpack

Babies settle differently, but a familiar, soothing bedtime sequence may help in a new room.

Before booking, ask whether the lodging can provide a portable crib or play yard.

On arrival, inspect the crib for broken or missing parts, loose hardware and added padding.

Place the crib away from cords, lamps, TVs and objects that could fall into it.

Keep the sleep space safe

For every sleep, place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet and no pillows, toys or loose bedding.

For babies under 6 months, keep the crib in the room where you sleep.

Even after a rough night, use the baby's safe crib or play yard rather than an adult bed.

Bring familiar bedtime cues

A familiar crib sheet can help if it fits the travel crib mattress snugly.

Repeat a simple wind-down sequence, such as a fresh diaper, dim lights and a short story.

Hotel nights

If your baby wakes at night, keep lights low and voices quiet, and feed or change them as needed.

Do not leave your baby alone in the hotel room, even if you use a monitor.

When the clocks change

For a trip across time zones, you can start adjusting your child's sleep schedule 2–3 days before departure.

After crossing time zones, daytime outdoor activity or bright light can help your child adjust.

Back home

Back home, open curtains and play during the day; keep nights dim and quiet.

The next evenings

Resume your familiar, calming bedtime sequence at home.

Babies' sleep patterns vary, and illness or teething can also change sleep.