Hotel Room with a Baby: How to Set It Up

In a hotel room, you all sleep together in the same space. That works just fine, as long as you arrange the room instead of using it as is.

First, find the darkest corner

Don't place the sleeping area near the window or along the path to the bathroom. A corner out of sight of the door works best: less light, less noise, and less foot traffic past the crib.

Don't automatically ask the hotel for a crib

Hotel cribs vary greatly in quality, and you never know what you’re going to get. A portable crib sets up in two seconds, is the same every night, and fits in most rooms next to the bed. That last point is exactly why familiarity helps; see why having your own place to sleep makes staying overnight easier.

Adjust the lighting before nightfall

When you arrive, check how well the curtains close and where light is coming in from the hallway. A door that’s wedged shut and a towel tucked under the crack will solve most of the problem. Read more about this in “Blacking Out the Room on Vacation.”

Set up a care station

Having a designated spot for diapers, wipes, and clothes saves you from having to search for them in the dark. A towel on the floor or on a low table works better than the bed, which you'll need for yourself at night.

Think about the evening itself

If your child is asleep by seven o'clock, the room isn't yours anymore. A balcony, a book, and a flashlight on your phone make it a lot more enjoyable.

Are you traveling further? Read " A Weekend Getaway with a Baby."