Sleeping Safely on the Road: The Basic Rules
The same rules as at home, but in an environment where they're more easily forgotten.
The guidelines for safe sleep don't change when you're traveling. But in a hotel room or tent, it's easier to forget them, simply because the surroundings are different.
A flat, solid surface
A baby sleeps safest on a flat mattress that fits snugly in the crib. Do not fill any gaps with blankets or pillows; they can shift. If the mattress does not fit, do not use the crib.
On their backs, with their faces uncovered
Sleeping on your back should remain the rule even when traveling. Keep the face clear of blankets, stuffed animals, and loose fabrics. A sleeping bag in the right size is more practical than a blanket that can slide up.
Pay attention to the temperature
Overheating is a greater risk while traveling than the cold. A tent or trailer heats up quickly. Check the back of the neck instead of the hands and feet; those are almost always cooler.
Take a look at the place itself
Don't set up your sleeping area next to a window cord, a heater, or a spot where someone might trip over it. At a campground, also make sure not to place it directly in the sun, and not in a way that the fabric could come into contact with your face.
You can read more about sun protection in " UV Protection for Babies."
