Safe Sleeping for Babies When You're on the Road

Congratulations! You’ve welcomed your new baby and set up your home to be safe and comfy for him or her. But now it’s time to meet a new challenge: You’re taking your baby on an overnight trip and you’re going to have to make sure wherever you stay will be just as safe as your own home.

You’ve probably done several car rides with your baby already, but longer ones require a few additional considerations:

• While you might be happy when your fussy baby dozes off in the car, don’t neglect to check in on him or her often. Ideally, someone should be able to keep an eye on the baby at all times.
• If you’re using a pacifier, make sure the baby is able to spit it out when he or she wants. Make sure that the baby’s head is not leaning forward.
• Overheating is as much a concern in a car seat as in a crib at home. Babies can overheat easily, and being too warm increases the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Finally, if the baby is still asleep when you arrive at your destination, don’t leave him or her in the car seat. Place the baby on his or her back on a safe, firm, flat surface as soon as possible.

Where your baby sleeps while on the road needs to meet the same standards you’ve established at home: A firm, flat surface dedicated to the baby alone is essential. If you can bring your own Pack 'n Play or travel crib, you’re all set. Don’t lower standards if you must consider a substitute. For example, a hotel will often supply a crib, but don’t assume it meets all the current safety standards. Check the model and brand yourself against current rules and regulations on the page below:

Opens in new tab Consumer Product Safety Commission - Safe Sleep – Cribs and Infant Products

If the crib passes muster, clean it well before using it. And bring your own crib sheet from home.

Friends or family might offer to provide a crib when you’re staying with them, but while heirlooms can have their charm and equipment that is “only a few years old” might look fine, such options don’t necessarily meet today’s safety standards. Politely decline any cribs you’re not sure of.

If you have no other choice, let the baby sleep on a sheet on the floor. Just make sure there are no pets around.

Kind-hearted friends and relatives may offer to give you a break by tending to a fussy baby. If you’re not going to be present to monitor the situation, make sure everyone knows and agrees to abide by the rules. For example:

• The baby should be put down to sleep only in his or her dedicated safe sleep place.
• The baby must be placed on his or her back.
• No one is ever to take the baby into bed with them, or risk falling asleep with the baby anywhere else, such as on a couch.
• No toys, stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, etc., in the sleeping space with the baby.
• No smoking in the same room as the baby.

Insist your baby’s crib or Pack 'n Play be placed in the room where you will be sleeping. Insist also that the room be free of pets and tobacco smoke. If your hosts can’t provide a space like this, thank them for the offer of hospitality, but head for a hotel. Don’t risk your baby’s health.

Where possible, avoid hurt feelings and misunderstandings by discussing your baby’s needs with would-be hosts ahead of time. Hopefully, anyone who cares about you and your baby will understand.