A hotel room is built for adults. Tall beds, loose outlets and no crib in sight can turn a family trip into a safety puzzle, especially with a toddler. One mom shared the four tricks she says she always uses when traveling with her little one.
Mom and creator @tsagana_24 labels her post “Hotel Momhacks” and writes that she does these things whenever she travels with kids. There is no talking in the clip. Her toddler, in pink pajamas, and the hotel furniture do all the work, with only music playing over the top.
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Hack 1: Pillow bumpers under the fitted sheet
The first trick is for the bed. She lifts the corners of the fitted sheet and tucks large hotel pillows underneath along the outer edges. The pillows form soft bumpers along the sides so a toddler who rolls around in her sleep is less likely to roll off.
Hack 2: Turn the couch around
For a nap spot, she pulls a hotel couch away from the wall and turns it so the seating faces the wall. She straightens the cushions, lays a clean white sheet on top, adds a pillow and tucks her toddler into the enclosed space between the couch and the wall.
Hack 3: Push two armchairs together
When there is no couch to work with, she uses two matching upholstered armchairs. She pushes them face to face to form a small enclosed bed, covers the middle with a sheet, adds a pillow and lets her child sleep inside.
Hack 4: Cover the outlets
The last tip is about wall outlets. Hotel rooms, especially abroad, can have sockets with no safety covers. In the clip she presses clear plastic cups or bottle ends into recessed outlets so they are blocked off from curious fingers.
A note before you copy any of these
These are one parent’s travel habits, not official safety guidance, and they will not suit every child or room. Pediatric safe-sleep recommendations say infants should sleep on a firm, flat surface with nothing soft around them, so the bumper and nook ideas are best saved for older toddlers and used with supervision. Plastic items placed in outlets can also be a hazard if they come loose, so many parents prefer proper outlet covers they pack from home. When in doubt, ask your pediatrician or the hotel for a portable crib.
A few more ways to prep a hotel room
- Pack a small set of outlet covers and corner guards.
- Walk the room on your hands and knees to spot cords, sharp edges and small objects.
- Move anything breakable out of reach before the kids come in.
- Ask the front desk for a crib or rollaway ahead of time.
Hotel room safety checks worth doing in the first five minutes
Beyond sleep and outlets, a hotel room has a few other features worth a quick look when a toddler is along. A short walk through the room right after check-in can head off most problems before the luggage is even unpacked.
- Window blind and curtain cords. Dangling cords are a known strangulation hazard for young children. Tie them up high or tuck them out of reach.
- Balcony and patio doors. Check that they lock, and keep chairs and tables away from railings so they cannot become a step.
- The bathroom. Test the water temperature with your own hand before bath time and never leave a small child alone near water.
- The minibar and snack tray. Move small items, glass bottles and anything breakable out of reach.
- Furniture. Look for tall, top-heavy pieces and keep them away from where your child will play.
Common questions about sleeping away from home
Does a toddler sleep differently in a new place? Many do. Unfamiliar sounds, light and surroundings can make bedtime harder for a night or two, which is normal.
How can I make the room feel familiar? Bring the same bedtime items you use at home, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, and keep the usual order of bath, book and lights out. A consistent routine tells a child that it is time to rest, wherever they are.
Should I call ahead? It helps. Many hotels can provide a portable crib or ask what is available, and it is much easier to arrange before you arrive than at the front desk at bedtime.
Try this at home before your next trip
- Make a small travel safety kit with outlet covers, a night light and cord ties.
- Pack the bedtime comfort items in your carry-on so they never get lost.
- Choose a room that suits your family, such as one away from stairs or a busy street.
- Do a quick walk-through on arrival and fix what you can.
Travel is easier when the room feels safe. A few minutes of setup means parents can relax and enjoy the trip.
Credit for the original post goes to @tsagana_24 on Instagram.
