"As a travel writer and new mom: I was 10 weeks postpartum when we checked into my daughter Indah’s first hotel, the Pendry West Hollywood. We were stoked to get back into traveling, and I wish at the time I had thought of all of the hotel hacks for traveling with babies I had read about.
The best part was that everyone—and I mean everyone—was so thrilled to see an infant! The staff and other guests were overjoyed, “oohing” and “aahing” over her. They rolled out the welcome wagon, by which I mean a tiny convertible full of plush stuffed animals, and let her (as in me) choose one, and they left a bunny and delicious-smelling Baeo bath amenities in her wooden crib.
Traveling with babies, toddlers, and bigger kiddos is not as daunting as it might seem. I’ve learned a lot since that first hotel stay. And now I’m traveling with two kiddos, and we’ve stayed in 44 hotels (probably more by now!). So, I’ve learned a ton along the way.
Airbnbs, Vrbos, and other house rentals are sometimes easier (after all, you don’t have to worry much about other people). But there’s something particularly exciting about pulling up to a nice hotel. It feels a little more escapist, you don’t have to do any dishes or cook, and the kids think it’s such a treat.
Over the years, we’ve honed in on some ways to make a hotel stay the most successful possible for every member of the family as well as for the strangers in rooms around you. Read on for seven hotel hacks for traveling with babies, toddlers, and kids.
Hotel Hacks for Traveling With Babies, Toddlers and Kids from a Mom Who Travels for a Living
1. Make sure baby is noted on your reservation and request a crib or playard in advance of arrival.
You’ll also get a pretty good sense of how baby-friendly the hotel is when you call to tell them about your baby. And don’t assume that they will put a crib in the room just because you have a child—ask explicitly (I’ve learned this the hard way!). If you co-sleep, don’t worry about the crib, but do still tell the property you’re bringing a little one.
Some hotels take the crib as a cue to leave your baby or toddler milk, treats, or an adorable animal to add to their collection. At Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, Indah got her favorite Jellycat elephant, at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg a sweet handmade rhino, and at The Hythe Vail a velvety soft moose (plus cute board books and a ski-themed rubber duck). And from time to time, you’ll find the most adorable surprise: a teensy bathrobe—you definitely don’t want to miss out on that!
Additionally, pending availability, the hotel may put you in a room built to code for the Americans with Disabilities Act. These rooms tend to be more spacious and most of the time have bathtubs, too, even if the majority of standard guest rooms only have showers. Of course, hotels hold these accessible rooms for people with disabilities until all standard rooms of that class or type are sold, as they should.
2. Decide where you want to hang out at night and move the crib elsewhere—like the bathroom.
Hotel staff always place the crib by the bed, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay there. When Indah was little, she always slept right by my side. However, once she was sleep trained at six months and sleeping in her own nursery, we realized that maintaining a little bit of distance was helpful on the road, too. A suite is ideal for this purpose but is often not possible financially. So we followed my sister’s suggestion to put Indah’s crib in the bathroom (with the door partially open for air flow), and for the most part, it’s worked amazingly.
It may sound weird, but she sleeps better, and so do we. Plus, being in a place where she can’t see us means none of our sleep training efforts were undone. With Indah in her own dark, quiet space, we can actually enjoy the room and carry on (quiet-ish) conversations, watch TV (not too loud, of course), and even get room service.
Remember to get ready for bed before putting baby down. Once she’s out, Indah is a pretty deep sleeper, so we’ve successfully used the toilet in the middle of the night (no flushing!), but I’ve also gone downstairs before dawn to use a hotel lobby bathroom to not wake her early. And we move the crib back out during the day to make the bathroom more functional.
Conversely, if there’s an amazing bathroom situation—we’re talking big tub and bath salts—you might want to give baby the main room one night so you can enjoy a long soak with a glass of wine before quietly creeping into bed.
3. Request a mini fridge for your room in advance.
Oftentimes, minibar refrigerators don’t get cold enough to safely store breastmilk or milk. And besides, most of the time, they’re chock-full of beverages and snacks. Many hotels are able to equip your room with a separate mini fridge at no cost so you have a place to keep things adequately cold for baby. We also traveled with a bottle brush and travel-sized bottle of dish soap, too.
You can also try asking for a diaper pail (we’ve probably lucked out with this 50% of the time, and your noses—and housekeeping—will thank you, too) and baby bathtub. When it comes to hotel hacks for traveling with babies, asking is my number one! Even if they don’t have the specific item you may learn there’s something else helpful they can provide that you didn’t think of. For example, Mission Pacific Hotel kindly brought us a high chair to keep in our room during our stay to make feeding our new solids eater easier.
4. Make early-bird dinners your friend.
The beginning of happy hour, too. If you don’t want to annoy other guests or diners, go to dinner early. And reserve or ask for a table out of the way on the fringes if your baby is too small for a high chair. There’s usually nowhere to park a stroller or place a car seat in the middle of a dining room.
Discuss amongst yourselves in advance who will take your child back to the room in case of a crying fit or tantrum—and who gets to eat their dinner cold, out of a takeout box once the other finishes the meal. If you do want to treat yourselves to a normal-adult-time dinner sans stroller or high chair, ask before arrival if your hotel can recommend or arrange a babysitter.
5. Bring snacks. Lots of them.
My advice for flying with babies and toddlers applies for hotel stays with them, too. Once they start eating solids, it can be hard enough to keep up with their appetites at home, let alone in a place with no kitchen and sometimes limited dining options. It’s always best to bring along a bunch of portable options so you’re not stuck waiting 30 to 45 minutes for food to be prepared as your child melts down.
Also, remember that kids menus typically don’t take into consideration infants and young toddlers, so if you’re not keen on feeling high maintenance by asking your server for a custom-made sodium-free puree, it’s easier to have your own stash of pouches.
6. Schedule turndown service.
If you’re somewhere fancy enough to do turndown service, they’ll probably be amenable to doing it earlier—before the bedtime routine begins—if you just ask. No need to miss out on that little luxury that definitely doesn’t happen at home.
Also, don’t be shy about using your “Do Not Disturb” sign. The last thing you want is someone knocking at 9 p.m. and waking your sleeping babe.
7. Hit the pool at off-hours.
And if you’re at a resort that happens to have a family pool, embrace it. At hotels with more crowded pool scenes, going first thing in the morning (I’m talking 9 a.m.)—because we didn’t want our very pale baby to get too much sun or heat—was actually helpful, since we could get chairs and umbrellas before they were all claimed. And funny enough, one of our major milestones happened at a hotel pool: crawling!
FAQ: Hotel Hacks for Traveling with Babies
1. What are the essential items to pack when traveling with a baby?
Make sure to pack essentials like diapers, wipes, baby food, formula or breast milk, a travel crib, a baby monitor, and a first aid kit. Also, consider bringing a portable baby bathtub, a stroller, and familiar toys or blankets to comfort your baby in the new environment.
2. How can I make a hotel room baby-friendly?
Ask the hotel in advance if they can offer any baby proofing or bring outlet covers, edge protectors for furniture, and secure any loose cords. Arrange for a crib from the hotel in advance or bring your portable crib. Set up a diaper changing station and ensure that small items are out of reach of your baby.
3. What are some tips for feeding a baby in a hotel room?
Feeding a baby in a hotel room can be easier with a few hacks. If the room has a microwave, you can warm baby food or bottles quickly. A travel bottle warmer can also be handy. Use disposable bibs and plates to minimize cleanup. If breastfeeding, a nursing cover can provide privacy.
4. How do I keep my baby entertained during the stay?
Keep your baby entertained by packing a variety of toys, books, and comfort items. Rotate the toys to keep their interest. Use the hotel room as a base to explore local family-friendly attractions, and consider setting up a small play area with a blanket on the floor.
5. What should I do if my baby has trouble sleeping in a hotel?
If your baby has trouble sleeping in a hotel, try to replicate their home sleep environment. One of my favorite hacks is bringing travel blackout shades to keep the baby in a cozy dark room. Or moving the crib into the bathroom. Bring along their usual bedtime items like a blanket or stuffed animal. Use white noise machines or apps to block out unfamiliar sounds. Stick to their regular bedtime routine to help them settle more easily.
6. Are there any hotel amenities that can make traveling with a baby easier?
Many hotels offer amenities that can ease traveling with a baby. Look for hotels that provide cribs, high chairs, or babysitting services. Some family-friendly hotels have play areas, pools, and kid-friendly dining options. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need! You never know what the hotel might offer.
7. How can I manage my baby’s schedule while traveling?
To manage your baby’s schedule, try to keep their eating, napping, and bedtime routines as consistent as possible. Allow for flexibility to accommodate travel activities but prioritize their needs to prevent overtiredness. Time zone changes may require gradual adjustments to their schedule.
8. What safety measures should I take in a hotel room?
Safety is paramount when staying in a hotel with a baby. Inspect the room for hazards like sharp edges, loose wires, or low furniture that can topple. Ensure doors and windows are secure. Bring a travel baby monitor to keep eyes on baby like at home.
9. How do I handle laundry needs for a baby in a hotel?
For laundry, bring a small container of baby-friendly detergent and a travel laundry line or bag. Use the hotel’s laundry service or facilities if available. Quick-dry clothes and multi-purpose outfits can reduce the need for frequent washing.
These hotel hacks for traveling with babies will make that family vacation much easier!
Kathryn Romeyn, Contributing Writer
Kathryn is a freelance travel, design, and wellness journalist whose work has been featured in Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, The Hollywood Reporter, Brides, Parents, and AFAR, among others. She is additionally a co-host of the Conscious Traveler Podcast and a mom of two.