Traveling with baby takes a lot of planning and supplies. Making a “safe sleep plan” is a part of prepping for a trip. Having a plan helps parents and caregivers know that your baby will sleep safely wherever they go.

Babies love and need consistent sleep environments. Here’s how to create your safe sleep plan:

Check if the hotel or house you’re visiting has a crib or portable play yard (i.e. Pack ’n Play)

If yes:

• Make sure it meets safety standards!
• Less than two fingers should fit between side of crib and mattress.
• Slats close together (can’t fit a 12-ounce can between them).
• Not a drop-side crib.
• No missing, broken, or damaged parts.
• Not more than 10 years old.
• Has firm mattress.

If no:

• Bring a portable play yard. It’s easy to set up and provides a safe space for baby to sleep and play. Set it up away from windows, curtains, monitors, or cords.

Keep the sleeping area bare

• No blankets, pillows, or toys.

Give your baby his or her own sleep space

• It should be away from other kids, pets, and adults.|
• Infants can get injured or have airway blocked if not sleeping alone.

Keep it cool

• The best sleep temperature for babies is 68-72° F.
• Dress your baby in one more layer than you have on.

Don’t use the car seat as a sleeping area for baby when not in the car

• Take your baby out of car seat when you arrive.

Follow the ABCS

(And make sure everyone who will be watching your baby knows the ABCS too!)

• Alone: no other people or objects in baby’s sleep area.

• On Back: always put baby to sleep on back.

• In Crib: bassinet or portable – firm sleep surface with only fitted sheet. In Smoke-free air.

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For more information, visit: safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/safesleepbasics/about and www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/cribs/

Ellen Jacobs, MSN, RN, CLC, is a public health nurse with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department.