A hotel room is full of things your child has never met. These traveling with kids hotel tips boil down to three habits: ask for a crib when you book, sweep the room at floor level, and watch water closely.
For wider planning ideas, browse our guide to hotel travel tips.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Crib or playard from the hotel | Ask when you are booking |
| Supervision in the pool | Touch supervision at all times |
| Baby formula, breast milk and toddler food in a carry-on | Allowed in quantities over 3.4 oz (100 ml) |
| Screening for children 12 and under | Shoes, light jackets and headwear can stay on |
| Hotel room door | Use the deadbolt to keep a child from leaving without you |
| AAP hotel-safety page last updated | June 18, 2026 |
The figures come from the American Academy of Pediatrics hotel-safety page and the TSA page on traveling with children. Guidance and airport rules can change, so check the source before you rely on them.
Plan the room before you book
Most of the useful work happens before you arrive. The AAP notes that many hotels and vacation rentals have cribs and playards “available upon request”, and it advises you to ask when you are booking.
A short list of questions to put to the hotel:
- Can a crib or packable playard be set up in the room before you arrive?
- Does the room have corded window coverings or other cords within a child’s reach?
- Where is the pool, and is it near the room you are being offered?
Booking channel matters too, because requests such as a crib are easier to track when you know who holds your reservation. This comparison of how to book hotel direct or online travel agency explains the trade-offs.
Keep safe sleep habits on the road
A strange room is no reason to loosen your routine. The AAP says to resist putting your baby in bed with you and to use a portable crib or packable playard instead.
Whether it is the hotel’s or your own, check it before use. The AAP says it should meet current safety standards and be in good repair, with no broken or missing parts, loose hardware, or padding other than the manufacturer’s original mattress.
- Make sure bedding fits the mattress snugly.
- Bring a familiar crib sheet if your child is not used to falling asleep in new places.
- Position the crib away from cords, lamps and TVs, or from any objects that could fall on the baby.
Traveling with kids: sweep the room at their level
Before you unpack, get down on the floor. The AAP suggests checking for pills, pens or other choking or poisoning hazards that may have rolled under beds or dressers.
Then look for anything new and exciting at your child’s height. The AAP lists low dresser drawers, hotel phone cords, TV cords and the cords from the big reading lamp.
A few small items in your suitcase make this easier. The AAP suggests a few inexpensive plastic electrical outlet covers and twist ties for electrical and drapery cords.
- Pack medications, razors and small choking hazards into a couple of smaller bags, as the AAP advises, and keep them out of reach.
- Cover outlets and tie up dangling cords.
- Move the crib or your child’s play area away from lamps and TVs.
Our guide to hotel safety tips for travelers covers security checks that apply to the whole family, not only the youngest.
Water, doors and the pool
The AAP recommends layers of protection around bathtubs or toilets, swimming pools and hot tubs. It says this applies all year long, including on vacation and during non-swim times.
- Keep the bathroom door closed, and consider bringing a toilet lock.
- Know where the pools are in your hotel.
- At the pool, use touch supervision in the water at all times.
- Use the deadbolt to keep your child from leaving the hotel room without you.
Touch supervision means an adult stays within reach rather than watching from a lounger. Agree before you go down who is the designated adult, so two parents do not each assume the other is watching.
Getting to the hotel: airport rules for baby items
Many family trips start at a security checkpoint. TSA’s page says formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby or toddler food, including puree pouches, are allowed in carry-ons in quantities over 3.4 oz (100 ml).
TSA gives a few practical tips for these items:
- Use clear, translucent bottles for formula and breast milk when possible.
- If you do not want your items X-rayed or opened, notify the TSA officer.
- Ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs are allowed, whether or not breast milk is present.
TSA also says strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks must be screened by X-ray. Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening, which keeps the line moving.
Frequently asked questions
Should my baby share my bed in a hotel?
Show answer
The AAP says to resist the temptation to put your baby in bed with you. It recommends a portable crib or packable playard instead.
Can I ask a hotel for a crib?
Show answer
Yes. The AAP says many hotels and vacation rentals have them available upon request, and it suggests asking when you are booking. Inspect it when it arrives, as the AAP’s safety-standard and repair advice applies to a hotel’s crib as well as your own.
Can I bring more than 3.4 oz of formula or breast milk through airport security?
Show answer
Yes, according to TSA, baby items such as formula and breast milk can go past the usual 3.4 oz (100 ml) size. If you do not want them X-rayed or opened, tell the officer, and check the TSA page before you fly because rules can change.
What should I pack to make a hotel room safer?
Show answer
The AAP suggests a few plastic outlet covers, twist ties for electrical and drapery cords, and a toilet lock. It also suggests a familiar crib sheet for a baby who is not used to new places.
