How to Practice Safe Sleep on Vacation

Families are busy, especially during the holidays. Between holiday travel and family visits, your baby may be sleeping at off hours or in new places. While families may be out and about, babies cannot take vacation from safe sleep. Creating a familiar and safe sleep space for your baby can help give everyone a little added rest. Use these tips to ensure your baby is sleeping safe no matter where you are. 
 

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

1. If you have a portable play yard, take it with you when possible. If you do not have a portable play yard or cannot take one with you, many hotels provide cribs. Be sure to inspect the crib to ensure the mattress is flat, the sheet fits snugly and the crib or play yard is stable and secure.
2. Keep your baby’s sleep environment free of added pillows, blankets and stuffed animals – just as you would at home.
3. Do not place your infant to sleep on a bed, chair, sofa, car seat or portable mattress. These are all unsafe places for a baby to sleep.
4. Keep the hotel room or your accommodations at a comfortable temperature, between 68-72 degrees to avoid overheating. Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of a standard blanket.
5. Try to place the play yard in an area that is safe from hazards, such as cords and wires, and not directly in front of heating/cooling units.
6. Try to keep to your baby’s sleep routine, such as bath time, books or any comfort item, as much as possible. These will help your infant recognize the cues that it is time for sleep.
    

Always practice the ABC’s of safe sleep, even when on vacation: 

• A – Alone – in their own sleep space, but in a room with you
• B – Back – On their backs
• C – Crib – in a crib or other safe sleep environment

Travel plans may come and go, but safe sleep habits should stay the same. By planning ahead and creating a safe sleep environment wherever you are, you can help protect your baby and make travel a little more restful for the whole family. 

To learn more about safe sleep this Safe Sleep Month, click here. 

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Carmela Sosa, MD

Director, Guilds Center for Community Health

Born and raised in Fresno, California, Dr. Carmela Sosa joined Valley Children’s Specialty Medical Group at the Charlie Mitchell Children’s Center in April 2012 to provide complex primary care to children of the Valley. Her roles expanded in 2016 to include Associate Program Director of the Valley Children’s Pediatric Residency Program, and again in 2019 to Medical Director of Valley Children’s Primary Care. Today, Dr. Sosa is the director for Valley Children’s Guilds Center for Community Health where she works with community partners to improve the health of kids outside of the hospital walls. With her knowledge and expertise, she works to combat the social drivers that impact the overall well-being of kids throughout the Central Valley. Learn more about Dr. Sosa here.