Hotel Stay with an Infant
Recently, Melody and I went on a trip with my mom to South Carolina. We wanted to stay at a Hilton to get points, so we investigated different options. I knew staying in a hotel room with an infant was going to be different and possibly a struggle. We narrowed it down to Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn. Because we knew we would be spending a lot of time at the hotel during the day, we opted for the Hampton Inn because it had an indoor pool (which we never ended up using sadly). The Home2 Suites did have a full kitchen, but the room itself was going to be smaller than the Queen Suite at the Hampton Inn. The Hampton Inn was also fairly new, and it had the necessities. Below are some tips and tricks I discovered that helped us while staying in small quarters with a baby!
Request a pack and play from the hotel
Most hotels will provide a pack and play or crib by request, free of charge. Even if you request this, I would call a day or so before and confirm they can comply with your request. Having the hotel provide this will save come packing room! I had to get used to Melody being on the bottom of the pack and play, but the room we saved in the car was worth it. The hotel provided a liner and sheets.
Place the baby's bed in a corner away from the windows and tv, if possible.
Since Melody goes to bed around 9:30, I knew we would not always want to go to bed at the same time. However that is hard when you are sharing a room. So to help with that, I moved her pack and play as far away from the tv as possible. This would allow us to watch tv at a lower volume, and it would be less likely to bother her. Being away from the windows also helped keep the light out during nap times and in the morning.
Get a Suite! [Or at least a room with a wet bar]
We were sure to stay somewhere that offered a suite. Not only did this provide us with a little extra living space, but we had a wet bar. This gave me a separate sink and plenty of space for bottle washing. We also had a refrigerator for storing pre-made bottles. And the counter space allowed room to make bottles, warm bottles, and store formula/water. This is truly a necessity if you formula feed your child!
Bring toys!
This is super important. I mean I know you are limited on space because you are traveling, but your baby is out of their routine. The last thing you need is a bored fussy baby. I only travel with her must have toys. For Melody it is her kick and play piano. I also brought a blanket and a tummy time toy.
Other tips and tricks
- Bring scented disposable diaper bags for dirty diapers AND dirty clothes. If the baby has a blowout, you don't have a washer and dryer at your disposal.
- Try and stay somewhere with a freezer. This is important if you bottle feed and pre-make bottles. I had to use ice in my bottle bag which caused leakage because we didn't have a freezer for our freezer pack.
- Bring as much of your everyday things as possible. I struggled getting Melody to nap because she is used to napping in a swing. To save space I didn't bring her swing. That wasn't any fun!
- Look into how you're going to bathe your baby. Our sink was so small, and it was really difficult. Unfortunately a bath tub is too big for her since she doesn't sit up on her own. We sometimes travel with a bath sling however.
