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Hotels & Airbnbs
New room, new smells, new noises, no routine. Sleep falls apart fast. Here's how to hold it together.
Step 1 — Before you go
- 1Bring their pillow AND their blanket from home — smell = safety.
- 2Pack the same bedtime book and nightlight you use at home.
- 3Ask for a room away from the elevator and ice machine.
- 4Walk the room together on arrival: bathroom, bed, window. Say: "This is our safe room for tonight."
- 5Put a door alarm or bell on the door if your child wanders at night.
Step 2 — During the moment
- 1Keep the SAME bedtime routine — even if it's 90 min later than home.
- 2White noise app or fan — hotels are loud in ways you can't predict.
- 3One parent does the whole bedtime routine (not both, not switching).
- 4If they can't sleep, don't fight it. Read quietly in dim light for 20 min, try again.
Safety protectors — what to watch for
- 1Check window locks and balcony doors THE MOMENT you walk in.
- 2Unplug or block cords, coffee makers, and iron access.
- 3Take photos of your child every morning in what they're wearing.
- 4Know the fire exit closest to your room.
- 5Never leave a young or wandering child alone in the room — even for the ice machine.
Red flags — act now
- 1Child unlocks the door and leaves while you shower — install a portable door lock.
- 2New bruises or fear around a specific staff member — trust it, change rooms.
- 3Sudden fever + travel = call the front desk for the nearest urgent care.
Say this out loud
""This bed is different, I know. Your pillow from home is right here. I'm right on the other side. You are safe.""
In a crisis, call or text 988 (US Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or your local emergency line. For a lost child in a public venue: find the nearest staff badge and give your child's photo and today's outfit.
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Bright Steps provides parent support and educational planning tools only and does not replace professional medical, educational, or legal advice.