10 Top Tips for Stress-Free Hotel Stays with Tiny Travllers (aka kids!)

Traveling with a tiny one can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to staying in a hotel.

The good news is that with a little bit of preparation, you can make your hotel stay as stress-free as possible!

Here are our top 10 tips to help ensure your family has a smooth and enjoyable experience.

1. Choose the Right Hotel

Not all hotels are created equal, especially when it comes to accommodating young children. When booking your stay, look for family-friendly hotels that offer amenities like cribs, high chairs, or even play areas. A hotel that provides these conveniences can make a world of difference. Read reviews from other parents to ensure the hotel is genuinely kid-friendly.

2. Pack Familiar Items from Home

A one-year-old finds comfort in familiarity. Bring along their favorite blanket, cuddly toy, or pillow to help them feel more at ease in an unfamiliar environment. Having familiar items will make bedtime much easier and help soothe them if they wake up feeling unsettled during the night.

3. Bring a Portable Blackout Blind

Hotel rooms can be hit or miss when it comes to blocking out light, and a well-lit room could disrupt your little one’s sleep. Consider bringing a portable blackout blind to create a dark, sleep-friendly environment. Alternatively, you can use tape and a large, dark blanket to cover any gaps in the curtains.

4. Set Up a Baby-Friendly Space

When you first arrive, take a few minutes to baby-proof the room. Move anything breakable or dangerous out of reach, and cover sharp corners with towels. If the hotel provides a crib, double-check that it’s safe and clean. You can also use a portable playpen as a sleep space or a safe area for your baby to play.

5. Create a Mini Kitchen

Having easy access to food and drinks can make your stay much smoother. Bring a small cooler bag with milk, snacks, and easy-to-prepare food for your baby. Many hotels will provide a mini-fridge upon request, and some might even offer a microwave, making meal prep a breeze. Don’t forget to pack bibs, spoons, and a few containers!

6. Stick to Your Baby's Routine

While it can be tempting to let the vacation vibes take over, sticking as closely as possible to your baby’s routine can help prevent meltdowns. Try to keep meal times, nap times, and bedtime consistent with what they’re used to at home. A sense of routine can provide comfort and help your little one adjust to their new surroundings.

7. Use White Noise

Hotels can be noisy, with sounds from other guests, hallways, or even the street disrupting your baby's sleep. A white noise machine or a white noise app on your phone can help drown out unfamiliar sounds and create a consistent environment for sleep. This trick can be a lifesaver for ensuring everyone gets a good night's rest.

8. Request a Ground Floor Room

If possible, request a ground-floor room. It’s much easier when you don’t have to navigate elevators or stairs with a stroller, and you won’t have to worry about disturbing guests below you if your little one decides to have an early morning dance party! Ground-floor rooms are also typically closer to the hotel’s amenities, making your stay more convenient.

9. Bring Disposable Items

Traveling with a baby means lots of messes. Pack disposable items like bibs, changing pads, and cutlery to minimize the hassle of cleaning up. You can also bring a small pack of disinfectant wipes to keep surfaces clean in your hotel room. Disposable items mean fewer things to wash and pack up at the end of your stay!

10. Be Prepared for Meal Times

Meal times in a hotel room can be tricky, but with a bit of planning, you can make them stress-free. Bring along some easy-to-eat snacks and meals that your baby enjoys. Consider travel-friendly options like pouches of baby food, rice cakes, or pre-cooked pasta. If you plan to eat in the hotel restaurant, call ahead to check if they have a high chair and a kid-friendly menu.

Final Thoughts

Staying in a hotel with a little one doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

By planning ahead, packing the right items, and maintaining a sense of routine, you can make the most of your time away and enjoy precious moments with your children.

Remember, the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your baby will be!

Happy travels with your tiny travellers! 🧳✈️