Sleeping arrangements while on vacation and food on the plane

[Anonymous]

I've got two questions. They're pretty basic ones that I can probably figure out on my own, but I'm a little stressed about the upcoming trip, and I could use some advice:

First, we've finally managed to get our 11 MO on a decent sleep routine in his own bed, and now we're going on vacation for a week. We'll be staying in a couple of hotels, and I am concerned about the cleanliness of the crib that they will provide. We stayed at a top rated hotel a few weeks ago, and I did a quick wipedown of the rails and mattress, and the wipe was pitch black when I was done with it. Gross. Needless to say, DS slept in our bed that night. So, looking ahead to our upcoming vacation, I am concerned that he's going to end up back in the bed with us for a week---which means that we won't be able to sleep, and he will probably be back to square one with sleep training when we return. I was wondering if any of you might have advice. Do you bring your own bedding when you travel? Do you ever "send back" the crib if it's too dirty/unsafe? Am I being too OCD about this?!

Second, what do you feed your little ones on the plane? DS is eating Cheerios, fruit, meats, etc., but since I can't bring these through security, I'm wondering if I can purchase some snacks that would work for him on the other side (will they let you bring baby food through security?). It's going to be a long flight.

[Anonymous]

I do think you're being too OCD about the crib, LOL. If the choice is him sleeping in a crib that may not be pristine but is undoubtedly not going to hurt him vs. in your bed and then sleep-training all over again, no-brainer to me!

Re food, I believe food you can take with you, just not liquid. (Double-check the TSA website to be certain, though.) Good luck!

[Anonymous]

On the crib - We travel frequently, and I always take my own sheets. I don't think that is OCD. One main reason I started doing it is that the hotel laundry detergent is very strong and I like my sheets washed in Dreft.

You can take a small amount of food - just not liquids and gels. If it is pureed baby food, just make sure it is in small jars and you put in one of those plastic bags and run through the x-ray seperately (like with your carry-on toothpaste, etc.)

[Anonymous]

I have stayed in 3 different hotels this summer with my 1 year old son and we have gotten a variety of cribs. Marriott gave us a Pack n Play, Westin has their own "Heavenly Crib", and Sheraton gave a us a regular metal portable crib. We wiped them all down, and while I am sure there were still some germs on them (like any bed you stay in at a hotel), I thought they were fine. Like the pp, I would rather risk a few germs then mess up my son's entire sleep routine and have to deal with that when we got back home. Keeping kids on a routine on vacation is hard enough without worrying about a somewhat dirty crib. If it is unsafe that is a different story, but I would just do your best to clean it and bring your own sheets if you want. If your son is mobile and anything like my son, he is touching so much stuff anyway that it is impossible to keep all germs away. Just do your best to make it clean, and have fun!

[Anonymous]

You can definitely bring food through security. Solids like cheerios and fruit don't even have to be in a separate container. When we traveled this spring (DD was ~1) I put all her food, both solids and pureed foods, in a grocery bag and just said "Baby food" when I went through security. They didn't ask any questions.

[Anonymous]

We actually brought our own Pack N Play on one trip. I would have been OK with the one at the hotel, but we were also spending a few days with my inlaws who don't have any baby stuff. We had a rental car, so it wasn't too bad to lug with us. Other times, we've used the hotel pack n play and just brought our own sheets.

[Anonymous]

I'd be OCD about it too, but then I don't even really like to sleep in hotel beds myself generally!

I'd take your own pack and play if its at all an option.

[Anonymous]

You can definitely bring food for baby, including solids and liquids (milk/formula/juice). You just need to pull them out and let the screener know. You cannot bring water for formula, but that is easy to buy after screening. Medicines do not count as part of the 3 ounces, 1 quart, 1 bag policy. I strongly recommend getting to the airport early to avoid hassles.

As for the bed, I also get grossed out. I have also been shocked at the rickety cribs that some highly rated hotels provide! Some seemed unsafe. I would never fly with my pack and play - WAY too heavy and this day and age, you will probably get charged a fortune to check it. Instead, I bought a Phil and Ted's T2 cot. It weighs 4 pounds and folds up very small, but is around the same size as a pack and play. I have been able to put it in my bag and still have plenty of room for my things and baby's things.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for your responses. Glad to know I'm not the only one grossed out by the cribs hotels offer. I know I've probably seen one too many Primetimes about this! But, in my defense, the last crib was really, really disgusting. I was prompted to do the wipedown when I noticed an unidentified, unwashed stain on the sheets (looked like poop).

Thanks, PP, for the cot recommendation. I'll check it out.

And, thanks, too, for the advice on food. I had no idea I could bring solids through with me. That's such a relief. I was thinking I was going to have to introduce him to McD's or Starbucks.

[Anonymous]

OP again. Do you know any local stores that carry the child travel cots?

[Anonymous]

We're in OBX this week for vacation. I brought the pack-n-play but he kept waking up. There's a bed in his room-so he and I crashed together in the bed. My husband is giving me a hard time-not to make a habit of him sleeping with us or one of us-lalala. In my opinion-anything goes on vacation! We're on vacation!!! He'll go back to his crib when we get home and he'll be fine. His nap/sleep schedule are a little off too.

I'd bring some of his food for the flight. Be careful about liquids-security will check them for drugs.

[Anonymous]

i'm pretty grossed out by the crib situation you describe. We're pretty loosy goosy with the sleep stuff so for us, we'd just have our little guy in bed with us. If that were not the case and I was in your situation, I'd buy the cheapest pack n play I could find at teh nearest walmart or target and then leave it there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Do you know any local stores that carry the child travel cots?

Unfortunately, I have not seen one in a store, although you may be able to find one at a specialty store. I ordered mine online - can't remember where. I know Amazon has them, but so do several other online sites.

[Anonymous]

I don't know about local stores, but Amazon had the kids aero bed on sale last week for $50 (normally $100.) It shipped out quickly.