When you're traveling with your baby, you have two options: to use the hotel's crib or your own play yard as a temporary crib. Either is acceptable, provided they meet current safety standards. For the crib, check to make sure the mattress is firm and snug-fitting. You shouldn't be able to fit two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the crib side. You shouldn't be able to fit a soda can between the slats. There also shouldn't be any missing or protruding parts, screws or bolts, or high corner posts, which pose a strangulation hazard, or cutouts in the head or footboard. "We've found that lots of hotels don't have safe cribs," says Laura Reno, director of public affairs for First Candle/SIDS Alliance, in Baltimore. Your best bet may be to bring your play yard along in case the hotel's crib doesn't pass your inspection.

If all a hotel has to offer is a play yard, check it out. (These criteria also apply to your baby's play yard at home.) It should have mesh panels, which foster air flow, but a weave that's small (less than one-quarter-inch openings). Ask for another if the mesh is larger or has any tears, holes, or loose threads, or the top rail cover has tears or holes. The sides should lock securely (press on them to be sure), and the play yard should include a snug, tight-fitting mattress. Use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer, and don't add a second mattress, pillow, comforter, or other soft bedding.