What do you do when you want to stay away from home for a night with a toddler and 4 month old

[sweetas]

My family leave about 40 miles away from us and although we go to see them on day visits we haven't figured out how to stay over with the 2 children. We found it ok when it was just DS as he went in a travel cot - but he has, in the last few weeks made the transition to big bed (cot bed size, so much lower than a standard single) our DD sleeps in a cot.
So dilema is this - family parties, gatherings etc should we just go and come home early as DS goes to bed at 7.30 or take them up on their offers and stay over?? They are happy to give up their bedroom for us so was thinking maybe DD could sleep in travel cot, although they are rather uncomfortable unless padded out with a duvet to sleep on - is this ok for a 4 month old? only recently started to think maybe this isn't the best thing. We used to put DS on a sheep skin in the travel cot when we stayed away but not sure if that is such a good idea either? as for DS Was thinking of getting one of those 'my first ready beds' (inflatable type thing i think) that mothercare sell as they come in different characters and the Thomas one might persuade him to stay in it. At home we have a stairgate on his bedroom so even if he does get out of bed he is still safe IYSWIM

Has anyone got one of these ready beds? It says it comes with a cover - is this something that will keep them warm enough?

I hope this all makes sense all advice greatly appreciated!

TIA

Ready bed is fab - really comfy and plenty warm enough unless it's very cold (ds' one has a fleecy cover and he has slept fine with that always).

For odd nights away, all being in the same room is fine, particulalry if you're with family so you're not all condemned to go to bed at the same time. We do it occasionally and while it's not the best night's sleep (for dh and I, anyway, the kids sleep fine) it's better than travelling late at night.

Ooops - live not leave

MrsFP - fleecy blanket ready bed sounds good where did you get that from?

now you're asking, it was about 3 years ago!

I think it was Great Little Trading here , but I would imagine they're all similar - it's like a fleecy sleeping bag.

I would just stay and make do with what they offer. As bad and uncomfy cot beds may seem they are not that bad, your 4 m old won'tcomplain (but please please please don't put a duvet in it to make it softer!)

Your older child can sleep in bed with you, we did that in holidays, it also ensured he didn't fall off.

If you don't want him to go out of the bedroom, close the door and put something behind it. easy peasy.

Thanks for the link Mrs FP

Chandra - What do you think about letting her sleep on a lambskin or putting the duvet under the mattress? I know you say don't worry but i remember when my DS got older he hated sleeping in it and i am sure that it is because the mattress is so thin and uncomfortable. If anything I would prefer my DD slept in the bed with us than my DS but DH will probably have a few drinks so co sleeping not such a good idea!

DS used to hate the travel cot too but we think it was because it rustled and woke him. We used to put a towel on the mattress under the sheet, so it wasn't too soft (and therefore a hazard) but it stopped the noise.

Sorry, not cotbeds, portable cots.

My only problem with the duvet is baby getting the risk of baby getting under it or end up pushing her face against it while sleeping. Better to have her safe even if it not so comfortable.

We did plenty of trips with DS and the travel cot, the mattress is not good for everyday use but one day here and then believe me, shouldn't be a problem. I would think a baby may cry becuase is missing the familiar home setting (mine missed the black out blinds so we had to cover his eyes a bit until he fell asleep, but in terms of comfort, a travel cot mattress should be OK.

sweetas why don't you just put the kids in bed with you? This is what I usually do (but I only have one) and I've also made beds on the floor for DS in the past, there is always a way TBH and is better than having to always leave early and miss most of the fun!

I remember my paretens once making a bed for my then 2 yr old sis by pushing two armchairs together(it was like a little cot) and putting my baby sis in a bed in a drawer (removed from the chest of course!!) I was very envious of their custom-beds as I only had a sleeping bag on the floor with cushions underneeth! .

Seriously, don't worry about these things so much, just go with it, the kids will cope and you'll have a great time!

Thanks for your replies