For an upcoming trip I'm worried that the hotel won't have a proper crib for our toddler. I'm thinking maybe we should just bring our pack n play. Can you do this? If so, is there a cover in addition to the flimsy cover that I can buy so it doesn't get destroyed in baggage check? TIA

My ex gave us a Pack N Play that had an airline check-in tag still attached to the handle of the flimsy cover.

Yes you can check it. You'd be amazed at the junk you can check, surfboards, windsurfing gear, of course golf clubs, skis, etc. When we had our pak n play it came with a nice nylon zip bag. Do you feel that's not sturdy enough? Can you find a box? You can transport it in a box or get a duffle style bag for it. We checked our ice chest which we filled full of our snorkel and beach gear. It's great to have those conveniences for baby when you travel.

Have you asked the hotel what they have for kids? We've never had trouble getting a crib if we reserve in advance, and it's hard enough with all the required gear for young children that I wouldn't bring along anything optional.

We have a graco travel bag that can fit both the pack n' play and an umbrella stroller. It has a nice sturdy handle and two wheels on it. I found it at a discount store (Marshalls/Homegoods) for about $16. I am sure you can find one online. Another option would be to ship it directly to the hotel via FedEx/UPS. We've had bad luck with hotel cribs (usually they are rickety with plastic covered mattresses) and the noise keeps the little one awake.

Yes, & I typcially stuff it w/diapers. The 'flimsy' cover will be just fine as well.

The reason I was looking into bringing my own PNP was b/c the hotel in bermuda that we're going to (the fairmont southampton) couldn't guarantee me a crib! I called back and spoke to a manager who was surprised i had been told this, and she did in fact guarantee me a crib. I still might bring the PNP, but i won't ship it (cheapest rate is about $270 with fed ex one way). Thanks for your help-- it's good to know we have that option.

I understand your concern about the crib: we were recently on vacation with family with little ones -
the "crib" they sent to the room (which even though requested months ago, took three more phone calls and didn't arrive until 9pm on the day we checked in at noon) was small, all metal, and even though metal, did not seem sturdy - and of course, the baby wanted nothing to do with it probably b/c it seemed so unfamiliar.

Last time they visited me, I bought the Graco pack and play like they have at home to have here for her - and when we went on a trip from here, loaded up the empty areas with other things we wanted (like I do all around the skiis in the ski bags) and checked it in.

Almost every hotel now uses a pack 'n play instead of a crib, so it will likely be the same.

Also, if you don't get one from the hotel or aren't satisfied with it there are often services that will rent them to you (along with highchairs, strollers, carseats, etc).

Our pack 'n play always folded up to a kind of rectangle and then stayed closed with velcro. The "outside" of the folded up contraption was somehow the floor of the pnp. Seemed sturdy enough to me.

After our experience last week, I would ask - it would have been nice if the resort had a pack n play - and this was in the US - you are going to Bermuda, where the requirements for cribs may or may not be the same as the US - so you may want to ask them what model/style /type crib they are using these days and what the guarantee is you will have it in your room on time -

We always took ours via airline. Don't know how they will charge you now with all the new checked bags rules and fees. Might want to phone your airline to be sure there isn't some astronamical charge from them.