How to transition to One step ahead travel n' trundle bed for vacation?

[arial]

We are flying to see my in laws for two nights and three days and we have bought a One Step Ahead Travel 'n Trundle Bed.  I am not sure how to transition him so that he is able to use this bed to sleep for the time that we are out of town. He has always nap and sleep in his crib, although in daycare he has been exposed to cots (he has not gone to daycare in over three weeks due to sickness).  Now in daycare, they just sit next to him and pad him in the back while he tried to fall asleep.  I was going to use this technique to help him fall asleep in the travel bed and I was actually going to bring the bed out to his room and use it one or two days before the trip so that at least he would have had some exposure to it and it would not be a totally new thing for him.

Does anyone think this is what I should do or does anyone have a better suggestion?  I am opened to any suggestions since I have never travel with Joshua before and I am certainly not sure what to do.  Thanks

By the way, this is a link to the travel bed so you can see what it looks like
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=6091&parentCategoryId=85184&categoryId=85218&subCategoryId=86218

[JennŠ]

Lurking to get ideas for us.   

[zed]

I am sure a couple of naps for practice is all your LO needs.  Especially if he does other beds in day care.  It may take a day for your LO to feel comfortable in a new place that he has never been before.

The best thing I can advise is to be as relaxed as possible.  LO's love to surprise.  If your LO senses that your uncertain about this sleeping thing at someone Else's house, then your LO will have problems for sure.  If your deal with bed time the same as at home he'll adjust just fine. 

Having said all of this, be relaxed but be ready for the worst.  Another words, be prepared to have something from home, or to spend more time settling your LO.  Make the entire trip to be an exciting and fun adventure and I'm sure things will turn out just fine.

[binxyboo]

I wouldn't practise at all, I would just follow his normal routine and then hope for the best when you go on vacation. I find Riley would get more upset if I changed things at home, when we are away he is much better going with the flow. Before we go on any trips, I try to make sure he is as well rested as possible before we go, I wouldn't dare mess with things then.

Have fun wherever you are going!

[binxyboo]

Just looked at the link, that's a pretty cool product!

[*Natasha*]

Just looked at the link, that's a pretty cool product!

I agree

[Colin Macs Mom]

Just looked at the link, that's a pretty cool product!

I agree

Me three!!!

[arial]

The sleeping well part before the trip is very important!  I definitely agree. 

Binxyboo: Now, my little one is spirited although he thrives on routine, and a change of bed and me sleeping next to him (which I will do during the trip), will probably throw his routine off - in the sense that he is sleeping in a different bed and next to mama.  YOu still think that I do not need to practice?  This is his first trip and everything will be new to him, I was just trying to make the bed more familiar to him.

I guess I could go either way, practicing or no practicing.

[arial]

Ahh by the way, the bed is actually very portable and light to carry.

[binxyboo]

I would still choose not to practise. Either way, as you said, it is likely to throw him off for a bit, so I would rather keep him as well rested as possible before the trip, and then just go for it when we get there. On trips, Riley is a lot more adaptable than at home, he has an easier time accepting new things away from the house. But that's Riley, I am sure you know what is best for your son. I would be just too afraid of Riley getting overtired before we even went anywhere. On the trip, he will have no choice but to cope, kwim?

[arial]

Thanks for everyone suggestions.