Bringing Your Baby or Toddler to Visit at Monroe: Exactly What’s Allowed

Monroe Correctional Complex allows a short, specific set of infant and toddler items in the visiting area. The theme is "small quantities, easy to inspect." That means a couple of clear bottles, limited fluids, diapers and wipes packed the right way, and a few comfort items like bibs and pacifiers. Pack everything in clear packaging so staff can check it quickly. If it can't be easily inspected, it probably won't make it through.

• ✓ Two empty, clear plastic bottles (these can be filled with inspected fluids)
• ✓ Two unopened plastic containers of formula, juice, or other infant-specific fluids (in original packaging)
• ✓ One plastic child’s cup with a lid

• ✓ Two unopened plastic containers of formula, juice, or other infant-specific fluids (keep them unopened and in the original packaging)

For handling messes, stick to what the facility specifically allows: bring enough disposable diapers for the length of your visit (one per hour), and transfer your wipes into a zip-lock plastic bag before you arrive. That combo covers most "we need to handle this right now" moments without carrying in extra bulky items.

• ✓ Disposable diapers: pack one per hour of the visit
• ✓ Baby wipes: transfer them to a zip-lock plastic bag before the visit

• ✓ Two bibs (store in a clear plastic bag or container)
• ✓ Two pacifiers or teething objects (store in a clear plastic bag or container)

Monroe expects infant and toddler items to be easy to screen. Bottles, cups, bibs, pacifiers, and teething objects all need to go in a clear plastic bag or container. Showing up with items loose in a purse, stuffed in opaque pouches, or mixed into other belongings will slow down check-in and could mean those items don't get through.

1. Sign the search acknowledgment form. Before you can visit, you will be required to sign DOC 21-575 (Acknowledgment of Visitor Search Requirements).
2. Expect screening and possible searches. Monroe may conduct pat, electronic, vehicle, personal property, and/or canine searches.
3. Carry only what you truly need inside. Visitors may be allowed to have one form of government-issued ID in the visiting area, so avoid bringing extra items you cannot take in.

Use the diaper rule to plan your whole bag. Monroe allows one disposable diaper per hour of the visit, so count up your total visit time and pack exactly that number. Do your wipes prep at home: transfer them into a zip-lock plastic bag, then keep that bag easy to reach so you're not digging around mid-diaper change.

• ✓ Pack infant items together in one clear bag/container so you can pull it out quickly for inspection
• ✓ Stick to the allowed quantities for bottles and unopened infant fluids so you are not turned away at the door
• ✓ If you are driving, keep just one car key and/or remote on a single-ring key chain (it will be secured at visit room check-in)

If your child (or you) needs prescription medication or medical equipment during the visit, it can be allowed with proof of prescription or medically authorized need. The medication has to be in the original container, and you can only bring the limited amount needed for the visit. The container must list the visitor's name, the medication name, the pharmacy, and the prescribing physician.