10/28/2022
🌛 Here are my top tips on how to handle your little ones sleep when traveling:
🦉 Stick to a schedule...within reason. Maintaining your little one’s regular nap times & bedtime will help them sleep in an unfamiliar environment, but remember to have fun & make lasting memories while you are away. Your child (& you!) will enjoy your trip more if they are well rested.
✨ If your child is still taking daytime naps, try to get in at least one crib nap (or Pack n’ Play) per day. (Ideally the first nap for babies taking 2 or more per day).
🌛 How much is too much? Aim for most bedtimes to be on time or within a half hour of your little one’s regular bedtime. The occasional late night won’t derail their sleep too much, but try to keep it within 30 minutes of their usual bedtime & avoid more than one late night in a row.
🦉 Know what to expect. Struggling to fall asleep, night wakings, early waking, overtired behavior, are all common situations when traveling. Do your best to be patient & understanding, & keep in mind that it’s frustrating for your child as well.
✨ Routine - Use the same bedtime & nap routines you use at home. It may be tempting to deviate from your routine, but a familiar bedtime routine will help your child feel secure and fall asleep more peacefully.
🌛 Get creative - Plan a drive around nap time, plan activities during your child’s awake time. If you are out past bedtime, & if you’re likely to be out at a friend’s place past bedtime, bring along a Pack n’ Play & try to find a dark, quiet area for your little one to sleep.
🦉 Communicate! Be clear with your friends & family with you that you’ve made sleep a priority for your child. Ask them to work with you & schedule activities around their sleep when possible.
✨ Bedtime - Your child may need some wind down time before starting the bedtime routine. Remove your child from the environment & engage in some quieter, one on one play with less stimulation. This will help them calm down & prepare to sleep.
🌛 Parents rule - If a parent is around, they should be the ones to do the bedtime routine. Keeping it consistent will be very helpful for your toddler or preschooler.