How to manage your babies sleep on holiday:
How to manage sleep on travel days
Choosing the right accomodation to help your baby sleep well on holiday
Introduction
Travelling with your baby can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to sleep. Doing your best to maintain your little one’s sleep schedule while on holiday is going to make your trip easier and you will have a happy and well-rested baby, which in turn makes for a more enjoyable experience for the whole family whilst you are away. From choosing the right accommodations to creating a soothing sleep environment on the go, there are various ways we can help to manage baby’s sleep effectively during travel and on holiday. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips and I’ll share expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of baby sleep while enjoying your holiday to the fullest.
If sleep is worrying you and stopping you from booking your trip let me reassure you that holidays with your young family are brilliant and you will look back on the photos in years to come and be so glad that you have those memories. Keep reading for my top tips and advice on managing your baby’s sleep on holiday.
Ensuring your baby naps well on holiday can be a game changer.
How to manage sleep on travel days.
On your travel days do your best with naps but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Naps on the go aren’t quite as restorative as naps in a cot, however any sleep is a bonus and if naps are
short just try to fit in more of them (depending on your child’s age and wake window). Take options for naps, baby carriers, a pram, your car seat, they may even sleep in the car for some of the journey (just remember babies need frequent breaks from their car seat to stretch and move around). Try to use your little one’s wake window to get them back to sleep before they get overtired. This will help them to drift off more easily as an overtired baby can fight sleep.
If you have booked a flight you could time the flight with a nap. If you have booked a night flight, change your little one into their pyjamas or nighttime sleep suit before the flight and see if you can book an airline bassinet at the time of booking your flights. These are typically installed in the bulkhead of the plane and so there are limited numbers available (check your baby’s weight for whether these are appropriate).
If possible, plan your travel times to coincide with your baby’s usual sleep schedule
Choosing the right accomodation to help your baby sleep on holiday
When travelling with a baby, choosing the right accommodation can greatly enhance your experience and ensure a comfortable stay for both you and your little one. Look for family friendly hotels or rentals that offer cribs or baby cots. Having a decent cot or crib with a proper mattress will make a huge difference.
Look for hotels that cater specifically to families. Some hotels offer families rooms with a sliding door in between the parent and child’s sleep space. These rooms were brilliant when our children were younger. If you are all sleeping in the same room try to see if the cot can be placed in a separate area of the room. This will allow your baby some independence on holiday and avoid them becoming too reliant on you whilst you are away.
If renting an apartment or villa see if you can book accommodation that allows your children to have their own room. My children often share a room on holiday but sleep in a separate room to us. We now favour a villa holiday for this exact reason.
Taking young children on holiday can feel overwhelming but it will be worth it
What to pack to help with sleep on holiday
Bring along items that make your baby feel at home. This can include their favourite comforter or stuffed animal. You can even bring their cot sheet from home so it feels and smells like home. I would let them sleep on the sheet the night before you leave.
Bringing a white noise machine could help to drown out unfamiliar noises from a busy hotel or apartment and save your little one getting disturbed. There are some fantastic mobile white noise machines that would be a great investment for naps on the go even when home. Familiar smells and sounds can help soothe them in new environments.
There are also some fantastic travel black out blinds available which could help to ensure the room they are sleeping in is nice and dark. Essentially we want to make their sleep space as condusive to sleep as we possibly can.
For naps on the go there is also an amazing product called a snoozeshade that goes over your pram during nap times and is actually able to keep the pram cool and baby safe. The owner Cara has done extensive research on the product and answers any safety questions on her website. Here is link to the website and the code CATCHINGLITTLEDREAMS gets you 10% off: https://www.snoozeshade.com/pages/shop-our-products
Lastly watch the temperature in the room that your little one is sleeping in. If you are travelling somewhere hot there will probably be some sort of air conditioning but we are aiming for a nighttime temperature of 16-20 degrees. Our bodies have to drop our internal temperature by a few degrees to induce sleep so sleeping in a cooler room will actually help your little one to drift off.
If you are travelling through different timezones you may need to start to adjust your little ones schedule before you leave
Adjusting to timezone shifts
If you’re travelling across several time zones, gradually adjust your baby’s sleep schedule a few days prior to your trip. Shift bedtime and wake-up time by 15-30 minutes each day, moving them closer to the new schedule. This can help minimise disruptions caused by the new time zone. Once you arrive, try to adapt to the local schedule as quickly as possible. Even if you are only adjusting by a few hours get onto local time as soon as you arrive.
Light exposure plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. During the day, expose your baby to natural light to help them adjust to the new time zone. In the evening, limit exposure to bright lights to signal that it’s time to wind down for sleep.
Sticking to your normal bedtime routine including bathtime and reading a book before bed will also signal to your little one that bedtime is approaching.
Adjusting to a new time zone can take time, and your baby may experience some sleep disruptions initially. Stay calm and patient, providing comfort and reassurance as they adapt. Consistency and a relaxed approach can help with the transition.
Most importantly relax and enjoy spending time with your family making memories
Conclusion
Travelling with a baby doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights and irritable days. By following these tips, you can help your little one sleep better while enjoying all the adventures that come with holiday travel. Remember, each trip is a learning experience, so embrace the journey and make lasting memories with your family!
Thanks for reading.
Naomi. X
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