Babies and Toddlers on Holiday - How to Keep Them Sleeping
Taking your baby or toddler on a foreign holiday can be a very proud, exciting and rewarding experience, but the change of bed, a switch in time zones and the shift in their routine can play havoc with their sleeping.
The last thing you want is for a tired baby or toddler to turn your dream holiday into a nightmare, so what can you do to keep them sleeping through? Here’s our quick guide.
Try to maintain your sleep routine
It’s easier said than done, but on holiday, you should try to keep your baby’s sleep routine as consistent as you can. Days spent at the beach and meals out can make that difficult, but it’s worth adjusting your plans to leave enough time at the end of the day to read a book, have a bath and wind down together.
If that’s not possible every night, babies and toddlers who sleep well at home should be able to maintain their good sleeping patterns. If your child has only just started sleeping through or is a fussier sleeper, it may not be so easy.
2. Dress your baby for the weather
Changing your baby’s sleeping clothes can be daunting, particularly if they have been sleeping in the same clothes every night up until now. However, if you’re travelling to a tropical climate, be prepared to dress your little one in just a short-sleeved body suit or even just a nappy.
3. Follow the 80/20 rule
A few late nights are inevitable on holiday, but unfortunately, for babies and toddlers, they don’t always translate to later starts. If your child goes to bed later than normal, be prepared that they may be out of sorts the next day, and a sleep-deprived baby is not a fun travel companion. Stick to the 80/20 rule by keeping your baby or toddler’s bedtime the same 80% of the time, and you should be okay.
4. Plan your flight times carefully
Choosing your flight times is completely different when you have kids. Rather than giving yourself as much time away as you can, it’s worth trying to match your flight times with your child’s nap times. Flights in the late morning usually work best. It’s also worth getting to your destination at least a couple of hours before bedtime. That should give you the time to cook/get some food, prepare their bedroom and wind down.
5. Adjust to new time zones gradually
Rather than trying to adjust to a new time zone immediately, most parents find it less disruptive to change the day gradually. Going to bed an hour later at night or getting up an hour or so earlier will help you get back on track after a few days without having to make any major adjustments that could unsettle your little one. Anticipating the new time zone and starting to shift your baby’s sleeping patterns before you go away can also be very helpful.
And if all else fails…
If things aren’t going to plan and your baby or toddler is struggling to sleep properly, it’s okay to do something that you wouldn’t do at home, whether that’s rocking or nursing a baby to sleep or letting a toddler sleep in your bed. Just be prepared that you may have to revisit your sleep training once you’re back.
Do you want to discuss this or any other aspect of your baby or toddler’s sleep in more detail? Then find out more about our sleep consultancy services and book your free, 30-minute sleep consultation.
