Traveling with babies and young children can be a magical experience, filled with new sights, sounds, and bonding opportunities. However, it can also pose challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining good sleep habits. Sleep is crucial for both children and parents to enjoy the journey. Here are some tips to ensure you get some sleep while traveling!
Choose Accommodations Wisely: If possible, find a hotel that has a door between the living area and bedroom. This way you have a place where baby can go to sleep before you and give you somewhere to spend time until you are ready to sleep. Many hotels are family-friendly and they offer cribs or pack-and-plays. Hotels also usually have blackout curtains which is a plus. You can also consider renting an Airbnb or vacation home, which often provide more space and quieter environments. If you rent a home, consider bringing portable blackout curtains.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Packing List:
Portable white noise machine
Baby monitor
Sleep sack or swaddle
Pacifiers (if your child uses them)
Comfortable pajamas
Day and night time diapers
Pack and play and sheets (if not provided by hotel)
Lovey or stuffy
Stroller that can recline for potential on the go naps
Baby carrier for potential on the go naps
Plan Travel Around Naps If Possible: If you can time your drive or flight around your baby/child's nap time, this would be ideal.
Keep Bedtime Routines As Consistent As Possible: Even when away from home, try to stick to familiar bedtime routines. Whether it's a bath, story time, or a lullaby, these cues signal to your child that it's time to sleep.
Flexible but Predictable Schedule: While it's important to be flexible, try to maintain a semblance of your child's regular sleep schedule. Naps and bedtime might need to shift slightly, but keeping them within a familiar range can help.
Changing Time Zones? If you are going to a different time zone, you will need to adjust your nap schedule on travel day. If you are going somewhere where you will lose time, cut a nap. If you are going somewhere where you will gain time, add in an extra nap. This will get them through the travel day and quickly adjust them to the new time zone.
Sunlight Exposure: Upon arrival, expose your child to natural light during the day to help reset their internal clock. Morning sunlight is particularly effective.
Avoid Overstimulation: Keep evening activities calm and relaxing to help ease your child into the new time zone.
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Mimic your child's home sleep environment as closely as possible. Use portable blackout curtains to keep the room dark and a white noise machine to drown out unfamiliar sounds. Familiar items from home can provide comfort and security, making it easier for your child to settle down in a new place.
Post-Trip Adjustment: Once back home, immediately return to your child's normal sleep schedule and routines.
Tips and Products I Love For Plane Rides:
Tips:
Always ask the flight attendant to see if there is an open seat on your flight if you have an infant. They will allow you to bring the car seat on the plane if there is an opening.
A travel stroller like this one fits in the aisle and in the overhead bin. This way you do not have to wait for it after and if you are alone, you can push your baby to the seat.
Bring LOTS of snacks. Snacks always keep your older baby or toddler occupied.
Have your baby suck on a bottle, breast or pacifier during take off and landing to minimize ear pressure.
Toys: Toys that are not too loud and do not have many pieces are ideal for plane rides. Here are some great ones to try!
Other Travel Items I Love:
Final Thoughts
Traveling with babies and young children can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining good sleep habits. However, with a bit of planning and flexibility, you can help ensure that everyone gets the rest they need. Remember: do not worry if you have to help your baby a little bit or change up your routine during travel. Just get right back to your routine when you get home and they will do great! A few days will not ruin their great habits! Happy travels!
Sarah Taylor, OTR
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