Managing Sleep and Travel with Little Ones: Your Summer Survival Guide

Holiday season is here, and with it comes the excitement of trips away from home, family visits, and new adventures. While traveling with babies and toddlers can be a wonderful experience, it often brings challenges, especially when it comes to sleep. As a certified sleep coach, I've supported countless families in navigating these hurdles. And being a mum of 3, I've experienced it myself first hand! Here's how you can make the most of your summer travels without sacrificing your little one's rest.

Below are 6 tips to keep in mind when planning your trip away!

🧳 1. Pack with Sleep in Mind

Consistency is key. Bring along familiar items from your child's sleep environment: their favourite blanket, bedtime book, dummy, sleep sack, and white noise machine. These comforts can help recreate a sense of home, making it easier for your child to settle in unfamiliar settings.

🌙 2. Maintain a Flexible Routine

While it's tempting to stick rigidly to your child's sleep schedule, flexibility is essential during travel. Aim to keep the first nap of the day on schedule, as it's often the most restorative. For subsequent naps, be open to on-the-go options like in the pram, car, boat, carrier etc! Remember, some sleep is better than none, and maintaining a relaxed approach can reduce stress for both you and your child.

✈️ 3. Strategize Travel Times

IF possible, and lets be honest, most often its not! Plan your travel around your child's sleep patterns. For car trips, consider departing at the start of a nap time to encourage sleep during the journey. If flying, choose flights that align with your child's sleep schedule to minimize disruptions.

🕰️ 4. Adjust to New Time Zones Gradually

If you're crossing time zones, help your child adjust by shifting their schedule by 15-30 minutes each day leading up to your trip. Once at your destination, expose them to natural light during the day and maintain a consistent bedtime routine to reset their internal clock.

☀️ 5. Keep Cool and Comfortable

Summer heat can impact sleep quality. Ensure your child's sleep environment is cool and well-ventilated. Use blackout shades to keep rooms dark and consider a portable fan to circulate air. Dress your child in lightweight, breathable clothing to prevent overheating, you can also get safe fans attached to prams now too, just make sure its not directly at your baby.

💤 6. Prioritize Sleep Upon Return

After your trip, re-establish your child's regular sleep routine as soon as possible. Consistency will help them readjust and catch up on any lost sleep. Be patient; it may take a few days for them to fully settle back in but it will happen and sleep will get back to normal.

Take away:

Traveling with little ones doesn't have to mean sleepless nights. With thoughtful planning and a flexible mindset, you can enjoy your summer adventures while keeping your child's sleep mostly on track.

If you need personalised support for an upcoming trip get in touch! I'm here to help.

Wishing you restful nights and joyful travels!

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Katie Allan xx