Summer is in full swing and you know what that means…VACATION! While the idea of traveling on your much anticipated holiday is very exciting, for some parents it can also be met with a bit of anxiety. The reasoning might very well be because you have worked hard to get your little one on a great schedule and sleeping through the night. Now that everyone’s sleep is back on track you probably don’t want to do anything that is going to cause you to undo your great work. Below are some of my tips and suggestions to make your vacation one to remember while also creating a great little traveler.
Don’t Over-Schedule!
Vacations for Kids – Healthy Sleep Tips While On The Road
Many parents want to make the most of every moment of their vacation. While seeing the sites and enjoying the attractions are why you planned your family’s vacation, keep on the agenda time every day (preferably at the same time) to allow for rest and relaxation. A great time to pencil this in is early afternoon just after lunch. It allows everyone to recharge their batteries for the remainder of the day while also allowing your little napper the sleep time they need. And speaking of naps…
Limit The Number of Naps That Your Baby or Toddler is Taking in The Car
The occasional car nap is okay once in a while, but if you find your little one napping often in the car over the course of your vacation, you may run into difficulty getting them to take naps in their crib or bed once you have returned.
Avoid too late bedtimes
A slightly later bedtime during your vacation is okay, but if you consistently keep your little one awake well past their bedtime, you are setting the scene for the perfect toddler meltdown storm. And we parents like to avoid that at all costs.
Keep to the same bedtime routine and rules while away on vacation
Although you might be miles away from home, continuing with the normal bedtime routine will help set the stage and expectation of sleep. Babies and toddlers love to test boundaries, and if given an opportunity during the vacation, you could be looking at bedtime battles every evening and wakings during the night. If night wakings do occur, respond as you would at home and guide your little one back to sleep independently.
Create Your Child’s Own Sleeping Space in Your Home Away From Home.
If they are small enough to use a portable crib for sleep, I suggest bringing along your child’s lovey, blanket or sleep sack, and your own crib sheets (and pack n play if possible). Familiar sleep items and the familiar smell of your child’s sheets will help reinforce the sleep expectation while also guarding against the temptation to bring your baby or toddler into bed with you. Speaking of bed sharing…
Don’t Bed Share with Your Little One if You Don’t Normally Do It at Home.
If your child spends a week in your bed while on vacation they will surely want to continue this new standard once they are home. Besides the possible safety issues I can guarantee that your baby would much prefer sleeping with you than in their own crib.
If possible, Allow Your Child Time to Fall Asleep Alone in Your Hotel Room.
Now, I am not advocating leaving your child unattended. But I am suggesting that once you put your little one down for the night you sit right outside your hotel room door or on your balcony (preferably with some prearranged wine and snack via room service) for at least a half hour to allow your sleep trained child to fall asleep without distraction. Once they are asleep you can move back into the room and get ready for bed yourself.
Portable White Noise
Hotels and the area around some vacation houses can be rather noisy throughout the night. If your little one normally listens to white noise while sleeping at home, I strongly suggest you continue use during your vacation. I am a huge advocate of using white noise in a child’s room to reduce possible waking in the night due to environmental noise. I know that Amazon.com has quite a few portable options to choose from that can fit right in your baby back.
Enjoy yourself and your family
Vacations are a great time to reconnect and refresh. Enjoy the time you spend together and make the most of the experience while also keeping a watchful eye on your little one’s sleep needs.
Sweet Dreams!
