Summer Travel Sleep Tips

By: Liane Mamo, Certified Child Sleep Consultant (Good Night Sleep Site Ottawa)

Whether heading to the cottage, hotel, camping or visiting relatives, the summer means travel, which can also mean disruptions to your baby or toddlers normal sleep patterns. How do you manage naps and bedtime while away? I’m worried about my toddler sleeping in a different environment? Is there any way I can avoid an overtired baby while away? All common questions I get asked by parents and I always share these 5 travel sleep tips on how to keep your child rested and make the most out of summer travel sleep…

1) Don’t Sweat Travel Days.

When it comes to travel days and trying to maintain your child’s sleep schedule – write the day off and wave the white flag. Be prepared for less day sleep, be prepared for a slightly overtired child. If there’s one things to keep on travel day (if it allows you) is an early bedtime.

2) Plan Ahead.

Think about sleep arrangements. Are you going to be room sharing? Is a hotel suite or separate bedrooms an option? Be sure to request a crib or cot ahead of time to ensure everyone is use to sleeping in similar environments and avoid any new habits.

3) Pack for Sleep.

Creating a conducive sleep environment is key and is something that can be easily duplicated no matter where you are. Pack sheets right off the crib or bed to bring the familiar scent of home with you. Pack the sound machine (perfect for muffling out noises when room sharing and at the cottage). Pack portable black out blinds or garbage bags to darken rooms and don’t forget that favourite lovey or bedtime book! One thing that doesn’t take up room in your luggage is a nap or bedtime routine. Keep the same, similar, calming routine you have at home.

4) Bend the Rules, But Don’t Break Them.

In reality vacation is usually a break from the normal day-to-day schedule. Try to stay on track with nap and bedtimes as best you can. If your baby is taking two naps, but you want flexibility while away, aim for at least one good nap and the others can be on the go. If naps are being missed for your toddler or preschooler, carve out some quiet time at some point to re-charge those batteries.

5) Default to Early Bedtime.

When in doubt, go with the earlier bedtime. If nap times have shifted or naps have been on the go or short because of your holiday, always plan for an earlier bedtime. Early bedtimes keeps your child rested, keeps that sleep bank full and chances are… your baby or toddler will be ready for it!

 

Liane Mamo is certified infant and toddler sleep consultant with Good Night Sleep Site Ottawa and mom to a superhero-obsessed 4-year-old. Liane is committed to providing families with emotional and educational support to help their baby or child with their sleep needs. Find Liane at her website or on Facebook and Twitter for sleep tips, free sleep Q & A’s, articles and more.