Holiday Sleep Survival Guide Part 3:Navigating Sleep While Traveling with Little Ones

Traveling during the holidays can be a stressful time for both moms and children, especially when it comes to maintaining a consistent sleep routine. But fear not, because there are strategies and tips that can help make sleep training while traveling a little easier.

First and foremost, prioritize safe sleep practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep on their backs, on a firm and flat surface, with no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals. This is especially important when traveling, as it can be tempting to let safety measures slide in unfamiliar environments. Pack a portable crib or play yard for your little one to sleep in, and make sure to create a safe and comfortable sleep space wherever you go.

If your toddler will be sleeping in a new environment, make sure that it is safe for them with no non child friendly objects within reach, nothing might fall on them in the night, windows are secure, and that they don’t have access to a door to the outside of the house.

Next, try to bring along familiar items from home to help your child feel secure and comfortable while traveling. This could be a favorite blanket or stuffed animal for a toddler, or their regular sleep sack and fitted sheet. Familiar scents and textures can help create a sense of continuity, even in a new environment.

When it comes to nap and bedtime routines, try to stick as closely as possible to your child's regular schedule. While there may be some flexibility due to travel plans or family gatherings, consistency is key for healthy sleep habits. Communicate with your travel companions about the importance of maintaining a sleep routine, and ask for their support in creating a calm and quiet sleep environment for your child.

Surprisingly, newborns may be the most resilient to holiday changes. Newborns often wake a few times throughout the night and have a 24-hour feeding cycle, so while it might feel like sleep went out the window at Grandma's, that might not necessarily be the case. However, older babies who aren't used to sharing a room anymore, may wake up more often during naps or after bedtime and be more aware of disruptions/ changes. Additionally, using a pack-and-play instead of a crib or bassinet can be challenging for a baby. Consider renting a crib to be delivered or practice using the pack-and-play beforehand if you bring it from home. To darken the sleeping space, bring painter's tape, contact paper, or tin foil to cover windows. Lastly, don't forget your portable white noise machine to help soothe your little one to sleep. Expect it to take longer than usual for your baby to fall asleep.

Young children, from infants to preschoolers, can struggle with sleeping in new places, especially if there is a time zone difference. One way to ease their worries is by talking about the trip ahead of time, showing them pictures of where they will sleep and describing any differences from their usual bedtime routine. Role-playing and imaginative play can also be helpful in preparing them. It's important to reassure them that change can feel scary, but that everything will be okay. 

During the holidays, naps may be shorter or less consistent for a variety of reasons. It's important to give children grace when it comes to changes in their behavior since their world just got turned upside down. For toddlers and preschoolers who don't typically share a room, having a separate sleep space within the room can be helpful. Hanging a flat sheet using pushpins to create a visual barrier between parents and children can also reduce stimulation. For infants, placing a crib or pack-and-play in an underused bathroom or closet can create a cozy sleep environment. 

If bed-sharing with older children is necessary due to space limitations, remind children that this is just temporary and that regular rules still apply at home. It's important to remember that holiday disruptions to sleep routines are normal, and setting unrealistic standards can add to the stress. Instead, focus on making small adjustments and providing a calm, comfortable environment to help everyone get the sleep they need.With these strategies and tips, you can help your child maintain healthy sleep habits while still enjoying the holiday season.

Remember, while traveling during the holidays can disrupt sleep routines, it doesn't mean all hope is lost. If you need help getting back on track you can always reach out to a pediatric sleep consultant for coaching support,or join me on my Patreon where we talk every week together all about sleep for babies, toddlers and young children. I can provide personalized strategies and support to help your child adjust to the new environment and sleep better while at home and while traveling. Whether it's implementing new techniques or modifying your existing sleep routine, a sleep coach can guide you through the process and help you navigate the challenges of sleep training.