Sweet Dreams Away From Home: Helping Your Little One Sleep Soundly on Holiday

Hooray, you're on holiday! While you're soaking up the sun and making memories, your little one's sleep environment will be a little different from their usual cosy haven. But don't worry, with a few simple steps, you can help them feel secure and drift off to sleep with ease.

Here are some tips to create a comforting sleep space for your little one while you're away:

Bring a Touch of Home:

• Pack familiar sleep associations like their sleep bag or a beloved blanket. These items carry familiar scents and textures, providing a sense of security in a new place.

• Let your toddler bring their favourite stuffed animal or a special bedtime book. These familiar companions can make bedtime feel more routine.

Darkness is Key:

• Aim for a dark sleep space. Just like at home, a dark room signals to their little bodies that it's time to rest.

• Check with your accommodation provider about blinds in the bedrooms. If they aren't blackout, consider packing a travel blackout blind – they are lightweight and can make a huge difference.

Silence the Surroundings:

• Depending on where you're staying, environmental noises can be disruptive. Consider using white noise or calming sleep music to help block out unfamiliar sounds from neighbouring rooms or late-night chatter.

Keep it Cool and Comfortable:

• The ideal sleep temperature for little ones is between 16-20 degrees Celsius.

• If your accommodation has air-conditioning, set it to the recommended temperature and dress your child appropriately.

• If using a fan, make sure it's not pointing directly at your little one and the cord is safely out of reach.

• During the day, close blinds and windows to help keep the room cool. It might be worth letting housekeeping know this is your preference.

• A slightly cooler bath before bed can be refreshing if your little one has been hot and sticky.

• Always remove sun cream before bedtime to ensure they feel comfortable.

Maintain the Routine (with a little flexibility):

• Offering a bath before bedtime can provide a familiar cue that sleep is approaching, helping them wind down after an exciting day.

• Offer more fluids than usual throughout the day. Whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or drinking water, staying well-hydrated contributes to better sleep.

• Prepare a sippy cup or bottle with water in case they wake up thirsty during the night, especially as air conditioning can sometimes dry the air.

• Be prepared for your routine to shift slightly due to time zone changes or holiday activities.

• Consider 'sliding' your routine. For example, if you usually have a 7 am wake-up and 7 pm bedtime, you could easily shift this to a 9 am wake-up and 9 pm bedtime while keeping the same nap structure and wake windows. This allows you to enjoy evening entertainment or late dinners.

• Nap times might be a little different as your little one is more active and the heat can be tiring. Embrace the change – it's temporary!

Travel Tips for Sleep Success:

• Taking a buggy to the airport can be incredibly useful. Check with the airline if you can take it on board or if it needs to be checked at the gate.

• A baby carrier can also be a great option, keeping your hands free and offering comfort for your little one.

• Both buggies and carriers can provide a comfortable spot for naps during airport delays.

• Pack your little one’s essentials in your carry-on bag so you have everything you need during the flight and in case of any luggage issues.

• Change their nappy right before the flight for maximum comfort. A comfortable baby is more likely to relax and maybe even nap on you.

• Offer milk or a drink during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure.

Most Importantly: Relax and Enjoy!

Remember, it's a holiday! Don't stress too much about late nights, naps on the go, or sharing a room. If your little one is extra tired one day, offer an extra "rescue nap."

If you'd like more tailored advice, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to share my experiences to help you make the most of your holiday with your little one.