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It’s travel season! Be prepared with a What to Pack List!
TL;DR- Traveling doesn't have to ruin your child's sleep. By recreating your child's sleep environment, maintaining key parts of your routine, and packing a few strategic sleep essentials, you can help your baby or toddler sleep well while traveling and return home with sleep habits intact.
It's travel season! For families that FINALLY have their kids taking predictable naps and are enjoying BEAUTIFUL, BLISSFUL SLEEP the thoughts of “messing it up” by stepping out of their routine can be stressful. For families that are already sleep-deprived and struggling with getting the child to sleep at home, the idea of having to handle this while traveling can be overwhelming. Managing your child’s sleep while on vacation is possible and I am going to give you some tips to make everything easier!
Think ahead while packing what you need to maintain your optimal sleep environment!
Download my free Summer Travel: What to Pack checklist!
Bring a white noise machine or small fan! This will help maintain your child’s routine at home and help them be more comfortable in their new environment. It is also a great way to drown out background noise if you are room sharing.
Does your child have a favorite lovie, stuffed animal or blanket? Make sure to pack these!
If your child is used to sleeping in a crib, call ahead to see if there is one available or bring a pack and play. You can also consider using a baby equipment rental company at your destination. If your child is sleeping in a bed, there are some great options for child air mattresses! **
Getting a child to sleep in bright rooms can be tricky while away! There are some great products available that ensure a quick and easy fix. Check out the Snooze shade or Slumberpod! These are also a must-have if you are room sharing while away! Check out my interview with the Creator of Snoozeshade
If your child is used to a sleep sack or swaddle make sure to pack them (plus some back ups).
What is your sleep routine with your little one? Do you read the same book every night or sing songs? Pack whatever you will need to maintain this routine as much as possible. Consistency helps children feel comfortable and know what to expect.
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Usually not.
Many parents worry that one vacation will undo months of hard work, but that's rarely what happens. Children are incredibly adaptable. You may experience a few off nights while traveling, but most children return to their normal sleep routines once they're back home.
I often tell families: don't let the fear of sleep challenges stop you from making memories. Travel is temporary. Good sleep habits are long-term.
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If I had to choose just one thing, I'd choose whatever makes your child's sleep environment feel familiar.
For some children that's a sound machine. For others it's their sleep sack, lovey, or portable blackout curtains.
Children sleep best when their environment sends the same message it sends at home:
"It's time for sleep."
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If I had to choose just one thing, I'd choose whatever makes your child's sleep environment feel familiar.
For some children that's a sound machine. For others it's their sleep sack, lovey, or portable blackout curtains.
Children sleep best when their environment sends the same message it sends at home:
"It's time for sleep."
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The closer you can recreate home, the better.
I recommend:
Making the room as dark as possible
Using white noise
Following your normal bedtime routine
Bringing familiar sleep items
Allowing a little extra wind-down time
Most children adjust surprisingly quickly when those familiar cues are in place.
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Don't panic.
Travel days are often messy sleep days. Focus on preventing overtiredness rather than achieving perfect naps.
Some naps may happen in a stroller, carrier, car seat, or travel crib—and that's okay.
One imperfect day won't create a long-term sleep problem.
Remember being consistent does not mean never changing the schedule or routine. It's important to be flexible and most importantly ENJOY YOUR TRIP! Don’t feel guilty if you need to offer your child a little more support while traveling to make them feel comfortable! When you get home, you can return back to your normal schedule and routines!
Download my free Summer Travel: What to Pack checklist to help make sure you are prepared!
You can also check out my video on Holiday Travel Tips and blog post 7 Family Travel Tips for Summer 2021 for more travel tips!
If you are sleep deprived and struggling with getting the child to sleep at home and the overwhelm is taking the joy out of travel planning, hope and help are available.
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM Sleep Strategy Session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
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