Keeping Infant and Toddler Sleep on Track During Holiday Travel

The holiday season is so fun, especially with kids. I’ll always remember each of my children’s first Christmases. Little ones make the holidays extra special. However, keeping your little one’s sleep routine on track can also bring significant challenges. Between travel to grandma’s, new environments, and all the excitement, it’s easy for sleep schedules to get derailed. Here are some practical tips to help your little one rest well during holiday travel.

Managing Overstimulation

Holidays are full of stimulating experiences: twinkling lights, unfamiliar faces, and lots of noise. While these are part of the fun, they can be overwhelming for young ones and disrupt their ability to settle down for sleep.

• Plan for Quiet Time: Build downtime into your day to give your child a chance to reset. Retreat to a quiet room for stories, cuddles, or low-key play. Quiet time is especially helpful, about 20 minutes before nap time.
• Bring Familiar Items: Pack their favorite lovey, blanket, or even a portable white noise machine to create a sense of familiarity in an unfamiliar environment.
• Watch for Sleep Cues: Pay close attention to signs of tiredness, such as rubbing eyes, yawning, getting fussy, staring into space, and do your best to get them in bed quickly.

Preventing Overtiredness

An overtired child can have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. During holiday travel, staying ahead of sleep needs is essential, even if schedules are slightly off.

• Stick to a Flexible Routine: While exact nap and bedtime schedules may not always be possible, try to maintain a loose structure. If your toddler typically naps after lunch, aim to provide an opportunity for rest around the same time.
• Offer Extra Sleep Opportunities: If a long day is unavoidable, consider squeezing in a car nap or a stroller snooze to prevent overtiredness.
• Adjust for Time Zones Gradually: If traveling across time zones, shift your child’s schedule by 15-30 minutes each day leading up to the trip to help ease the transition.

Avoiding Cosleeping Pitfalls

The temptation to cosleep during travel can be strong, especially if your little one struggles to sleep in a new place or if you’re afraid of disturbing other family members during the night. However, if cosleeping isn’t part of your usual routine, it’s best to avoid starting it during travel.

• Bring a Familiar Sleep Space: A portable crib or travel bassinet can provide your child a safe and consistent sleeping area.
• Stick to Your Usual Practices: If your child typically falls asleep in their own space, maintain that habit. This helps avoid introducing new associations that may be hard to break later.
• Stay Calm and Consistent: If your baby or toddler resists sleep, gently reassure them while sticking to your normal bedtime routine. They’ll adjust more quickly with your calm guidance.

Enjoy the Holidays While Prioritizing Sleep

Remember, the holidays are about making memories with your family. If sleep doesn’t go perfectly during your travels, it’s okay. Focus on creating a balance that allows you to enjoy the festivities while giving your child the rest they need. With some planning and flexibility, you can navigate holiday travel while keeping your infant or toddler’s sleep on track. And if things completely go off the rails, I’m here to help!