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Are you planning a vacation with your little one but worried about how you’re going to get them to sleep in an unfamiliar environment?
I know that getting your baby to sleep while on vacation can be a real challenge.
Whether you’re staying in a hotel, a friend’s house, or an Airbnb, the change in scenery and routine can disrupt even the most sleep-savvy babies.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’m going to share 21 tips to help you get your baby to sleep while you’re on vacation.
So, grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!
Planning Ahead
Planning ahead is key to ensuring that your baby gets the rest they need while on vacation. Here are three tips to help you plan ahead and set yourself up for success:
- Choose accommodations that are baby-friendly: When booking your accommodations, look for places that are baby-friendly. This might mean finding a hotel that provides cribs or bassinets, or an Airbnb that has a quiet room for your baby to sleep in. Make sure to ask questions about the sleeping arrangements before you book.
- Bring familiar items from home: Your baby is more likely to feel comfortable and relaxed in a new environment if they have familiar items from home. Bring along your baby’s favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier to help them feel more at ease.
- Stick to your baby’s regular routine as much as possible: Babies thrive on routine, so try to stick to your baby’s regular sleep schedule as much as possible while on vacation. This might mean adjusting your plans to ensure your baby can nap at their usual times, or putting them to bed at the same time each night. Keep in mind that a little flexibility is okay, but try to maintain some consistency in your baby’s routine to help them feel more secure.
Setting the Scene
Creating a sleep-conducive environment is essential for getting your baby to sleep while on vacation. Here are three tips to help you set the scene for your baby’s best night’s sleep:
- Create a sleep-conducive environment: When it’s time for your baby to sleep, create a calming environment that’s conducive to sleep. This might mean turning off the TV, dimming the lights, and closing curtains or blinds to block out any outside light.
- Use white noise or other calming sounds: White noise or other calming sounds can help drown out any unfamiliar noises and create a soothing environment for your baby to sleep in. You can use a white noise machine, a fan, or even a phone app that plays calming sounds.
- Adjust the temperature as needed: Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature for your baby to sleep in. If the room is too hot or too cold, your baby may have trouble sleeping. Aim for a temperature that’s between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that your baby may need fewer layers than you do, so dress them in light clothing and use a sleep sack or swaddle if necessary.
Soothing Strategies
Sometimes, even with a perfect sleep environment, your baby may need a little extra help to fall asleep while on vacation. Here are three soothing strategies to try:
- Offer a soothing bedtime routine: Establish a bedtime routine that includes calming activities like a warm bath, reading a story, or singing a lullaby. This will help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep.
- Use a pacifier or other comfort item: A pacifier, favorite stuffed animal, or blanket can provide comfort and help your baby feel more secure in a new environment. Just make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines and never leave your baby unattended with a pacifier or other object.
- Try gentle rocking or bouncing: Sometimes your baby just needs a little extra motion to help them fall asleep. You can try gently rocking or bouncing your baby in your arms or using a baby swing or bouncy seat. Just make sure to follow safety guidelines and never leave your baby unattended in a swing or bouncy seat.
Sleep Aids
In some cases, you may need to use sleep aids to help your baby sleep while on vacation. Here are three sleep aids to consider:
- Use a travel crib: If your baby is used to sleeping in a crib, bringing a travel crib along can help them feel more comfortable and secure while on vacation. Look for a lightweight and portable option that’s easy to set up and take down.
- Consider sleep training tools: Sleep training tools like blackout curtains, sleep sacks, and white noise machines can help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep while on vacation. These tools can help create a consistent and sleep-conducive environment, no matter where you are.
- Talk to your pediatrician: If your baby is really struggling to sleep while on vacation, talk to your pediatrician about safe sleep aids that can help. They may recommend using melatonin or other natural sleep aids to help your baby sleep better. However, it’s important to always follow your pediatrician’s advice and only use sleep aids as directed.
Adjusting to Time Zone Changes
If you’re traveling across time zones with your baby, adjusting to the new time zone can be a challenge. Here are three tips to help your baby adjust to time zone changes while on vacation:
- Start adjusting your baby’s sleep schedule before you leave: A few days before your trip, start adjusting your baby’s sleep schedule by moving their bedtime and wake-up time gradually. This will help ease them into the new time zone and reduce jet lag.
- Get outside in the daylight: Exposure to natural light can help reset your baby’s internal clock and promote better sleep. Spend time outdoors during the day, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
- Stick to your baby’s usual routine: As much as possible, try to maintain your baby’s usual sleep routine in the new time zone. Stick to the same sleep schedule, bedtime routine, and sleep aids to help your baby feel more comfortable and secure.
Remember that adjusting to a new time zone can take time, so be patient and allow your baby to settle into the new routine gradually.
Dealing with Disruptions
Even with the best planning and preparation, disruptions to your baby’s sleep routine can happen while on vacation. Here are three tips to help you deal with disruptions:
- Be flexible: While it’s important to stick to your baby’s sleep routine as much as possible, it’s also important to be flexible and adjust your plans as needed. If your baby misses a nap or bedtime, try to make up for it later in the day or adjust their schedule the next day.
- Stay calm and patient: Disruptions to your baby’s sleep routine can be frustrating and stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and patient. Remember that your baby is adjusting to a new environment and routine, and may need some extra time and support to settle in.
- Use soothing strategies: If your baby is having trouble sleeping due to disruptions, use soothing strategies like a calming bedtime routine, white noise, or gentle rocking to help them relax and fall asleep. You can also try offering extra cuddles and comfort to help your baby feel secure.
Remember that disruptions to your baby’s sleep routine are normal and can happen even at home. With some patience, flexibility, and soothing strategies, you can help your baby get the sleep they need while on vacation.
Other Considerations
In addition to the tips we’ve already covered, here are a few other considerations to keep in mind when trying to get your baby to sleep while on vacation:
- Safety: Always make sure your baby is sleeping in a safe environment, whether it’s in a crib, travel crib, or bed. Make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines, such as placing your baby on their back to sleep and removing any loose blankets or pillows from their sleep area.
- Comfort: Make sure your baby is comfortable while sleeping by dressing them appropriately for the temperature and using sleep aids like blankets or sleep sacks as needed.
- Consistency: While it may be tempting to let your baby stay up later or sleep in longer while on vacation, try to maintain a consistent sleep routine as much as possible. This will help your baby feel more secure and settle into the new environment more quickly.
- Plan for downtime: Traveling with a baby can be tiring and stressful, so make sure to plan for downtime during the day to help your baby rest and recharge. This can include taking a nap or simply spending some quiet time together in your hotel room or rental.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can help your baby get the sleep they need while on vacation and make the most of your time together as a family.
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This little guidebook is a golden nugget that you can have for free – and print it out! Put it on the fridge, refer to it often. It’s really a great tool for kids of all ages.
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