Travel Tips for Babies and Toddlers

Mastering Sleep on the Go: Tips for Traveling with Babies and Toddlers

Traveling with young children is an incredible way to make lasting memories, but the thought of disrupting your little one’s hard-earned sleep routine can be stressful. Since a well-rested child is a happier child—and leads to happier parents!—helping your little one get the best daytime and nighttime sleep possible while away from home can make all the difference to an enjoyable trip.

Here are five essential tips to help your family approach sleep while traveling with flexibility and intention:

1. Optimize the Sleep Environment

The goal is to make the new sleeping space feel as familiar as possible.

• Bring the Right Gear: If you're using a travel crib (or borrowing one), consider packing your own properly fitting crib sheets. If your child is older, bringing along his or her favorite small blanket, pillow, and lovey can offer comfort and security in an unfamiliar room.

• Acoustic Comfort: New environments often come with new noises. You might consider bringing a source of soothing background noise, such as a sound machine or a sleep sounds app. This can help buffer unfamiliar sounds (like hallway chatter) and mimic the consistent soundscape they have at home.

• Acclimation Time: When you arrive, it can be helpful to spend some time with your little one playing or reading in the room where they will be sleeping. This simple step can help them become more acclimated and comfortable with the space before they are expected to sleep there alone.

2. Keep the Routine Sacred

The sleep routine is a powerful tool for signaling that it's time to wind down, regardless of your location.

• Replicate the Ritual: Try to follow the same naptime and bedtime routine you use at home. Packing favorite pajamas, books, and quiet toys—especially those associated with napping and bedtime—allows you to recreate a familiar sequence (e.g., bath, book, song) that lowers anxiety.

• Familiar Cues: Small items that act as sleep triggers, such as a nightlight or an easily portable blackout solution for the windows, can be helpful additions if you rely on them at home.

3. Plan Naps with Flexibility

While you might need some flexibility, it helps to plan your daily activities around your baby or toddler's nap schedule whenever possible.

• Bed Practice: If your travel plans allow, try to let your little one sleep at least once per day in the travel crib or bed where they will be sleeping at night. This helps them associate the crib or bed with successful sleep before the major overnight stretch.

• Travel Naps as Backup: If the schedule demands an on-the-go nap (in the stroller or car), that’s okay! You can prioritize the main afternoon nap or the first nap of the day being taken in their designated sleep spot.

4. Manage Time Zone Transitions On Arrival

For travel across time zones, it is usually best to switch your child to their usual wake and sleep times according to the new clock once you arrive.

• Use Sunlight: Exposure to bright, natural sunlight, particularly in the morning, can be highly effective for helping the body adjust its internal clock. Focus on getting outside during the day to help their rhythm lock into the new time zone quickly.

5. Pack for Smooth Transitions

Don't let hunger or discomfort derail an otherwise successful sleep transition.

• Essential Supplies: It's wise to pack bottles or sippy cups, plenty of diapers and wipes, and low-mess snacks (for both parents and children). Bringing new toys for the car or plane ride can keep them entertained, and always pack a change of clothes for your little one (and a clean shirt for you!)—just in case an accident occurs.

Enjoy the Adventure!

Even the best sleepers sometimes get off schedule while traveling. While being intentional about routine is important, remember to enjoy your visit/vacation and make memories. Don't stress over minor schedule shifts; you can work on getting back on track with consistency once you return home. A little flexibility is part of the fun!

Want to learn more? Book your 30-minute Sweet Dreams Starter Call today and discover how I can help your family enjoy the gift of sleep.

Yours in sleep,

Tracie / Rest Well Baby

www.restwellbaby.com

Tracie Kesatie is a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach dedicated to helping families with little ones 0-10 years of age achieve a restful night's sleep.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician for any concerns about your child's health.