5 Tips for Maintaining Your Baby’s Sleep Schedule During Holiday Travel
Are you traveling with your baby for the holidays? Millions of families are making the same plans. Holiday getaways are more popular than ever, especially by car or plane. Last year, over 100 million people traveled during Christmas and New Year’s. This is why we created a holiday travel guide for parents! Every family deserves to enjoy the season while your baby gets enough sleep. Check out our tips for adjusting to a new baby sleep schedule and making ample time for rest.
1.) Plan Ahead: Adjust Baby’s Schedule Gradually
Time zone changes will wreak havoc on a baby bedtime routine. Thankfully, you can make the adjustment more manageable if you gradually shift their bedtime before you travel. Adjust bedtime by 15-30 minutes each night until you reach the time zone at your destination. Keep the same schedule throughout your vacation to help your baby sleep better.
2.) Follow the 80/20 Rule
Yes, it’s helpful to your baby to keep the same schedule. However, this may not always be possible during travel, especially if you’re traveling with your baby by plane. As you plan a road trip or schedule a flight, try to follow the 80/20 rule. Stick to your baby’s usual routine for 80 percent of your vacation, and allow 20 percent of your schedule to be more flexible.
3.) Stick to a Bedtime Routine
Keeping an infant bedtime routine will ensure your little one gets enough rest. To help your baby get to bed on time, schedule dinners or get-togethers in advance. Add time to wind down and take a bath. Explore in the late morning or afternoon to encourage regular naps.
4.) Plan Travel Times Around Bedtime
Check for flights that won’t dramatically affect your child’s bedtime or disrupt their sleep schedule. Plan your road trip so your child can nap in the car, or you can follow a leg of the journey with a relaxing night at a hotel. It’s best if their sleep environment is as peaceful as possible. Put your child at ease by bringing their favorite pillow, baby blanket, or lovey.
5.) Take Advantage of Nap Times
Plan longer drives during naptime. While your baby gets ample rest, you can relax. Take breaks for eating, feeding, and playing. Nap times are also an excellent time for a short plane ride or cross-country flight.
Keeping Your Little One Happy & Well-Rested During Holiday Travel
You can follow many of these same tips with a toddler bedtime routine. Even if your child is growing, planning and creating a flexible vacation schedule will help them get the rest they need. Every parent wants their baby to be as comfortable as possible during holiday travel.
Whether you’re visiting loved ones or creating memories as a family, these tips provide a plan for keeping your baby happy and well-rested during the trip. Explore more parenting tips and tricks like these, where we will help you stay prepared for every adventure. A few parent-tested pointers can make travel more enjoyable for everyone in the family.
