There is nothing more stressful than traveling during the holidays. Having a young child to throw in the mix brings it to a whole new level of stress. So, how do you avoid meltdowns and ensure that your little one gets the sleep needed? Here are some tips for you.
1. Keep things as familiar as possible
When spending the night in an unfamiliar place can be unsettling for children and babies, making it harder for them to fall asleep. Make sure to bring all your child’s favorite bedtime items such as blankets and stuffed animals.
2. Use sound machines
If you are staying in a place where there are older children or lots of people who will be running around the house during the holidays, it may be hard for your child to get a nap in or get to bed. It may be too distracting to hear what is going on outside the door and wanting to join in on the fun. Have a fan running or a sound machine that will drown out that background noise. This will help focus on sleep.
3. Keep the schedule consistent but stay flexible
Try to keep your child’s sleep schedule as consistent to home as you can but know that you are going to need to be flexible. If your child doesn’t take that full hour nap that she usually does, that’s okay. Always anticipate any holiday activities that may need to be cut short or prepare to step away with your child for quiet time. Don’t stress! Kids can tune into that making it more difficult for them to relax and get the sleep that they need.
I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!
If you would like to get more information on how to improve the quality and the quantity of your child’s sleep, schedule your first free consultation now! It is a free and non-binding offer.
