Getting your child to sleep on holiday
Let’s be honest, we’re all happier in the sun or on our holiday, right? The sun is shining, there are good vibes everywhere and our kids are happy spending the day outside… well mostly anyway!
However, it does often bring a shift in our child’s sleep. Whether it’s extreme heat, travelling or managing routines, it can all feel a bit of a minefield. Now – whilst we are on holiday, routine is going to go a little out the window right. You’ve also paid to enjoy yourself! Sleep is important yes, but there needs to be a balance.
Here are my key tips on surviving summer and making the most of our holiday around sleep.
Holiday Travelling & Getting there
It can be stressful thinking about travel plans and the impact on the little one's sleep. Especially if they have a fairly structured routine at home, you may be tempted to try and keep to that to make sure the night's work - but when travelling and it doesn't go to plan then can heighten our stress so often these routines do need to sway a bit.
Your holiday may start with the journey to the airport.
Early Flights - this is where a lift & shift approach from bed to car/taxi works well. Now - their age may be the influence as to whether they go back down or not! Toddler age and above? They may be more awake, aware of where they are going and excitement kicks in! Game is up the pole at that point but that is ok - we work it into the day! If they dose back off - then that’s added bonus!
Then we get to the Airport, and it's busy - with a lot of hustle and bustle. So, they may also find it hard to shut off at this point even in a buggy. The good news is though, the vibrations of the plane engine can almost bring a familiar sound of a car and act as some white noise, and often can help the little one's drift off!
Once you have landed, depending on your transfer mode (cat/taxi/bus/coach) may be another opportunity for sleep!
NOTE: If able to, take a carrier round the airport and check in the buggy. If you aren’t able to, then you should know that you can keep the buggy with you right up until you board the plane. They’ll put it on the flight for you and you’ll pick it up with your luggage
2. Sun Safety
Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. Older babies should also be out of the sun as much as possible particularly when the sun is strongest (11am-3pm).
-Hats! Yes, they may be a pain to keep on your little one but it goes give them great protection in the sun and avoiding sun stroke. Wide brims, or ones lengthened at the back help protect their necks more.
-Parasols and Umbrellas - these work great to keep little ones out of direct sunlight. Sun cream - do not use on babies younger than 6 months! For older than 6 months ensure they have full SPF 50 protection.
-Sleeping babies - if in a pram/buggy avoid placing blankets or clothes over to protect from the sun/make it darker. This can cause these to overheat. I'd recommend something air-permeable that not only allows air in, but air flows throughout - and the Snoozeshade (www.snoozeshade.com) is perfect for this! (quote JADESLEEPNANNY for discount!)
3. Where will they Sleep?
Ahead of your holiday, I'd recommend thinking about what the sleep set up is. If little one is still in a cot - I'd recommend getting in contact with the hotel/Air b&b/caravan etc to ask if this is something they can provide, or take a portable travel cot. Under the age of 2.5 they cognitively don't yet understand the concept of staying in bed - so if you are trying this for the first time, you may expect a mix of excitement or jumping in and out of bed etc!
If your little one is in a bed or will be for the first time, a portable Bed Guard can make this a lot easier! Many sleep spaces in hotels are high beds, and hard floors. You can buy compact bed guards which fit in your suitcase to take with you (Smyths £19.99). Just remember to repack it for coming home - we left ours once in Greece!
Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment
From the temperature to the light – these can all be factors affecting sleep.
-Invest in good black out blinds – I always see a surge of early rises in the summer!
-Keep air circulating throughout the day & night in their bedroom.
-Keeping curtains/blinds down in the day can support this too.
-Investing in a fan can always be a good idea. But make sure the direct stream of cold air isn’t in line with your baby.
-Cool cotton sheets
And the right bedding –
-Light and cool clothing is essential.
-Stick to cotton products
-Ditch any waterproof mattress protectors if possible!
-No hats on new born babies.
-Get the right tog! Whether it be a sleep bag, a muslin sleep bag or footless sleep suits
4.Being Out & About and Routines!
Routines will need to be more flexible, and yes, you'll find it's more than likely that naps will be on the go, and in the buggy, sun loungers or wherever suits! If you are in the room/caravan, let that happen too but don't be tempted in to staying room trapped if you don't have to. Buggy naps can be great - and again I highly recommend the SnoozeShade! One of the BEST baby/toddler items we have ever had! Buggy naps and night settles also give everyone the flexibility they need.
What about timings?
Remember, the sun, swimming or activities etc will tire them out! If they need that extra nap before dinner - let it happen! They'll likely be up later than usual anyway and get to enjoy the evening with you as well. Even if they don't nap anymore, or recently cut it - still let them get that nap in! It will be needed otherwise with all the heat and excitement they'll likely be overtired and make the nights worse!
You may also have some worries around their routines and settle. These are some of the questions I get asked often!
But I've just made big changes to my little one's sleep? Will this backfire?
This is a question I get asked often! And yes, routines and timings and places where they sleep will change. But if you've worked hard on establishing new rhythms, keep these consistent at the times you are settling them in their sleep space e.g travel cot! The key is not to go backwards again where you can - but some things may be out of whack and needing extra reassurance.
Spend that 2-3 days getting it all back on track when you get home.
We have a holiday planned - is it worth making changes to sleep before that?
YES. Please don't delay the chance to solve your sleep challenges, it is a long time to be sleep deprived. As mentioned already, things may change slightly but you'll have a plan in place on how to get back on track even if it does! If you are looking for support in this - you can contact me here to find solutions for your challenges.
This is the most important bit - Yes sleep is important. But try not let it overrule the holiday. You have worked hard to pay for it - and you all deserve to enjoy it!
If you need further support you can reach out for a chat here at https://www.beyondthestars.co.uk/appointment
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