We just came back from a road trip visiting family. And we probably haven’t slept this poorly in a while. Why? Because our dear daughter decided to party all night long. And while I blame her lack of sleep on the 15-month sleep regression, there are actually a few things you can do to help baby sleep while traveling.
These are things we have learned throughout our extensive traveling over the past nine months and that kept us sane. And helped our baby asleep, at least most of the time.
Set up Bedroom for Optimal Sleep
If your baby is sleeping well at home, you might want to setup the bedroom in a similar way while traveling.
Is the baby’s bedroom at home super dark? Try to darken the room as much as possible.
If your vacation bedroom does not have curtains or shades, you can bring portable blackout curtains* or a travel crib cover*.
You can also use black trash bags and tape to cover windows. This is a cheap and effective way to block out light. And you can easily pack trash bags and tape in your suitcase and bring them on any trip.
If you use a sound machine at home, look for a travel sound machine* to bring with you. If you don’t want to bring another device, you can also use your phone or tablet.
iPhones have a built in sound machine that you can find in the settings. And there are videos on YouTube that play sound machine noise for hours.
Stick to Routines
Your baby is probably used to a set of routines that indicate it is time for sleep. Maybe you give your baby a bath every night before bed. Or you always read a book and sing a song.
It’s important to stick to these routines even while you’re traveling. Routines will help your baby recognize that it is time for snoozing and will help the baby fall asleep comfortably.
Don’t try to start new routines while traveling. And don’t try to cut existing routines short because you want to enjoy your evening with a glass of wine on the patio. It definitely pays off to stick to bedtime routines as much as possible while traveling to help baby sleep.
And if your baby sleeps well, you will, too.
Bring Items from Home
Does your baby have a favorite pacifier, or is there a certain sleep sack she sleeps best in? Then bring those items!
Similar to the tip on sticking to routines, you want your baby to feel as comfortable as possible and as much as home as possible.
Pack all the items you think your baby might rely on for the best sleep possible. This could be a pacifier, stuffed animal, but also a sound machine, nightlight, or a favorite pajama or sleep sack.
Consider all items that could potentially help your baby fall asleep faster and sleep better and make sure to bring them. Recreating a sleeping atmosphere that is as similar to the one she is used to from home will increase your success to help baby sleep while traveling.
Go with the Flow for Naps while Traveling
Now you’ve setup the bedroom for optimal sleep while traveling, but you might wonder what about naps?
It is always a good idea to plan a trip around your baby’s schedule. But if you have lots of outings planned and there is no time to swing by your accommodation to put your baby down for a nap in the crib, you might need to just go with the flow.
Does your baby nap well in a stroller or baby carrier? Bring those and plan for an activity that can use one of these items during what would be your baby’s natural nap time.
If your baby naps well in the car, maybe you can plan longer drives to overlap with your baby’s usual nap time.
But what if your baby just refuses to nap? This happened to us before. Maybe your baby is overstimulated, overly excited, or just overwhelmed with what is going on. And that’s okay.
Just be prepared to be a little flexible with your schedule and give your baby a chance to find the time to relax and fall asleep eventually.
Be prepared that if it is a much shorter nap than usual that your baby might not feel so great the rest of the day. Or she might need an earlier bedtime.
Try to accommodate for your baby’s naps and adjust the activities accordingly. But if it doesn’t happen, don’t freak out. Your baby will sleep eventually.
Have Realistic Expectations
Even if you set up the bedroom perfectly, recreate the bedtime routines to a T, and bring all of your baby’s favorite items from home – there is still a good chance your baby might not sleep as well, especially in the beginning.
Why? Because after all, the room is different.
Your baby might wake up and see things it isn’t used to. A window on the other side of the room, a closet that doesn’t look familiar, and a crib that certainly doesn’t feel like the one it sleeps in at home.
So your baby might be confused or scared after all and wake up early in the morning or the middle of the night. And you should be prepared for this.
Don’t get upset if your baby, that usually sleeps well, wakes up crying in the middle of the night. Try to comfort your baby, stick to your routine in getting your baby back to sleep, and give it a few days for your baby to get used to the new surroundings.
After all, even many adults don’t sleep well right away in a new bed. It just takes some time getting used to new surroundings.
And if you have these realistic expectations, it will help you stay calm and comforting when your little one wakes up in the middle of the night.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Or take turns with your partner.
As mentioned above, even with the best planning and preparation possible, there is a chance your baby might not sleep well. And while you can have the most realistic expectations possible, that doesn’t mean you won’t be tired.
Therefore, it is important to ask for help and take turns with your partner.
Maybe you are traveling with more family or friends. Ask them to watch your baby during the day, so you can catch up on sleep or rest.
Or if you’re traveling with just your partner, ask to take turns taking care of the baby if she wakes up in the middle of the night. It doesn’t always need both of you to care for the baby and be exhausted during the day.
If your baby doesn’t sleep well at all, consider if there is something else that might be wrong. Maybe the room is much cooler or warmer than what the baby is used to and she is not dressed accordingly.
Or your baby caught a cold while traveling and needs to see a doctor.
It’s always important to consider all factors that could pertain to your baby not sleeping well and address them accordingly.
Conclusion
There are lots of things to consider when you’re determining how to help your baby sleep while traveling. From setting up the new bedroom accordingly, sticking to routines, and bringing familiar items from home.
Your baby can and will sleep well while traveling if you help creating the surrounding it needs to get the best sleep possible.
And don’t forget to ask for help! After all, traveling with a baby should be a fun and memorable experience.
And even with sleep challenges try to relax and go with the flow. Your baby will sleep eventually.
And if you need more advice on how to fly and/or travel with a baby, check out my blog posts on How to Plan a Trip When Traveling with a Baby, How to plan a Road Trip with a Baby, and the Best Tips and Tricks for Flying with a Baby. And don’t forget to check out my best diaper changing hacks while traveling!
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