Summer holidays are just around the corner, and while many families are counting down the days, if your little one struggles with sleep, travel can feel more stressful than exciting.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to cancel your plans or stay housebound until your little one heads off to university! With a little preparation and the right expectations, it’s entirely possible to enjoy your holiday without sleep falling apart.
Here are some practical tips to help your baby sleep well while travelling. so you can all get the rest you need and make some beautiful memories too.
1. Don’t over schedule the day
One of the most common travel mistakes? Trying to do it all. When you pack your holiday full of sightseeing, meals out, and excursions, it’s easy for your little one to become overstimulated and overtired – a recipe for bedtime struggles.
Plan your days around naps and downtime. A happier, rested little one will make your holiday more enjoyable for everyone.
2. Stick (as closely as you can) to the routine
A nap in the car or a slightly later bedtime won’t hurt every now and then, but multiple days of inconsistent naps and late nights can quickly lead to sleep regression. Overtired little ones often find it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, even if they’ve been great sleepers at home.
Try to maintain your usual sleep times and bedtime routine, even if you’re in a new place. That consistency is incredibly reassuring for your child.
3. Expect some testing – and stay consistent
New environments can trigger some boundary-pushing around sleep. Whether it’s a new cot, different sounds, or just holiday excitement, don’t be surprised if your little one resists sleep more than usual.
Stick to your normal response. If your little one starts protesting at bedtime, comfort them as you would at home, briefly and calmly. Going in every 5-10 minutes to reassure them is fine, but try to avoid bending the rules. A couple of consistent nights usually helps them adjust.
4. Bring the comforts of home
Don’t forget your child’s favourite comfort items – a sleep toy, special blanket, or white noise machine can make a world of difference. Familiar smells and textures are incredibly soothing in a new environment.
5. Avoid starting habits you don’t want to keep
It might feel easier to bring your little one into bed “just for a few nights,” but even short-term bed-sharing can create habits that are hard to break once you’re home. Most hotels offer travel cots, or you can bring your own. Planning ahead helps maintain healthy sleep habits.
6. Create a sense of separation at night
If your baby is 8 months or older, try to create a bit of space between you, especially in a hotel room. A makeshift partition (like a curtain, travel blackout blind, or even a large sheet between beds) can help prevent middle-of-the-night wake-ups from turning into playtime. If it’s in the budget, a separate room or family suite can be ideal.
7. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself
Holidays are for making memories! Keeping sleep on track doesn’t mean missing out. A few well-placed boundaries and consistent routines will help everyone feel better rested and more relaxed, so you can soak up those special moments without the stress.
If your little one already struggles with sleep at home, travel can bring those issues into sharper focus. But the good news? It’s never too late to find a solution. I work with families to build gentle, effective sleep strategies that work both at home and away. Book a free, 15 minute call to find out more.
