How to help when baby won't sleep on vacation

Apr 19

Traveling with a baby can be a daunting task. The thought of changing time zones, unfamiliar environments, disrupted routines, and an endless list of items to pack can leave you feeling frazzled before you even leave the house.

But when your baby won't sleep on vacation, stress levels can reach new heights.

Take a deep breath, mama. We've got you covered.

With some preparation and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can help your little one sleep soundly on vacation so everyone in the family can relax and have some fun.

Plan travel around nap and bedtime

If possible, plan your travel around your little one's nap and bedtime routine. For example, try to book flights or plan car trips when your baby would typically be napping. This way, they can sleep through the journey, and you'll have a better chance of maintaining their routine when you arrive at your destination.

If you know your baby won't sleep on a plane or in the car, avoid red-eye flights or driving in the middle of the night, as your little one is likely to become overstimulated and cranky, making it challenging to put them down for a sleep on arrival.

Try and get your baby to have a decent nap and a full night's rest before traveling. And if your schedule doesn't allow time for a nap before departure, attempt to work one in when you arrive or consider an early bedtime.

If you're worried your baby won't sleep on vacation, get off to the right start by planning travel around your little one's nap and bedtime schedule.

Create a similar sleep environment

While it may be tough to maintain your baby's exact sleep schedule and routine during vacation, you can still create a comforting sleep environment that will help your little one get the rest they need.

Bring along items that your baby is accustomed to, such as their favorite lovey, white noise machine, special blanket, or soothing music. Additionally, try to replicate their usual sleeping arrangements as much as possible.

If your baby sleeps in a crib in their own room at home, try to find accommodation options that offer a similar setup. This can make a significant difference in helping your baby feel at ease and sleep more soundly while away.

And if you have to share a room, a SlumberPod can work wonders in creating a private space for your little one.

Stick to your kiddo's sleep schedule

Maintaining your child's sleep schedule during a vacation may seem daunting, but it's crucial to their well-being—and your sanity. After all, if your little one is overtired and protesting loudly, the chance of you enjoying your time away is slim.

Here are some tips to help you keep your baby's sleep schedule as consistent as possible:

Plan activities around nap times—Missing out on some family fun might be disappointing, but skipping a nap will only lead to a cranky child (and parent) for the rest of the day. So, prioritize your child's sleep needs and try to schedule activities around nap times.
Try an earlier bedtime if needed—New environments and holiday excitement can make naps a challenge, so if your child hasn't slept enough during the day, consider moving bedtime up to ensure they get the rest they need.
Stick to your baby's bedtime routine—Consistency is key, so stick to the same routine you use at home. Maintaining this familiar structure will help your little one feel more secure and settled during the holiday chaos.

Monitor nutritional intake

While vacation is undoubtedly a time to indulge and enjoy some sweet treats, it's essential to keep an eye on the food your baby is eating. For example, foods high in sugar can cause a spike in your little one's energy levels. However, this frenzy of energy is quickly followed by a crash, leaving them cranky and restless.

Trying to get your baby to sleep with all the excitement of the vacation is hard enough. So, avoid the sugar rollercoaster to make life easier and get the sleep you need.

Be patient with your little one

It's frustrating when your baby won't sleep on vacation, especially when you're exhausted and just want a moment of peace. But be patient with your little one. The change in routine can be unsettling. And with so many activities planned, it's important to remember that your baby may become overstimulated quickly.

Scheduling some downtime and prioritizing sleep can help to keep things on track, so you can focus on making memories and having fun together.

If you're planning a vacation and would like further information on managing your little one's sleep, contact the team at My Sweet Sleeper.

We're always here to support you in any way we can.

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