It's coming into holiday season and many people are going away for summer trips, whether they're abroad or closer to home, there is lots you can do to prepare for successful sleep while you're away. The main key is to keep things as normal as possible and to surround them in their home comforts.
BED TIME ROUTINE
Being on holiday bed time can sometimes be a rush if you're back late from dinner or a day trip out, but try to take the time to still do a bed time routine. This will not only help your little one wind down and decompress from their day but will also show familiarity to them as well as reinforcing their regular signals that sleep time is approaching. You might not always be able to do their full routine, for example if they usually have a bath but where you're staying doesn't have a bath, but try to keep the routine as close to their home routine as possible.
HOME COMFORTS
Try to keep their sleep environment homely and familiar. A used sheet from their cot or bed at home will make their bed smell familiar and bring any usual comforters or teddies they use which will reassure them. Use their usual pyjamas and sleeping bag if they use one and bring their favourite bed time story.
KEEP IT DARK AND QUIET
Whatever you do, pack that portable black out blind, not only to keep it dark for better sleep but also if they can see too much of their new environment they may take a while to settle while they're busy looking at their different room. I personally recommend the Tommy Tippee portable suction blind or if they're in a cot, the Snooze Shade travel cot (use code GOODNIGHTSLEEP for 10% off) blackout cover is ideal, especially if you're sharing a room with them.
SLEEP PATTERNS
If you really want the best chance of successful sleep while you're away, try to keep to their usual sleep patterns with naps and bed times. You may feel like you don't want to spend your holiday worrying about what time they're napping, and if you don't, just get back into your routine when you're home. But if you do keep to their usual naps and bed time while away, it is likely you will achieve better night time sleep for all of you to enjoy your holiday! Remember naps in the pram are totally fine and a great way to enjoy being out and about, again, I'd highly recommend a Snoozeshade (Link above)
PRACTICE SAFE SLEEP
When you're in a new environment ensure you're still practicing safe sleep and good sleep hygiene. Check their cot or bed isn't next to a radiator which could cause them to over heat, next to a window and there are no fans pointing directly at them. Ensure there are no loose blind cords or wires close to their bed. If you're unsure of the temperature of their room feel their chest and back of their neck to feel if they're too warm and always er on the side of caution and go for less nightwear than more. Ensure their bed or cot has a flat, firm and level with no loose bedding.
NEED HELP?
Working out your baby or child's sleep needs can be daunting and it can also cause worry that you may disrupt them or make their sleep more unbalanced that it currently is.
This is where working with a professional can help you look at your little one's current schedule, the issues you're facing and where they are in their development and whats going on in their home life and help you to build a schedule that works for your individual.
Help!
If you would like more help with your child's sleep I can help create a tailor made plan for your family based on your individual needs. Explore my packages for something that suit you