By Kate Curry
Traveling with kids is often referred to as a “trip” as opposed to a vacation. For instance, “I’m taking the kids on a trip to the beach for a week” instead of “We’re going on vacation!”
If you’ve traveled with kids before, you know exactly why there is this subtle difference in language.
A vacation elicits thoughts of laying by the pool (maybe even with cocktail!), reading books, dining out, sleeping late… just to name a few.
A trip with the kids involves endless packing, stressful travel days, getting used to a new environment, constant supervision in said new environment, early mornings, missed naps AND beautiful memories, new experiences for your children to enjoy, seeing their faces light up, and quality time together as a family.
Traveling with kids can be tough, but it’s worth it. ESPECIALLY if you use the 5 tips I’m going to share with you about how to manage your child’s sleep while you’re on “vacation.”
1. Recreate the sleep environment from home.
Do the best you can to create a dark, cool, quiet (or white noise), and safe new sleep environment for your child.
Dark: It can be difficult to create a dark environment when you don’t know what the room is going to look like or you have to travel light. Here are some tips to help recreate that cozy cave-like darkness:
– Travel blackout shade with suction cups to stick on window
-Slumberpod – travel tent that goes around your child’s crib/pack and play
– Garbage bags or aluminum foil taped up on the windows is super cheap and easy way to prevent light from coming in the windows.
Noise: To help block out some of the outside sounds, a white noise machine is a great option. Even if you find yourself in a remote area (or camping!) you can find a battery-powered white noise machine. It’s best to find one that does not turn off after a specific period of time. White noise can be left on throughout the night to prevent loud noises from interfering with sleep.
Cool but not cold: Going somewhere warm? Make sure to check what the temperature is going to be like in the child’s room and dress them appropriately for it. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what the temperature will be like at night. It’s best to err on the side of having the child be a little chilly as opposed to being overheated.
Bring along special friends! Does your child loved his stuffed hippo? Well, then he needs to come. Bringing beloved transitional items along will not only cue your child that it’s time for bed, but it will bring them comfort to have these with them in the new setting.
“Everyday we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.”
Charles R Swindoll
2. Recreate the bedtime routine.
Think about how you can recreate your 20 – 30 minute bedtime routine in your new setting. Especially after hectic vacation days, kids need this time to unwind and prepare for sleep. Try to keep it as close to your home routine to cue your child that it is bedtime and the expectations are the same, even though you are in a new environment. If possible, do most of the routine in the room in which the child will be sleeping.
3.Try to follow the pre-vacation schedule when possible.
It is hard to stay on a strict schedule when on vacation. Things planned during the day can throw naps way off schedule. However, consistently missing naps will quickly lead to an overtired child, which can make vacationing a bit more challenging. Here’s some tips to help stay on track:
–Make the first nap of the day a priority. Can you make time to have the first nap of the day be in a calm, still environment (crib/bed)? Getting a solid first nap will set you up for a more successful day.
–Prepare. Try to be purposeful with your planned events for the day if possible. Is there a way to make space for naps/appropriate bedtimes? If you’re going to be out all day – is there a place you can try to sneak in a nap? (long car ride, tent at the beach, etc.) Can you come back to your hotel/house for lunch and a nap? Although not always convenient, allowing for restorative naps and appropriate bedtimes will make the waking time so much more enjoyable.
– Use an “emergency nap” when necessary. If you know that you will be on the move or if you have already missed naps during the day, do whatever you have to to get some sleep for your little one. This may be a stroller nap, car nap, or even holding them for a short nap if they really need the sleep.
4. Early bedtimes are your secret weapon.
When naps have been a bit all over or your child is initially having a hard time sleeping through the night in a new place, use an early bedtime to help avoid overtiredness. This can be as early as 5:30-6:30.
And just think if you go out for dinner beforehand, you may even catch the early-bird special. I’ve been there! BUT besides that, if your child is sleeping independently, then you can use this early bedtime to spend quality time with your significant other, family, or whoever else you’re traveling with!
5. Consistency and Support.
Maintaining consistency with your routines, schedule, and response to wakings/requests at night will help your child adjust to the new environment. They will soon learn that, although the setting is different, your expectations and boundaries remain in place.
With that being said, you may need to offer more nighttime support initially. For little ones, this may look like more frequent checks or even staying in the room initially to help them feel comfortable for the first 2-3 nights. Then slowly fade the checks/your presence until your back to your pre-vacation routine.
For older ones, it can be helpful to explore their “new room” together during the daytime (it can be too stimulating right before bedtime). Together, you can turn off the light and look around the new room. You can explain why that shadow is not a monster, but just the weird lamp in the hotel. Answer any questions they have about shadows, strange noises, or where you will be sleeping while on vacation. Talk to them about what they should do if they wake in the middle of the night.
Vacation sleep will not be the same as sleep at home.
Despite all your best efforts, there will be naps that go awry, late bedtimes, and off-nights. And that’s ok. Your goal on vacation should be to have fun, make memories, and try to avoid an overtired child when possible.
When you get home, get back into your pre-vacation routines. It may take your child a couple of days to get back to their regular sleep. But with consistency, it won’t be long. Then you can relax, look at the happy pictures from your trip, and start packing for the next one!