Baby and Toddler Sleep Tips for Travelling Abroad

Travelling abroad with a baby or toddler is no doubt, an exciting adventure but it can bring a few challenges with sleep.

Time zone changes, unfamiliar environments, and disrupted schedules can all affect your little one's sleep. However, with some planning and a few helpful strategies, you can ensure a smoother transition and more restful nights for everyone.

Here are some essential baby sleep travel tips to help your baby or toddler get the rest they need while traveling abroad.

Plan ahead for jet lag

If there's a big time difference, you can minimise its impact by gradually adjust your child's schedule a few days before departure. Shift bedtime and wake-up time by 15-30 minutes each day to align more closely with the new time zone.

Once you arrive, spend plenty of time outdoors during the day to help reset their internal clock.

The day of travel

On the day of travel, accept there will be variables beyond your control. Focus on keeping your baby comfortable for the journey by packing their favourite and familiar items and go with the flow as much as you can.

A sleep-friendly environment

A comfortable and familiar sleep environment can make a big difference.

Bring portable blackout curtains to darken the room, and use a white noise machine or app to drown out unfamiliar sounds.

Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature and dress your child in appropriate bed wear. You may even want to bring their own bedding. Sheets that smell like home can be incredibly comforting.

 

The evening routine

Try to stick to your child's regular sleep schedule and wind down as much as possible in the evening.

If bedtime at home is at 7 PM, aim for a similar time at your destination but this doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun. Bath and dress baby in their bedtime clothes and let them sleep in the buggy if you want to head out to dinner.

For older children, you may adapt to a later schedule or incorporate a longer afternoon nap, so they can stay up for dinner.

If your baby requires some extra support to sleep, that's completely normal. It's always okay to offer this but try not to bring in an entirely new way of settling that you wouldn't do at home.

Stay flexible and patient

As much as we try to avoid it, there will be times when sleep doesn't go as planned. Be flexible and patient with your child and yourself. Understand that it might take a few days for your baby or toddler to adjust to the new environment and schedule.

Remember that you can always get sleep back on track when you return home.

Keep meal times regular

Our eating schedule is a strong indicator for sleep for our bodies. Try to keep meal times consistent with your home routine. Offering familiar foods can provide comfort and stability, which in turn can promote better sleep.

And finally....

Traveling abroad with a baby or toddler does require extra planning and flexibility, especially when it comes to sleep. By maintaining a consistent routine, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and staying patient, you can help your child adjust and enjoy the adventure.

Most importantly though, just enjoy this special time with your little one and make lots of wonderful memories! Sleep can be resolved when you're back home.

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