Kids love their routines. When things change, they can feel thrown off. Holidays mean new places, lots of excitement, and different schedules. All of this can make it harder than usual for your little one to settle down and get some much-needed rest. With a bit of understanding and planning, you can help your little one sleep well and still enjoy the festivities. We’ll cover some tips below.
When you’re away from home (or home routines just grow busier):
Keep bedtime the same: Try to follow your usual bedtime routine. This will help your child's body know it's time to sleep, making bedtime easier. Try to stick to your child's usual sleep times as much as you can. However, there is a pretty high likelihood you'll be working with a more flexible sleep schedule than usual, which is totally fine.
Pick a calm, quiet sleep spot: Bring a travel crib or pack-and-play. Set it up in a quiet corner where your child can nap or sleep away from all the noise and excitement. If you’re hosting, avoid giving up your child’s usual play, sleep, and eating places to make room for guests, and try to keep their surroundings the same as much as possible.
Pack familiar items: Bring your child's favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or white noise machine. These familiar things can help them feel safe and comfy in a new place.
Use white noise: New places often have strange noises that can wake up your child. Or, hosting people in your own home can just bring more chatter than usual. A white noise machine or app can block out these sounds and help your little one sleep better.
Balance fun with sleep: When planning holiday activities, think about your child's sleep schedule. If an event happens during their usual nap or bedtime, it's okay to skip it or just go for a little while. This helps make sure your child gets the sleep they need.
Manage screen time: Avoid stimulating activities or screen time before bed, as these can make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Pro tip: It’s okay to change your child's sleep times if needed.
If they seem extra tired or grumpy, it's okay to put them to bed earlier. Sometimes, making sure they get enough sleep is more important than staying at the party. This can help avoid meltdowns and make the gathering more fun for everyone.
When holiday travel comes with a timezone change
To help your child adjust better, start getting ready a few days before you leave. Slowly change their sleep times to match the new time zone. This can make the switch easier on their body clock. Once you arrive, try to stick to a regular sleep routine that fits the new time zone. Keep bedtimes and nap times as normal as possible. Let your child get plenty of sunlight during the day to help their body adjust to the new schedule.
In short, sometimes travel and holiday excitement interrupts sleep. While you can’t perfectly control or prevent these shifts, you can prioritize predictable windows of rest that will help them manage their emotions. By keeping routines, creating sleep-friendly spaces, and being flexible but consistent, you can help your child get the rest they need to enjoy the holidays.