Many parents want to plan a trip away but find themselves holding back because they wonder ‘where does baby sleep on vacation’? There are plenty of options for parents when it comes to travelling with a baby, so there’s no need to put off planning your next getaway any longer. When travelling, it’s perfectly possible for babies to sleep in a cot, portable cot, Moses basket, or even a pack and play.
Tips for helping your baby to sleep well while on vacation.
Although we’ve answered the burning question, ‘where does baby sleep on vacation’, having a safe place to sleep doesn’t necessarily ensure a good night of rest. Babies require familiarity and routine to feel safe and secure, which means new surroundings and environments can impact their ability to get a good night’s sleep when away from the familiar sights, smells, and sounds of their home.
Thankfully there are a few things that parents can do to help their little ones drift off to sleep when away from home:
- Put your baby to sleep at their usual time
- Stick to your normal routine as much as possible
- Recreate your baby’s usual bedtime routine
- Keep baby active during the day
- Slow down as needed for your baby
Let’s take a look at each of these tips in turn.
Put your baby to sleep at their usual time.
Answering the question, ‘where does baby sleep on vacation?’ is only half the battle; helping them to achieve a great night’s rest is down to good planning and routine. In order to help your baby to sleep better at night, it’s a good idea to try and keep their sleeping schedule as normal as possible. If you’re traveling to an area with a different time zone, it’s wise to start slowly adjusting your baby’s normal bed time a few weeks before you embark on your vacation. By doing this, your baby will become accustomed to sleeping at the appropriate time and find it easier to drift off when on vacation thanks to their natural body clock telling them it’s bedtime.
Stick to your normal routine as much as possible.
The secret to a good night’s sleep whilst away from home is sticking to your normal routine as much as possible, as well as knowing the answer to where does Baby sleep on vacation. Being away from home is stressful enough for babies, so this certainly isn’t the time to start trying lots of new things and introducing new activities into your baby’s routine. In order to help your baby sleep well at night, stick to the same routine that you baby is used to at home, including sticking to the same meal times, play times, and bath times.
Recreate your baby’s usual bedtime routine
We can’t discuss the topic of where does baby sleep on vacation? without talking about how to keep a baby’s bedtime as normal as possible. When away from home, there are so many different sights and smells and these can be extremely unsettling for babies. To help minimise distress, try to recreate your baby’s usual bedtime routine as much as possible. Bring sheets that smell like home, bring their usual sleeping bag if they use one, and don’t forget the whitenoise if this is something that is part of their bedtime at home.
Keep your baby active during the day.
Something that parents need to remember when travelling is that babies and toddlers need play time. It doesn’t just keep them entertained, but it also helps them learn about the world around them and tire them out. Not giving your baby enough time to play during the day can impact their nap times and sleep cycles, so ensure that they have plenty of opportunities to explore safe areas.
Slow down as much as is needed.
If things just aren’t going your way, it’s okay to stop and take a step back. Ultimately, when on vacation with a baby, it’s likely that you’re going to have to readjust your mindsets so that you can work around your child’s needs. For example, you may want to sit by the pool all day or go and explore the local area by foot, but your baby may have other ideas. Heading back to your room for a nap can make the entire vacation experience a lot more pleasant for the whole family.
Safety concerns when putting your baby down for sleep whilst on vacation.
When discussing where does Baby sleep on vacation, there are a few places that should be avoided due to safety.
- Do not put your baby to sleep on an inflatable mattress.
- Ensure that your baby goes to sleep alone – do not have siblings share a bed.
- Ensure babies are put down for bed in a baby-safe environment such as a crib, and not on a place such as a couch.
- Dress your baby accordingly. This is especially important if you have travelled to an area with a different climate.
How to help your child sleep when back from vacation.
The best way to help your child to sleep well at night time once back from your vacation – especially if you have crossed time zones – is to simply jump straight back into your normal life. Obviously it’s best to keep things calm and relaxed for the first few days whilst your baby adjusts to the new timing, however it shouldn’t take long for them to get back on track with their usual sleep schedule.
Conclusion
When planning something, it’s normal to wonder ‘where does baby sleep on vacation?’ It’s also common to ask yourself ‘will baby sleep in a new environment?’, or ‘is it possible to keep baby’s routines the same?’ All parents will worry about these things, but the truth is this: you just need to keep doing what you’re doing. If you have a great routine that works at home – stick to that! If your child naps during the day – slow down and ensure they get that much needed rest. And finally, if you have a baby that loves to move around, explore, and play, don’t limit this in order to fit everything into your vacation. Instead, make a plan and ensure that you leave plenty of time for naps, breaks, and play time.