Keeping Sleep on Track During the Holidays

Let’s be real: holiday season is here, and that means travelling is officially on your agenda. Whether it's visiting family or sneaking in a getaway, you’re packing up your wee ones and heading out.

But while you’re busy planning the trip, don’t forget how all this movement can mess with your wee one’s sleep. Because, let’s face it, a cranky, sleep-deprived baby can turn even the most fun journeys into a marathon of meltdowns.

Baby Sleep in the Car

Routine is the holy grail of parenting. It gives your baby the comfort of knowing what’s next, and it sets the stage for a peaceful day (or as peaceful as it can get). But throw in a road trip, and suddenly your predictable routine is out the window, along with your sanity. Some parents swear by the magic of car rides for putting their little ones to sleep. But, newsflash, it’s not a universal fix. So here’s the plan: tire them out before the trip, like a mini workout session in the living room or a park run. If they’ve got a pre-nap routine, bring that into the car—don’t let the wheels ruin your groove. And whatever you do, make sure they’re snug in a comfy car seat. According to Today’s Parent, keeping the harness close to the buckle ensures they’re safe and sound without it rubbing against their ears. Because the last thing you need is a fussy baby over an uncomfortable car seat.

Baby Sleep on Public Transport

Sometimes, the car’s not an option, and you’ve got to brave the bus or train. Pro tip: if you can, plan your journey outside of peak hours and aim to travel during nap time. There’s something about the rocking motion of public transport that might just lull your baby to sleep—if you’re lucky. Got more than one kid in tow? Do yourself a favor and invest in a tandem pushchair. Those double pushchairs, like the ones iCandy makes, let one kid sit behind the other, making it way easier to navigate public transport without waking up your sleeping beauties. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re not wrestling a giant pushchair while trying to get on the bus.

Baby Sleep on an Airplane

Flying with a baby for the first time? Breathe. It’s intimidating, sure, but most airlines are more accommodating than you’d think. If you’re going long-haul, call ahead and book a bassinet. They’re a godsend, but you’ll need to snag a bulkhead seat (the row with no other seats in front) to get one. And if you can, book a night flight. The quiet cabin, dim lights, and white noise from the engine can work wonders. Also, don’t skimp on the travel nappies. Go for something super absorbent, like Pop-In nappies with bamboo soakers, to cut down on mid-flight changes. Because nothing disrupts a baby’s sleep like a soggy nappy, and you want to avoid those groggy, sleep-deprived tears at all costs.

Traveling with a baby is no small feat, but with a little planning (and maybe some luck), you can keep their sleep on track and make the journey a little less stressful for everyone.

The Wee Sleep Coach is a baby and infant sleep consultant basedin the UK. If you are having issues with your wee one’s sleep, have a look at my sleep plans which range from plan only to one-to-one coaching. If it feels like you’ve tried everything, then come and try the one thing you haven’t which I know works – the Wee Sleep Coach’s Approach.