TRAVELING AND SLEEP!
The world is opening up again! Life may actually return to normal!....
As we all look forward to holiday travel just around the corner, here are some tips on keeping your little one(s) and yourself well-rested and happy during this time:
For travel within the same time zone as home:
If possible, try to catch at least one restorative nap in the crib either at home or at your destination. If you are flying, don't sweat it if this one is not possible. Just try to get your child sleeping on the plane by rocking/holding if needed!
Once you arrive at your destination, get back to your normal nap and bedtime schedule. Consistency is key!
Recreate a similar sleep environment to the one they are used to at home: Bring along travel black out shades, a portable white noise machine, a familiar sleep sack and lovie if your child uses one.
Leverage an earlier bedtime if naps have been on the go or skipped during travel.
Enjoy your time away!! By continuing to keep routines consistent and hitting that timing just right, there should only be minor setbacks (if any) in their sleep.
For travel to other time zones:
Control what you can control. The same recommendation applies to bringing along familiar sleep environment set up as at home: black out shades, portable white noise machine, etc.
Once you arrive at your destination, go by the local clock, not the one back home!
Get out into the natural sunlight at least twice a day to help reset your little one's natural biorhythm to the new time zone.
Leverage an earlier bedtime if naps have been on the go or skipped during travel.
When you return home, go by the clocks in this time zone.
A solidly sleep trained baby will be able to tolerate occasional changes to their routine and still manage to get back on track with your help. They have the skills! You can have a wonderful time traveling the world, baby in tow, as long as you have a consistent independent sleep method and routine!
Written by: Sacha Jarrell