I’m a sucker for summer holidays. Holidays bring travel and joy, especially if gathering with extended family. But they can also bring a host of disruptions to your baby’s or child’s sleep routine. It can be tempting to throw schedules out the window to accommodate late evening activities and other festivities. However, staying consistent is key to avoiding meltdowns (both for your child and for you!). So, I bring you my top 3 tips to keep sleep on track these summer holidays, during the most wonderful (and hectic) time of year.
Here’s what I want you to remember:
- You’re the Boss of your family’s schedule
It IS OK to schedule activities around your child’s sleep needs. You are the CEO of your family, and as such, you run the schedule. It’s definitely okay to prioritise your child’s sleep over Aunt Bea’s late-night dinner party.
If family or friends invite you over at unsuitable times, you can suggest times that align with your little one’s sleep routine instead. For example, try, “We would love to come by, but an evening dinner at 7.30pm won’t work because that’s the baby’s bedtime. How about lunch instead?”
Some people may think you’re being too strict, and that is okay. Differences of opinions are to be expected. Those people are not the ones dealing with a cranky, overtired baby the next day! Infact, most family or friends will appreciate how happy and engaged your little one is during their awake window. Well-rested kids can be the life of the party. To remind you of more reasons you’re the boss, check out this previous blog.
- Perfection isn’t realistic.
You are allowed some flexibility during the holidays, and that’s where the 80/20 rule comes into play. If you aim for consistency 80% of the time, chances are you won’t come unstuck. A slightly later bedtime or an on-the-go nap here and there won’t throw your child’s sleep into chaos. Just ensure the detours don’t become the new norm.
- To recreate your home sleep setup while away
There are a few things to consider when you’re on the road away from home. Ensure you:
- Bring a portacot: Set your baby with up a quiet sleep space in a spare room, away from the hustle and bustle. This lets your little one nap or go to bed on time while you continue to enjoy the evening with family and friends. Then, when you’re ready to leave, gently wake your child, take them home, and transfer them to their cot. This approach is far less disruptive to their schedule and keeps everyone happier.
- Recreate their bedtime routine: Continue as much of your baby’s bedtime routine as possible, even away from home. Include that bath, massage or story, the familiar steps will help signal that it is time to sleep.
- Bring comfort items: Pack your child’s favorite sleep toy, blanket, or sleep sack. Having those familiar items nearby can help them feel at ease in an unfamiliar setting.
- Stick to usual wake windows: Ensure your baby isn’t staying awake too long between naps, or between the last nap and bedtime. Over-tiredness makes it that much harder for babies to settle, no matter how cozy the setup is.
Most importantly, do NOT stress about what others might think. If you stick to your usual good habits, chances are, your family will be amazed at how easily your child naps and goes to bed, and YOU will enjoy a more peaceful visit because of it.
You can enjoy the summer silly season without sacrificing sleep. All you need to do is balance your boundaries with a bit of holiday flexibility. And if you’re looking for more detailed strategies to manage sleep challenges year-round, check out my sleep packages here. Teaching your little one to sleep well, is the gift of sleep that keeps on giving!