The holidays are a time for family, fun, and creating memories – but they can also bring a lot of stress for parents, especially when it comes to baby sleep. If you’re planning to travel this holiday season, whether it’s visiting relatives or a cozy vacation, sleep may not always go as smoothly as it does at home. But don’t worry, it’s completely okay to let your baby’s sleep routine be a bit flexible over the holidays. Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating baby sleep while traveling during the holiday season.
1. Set Realistic Expectations (and Keep Them Low!)
Let’s start with the most important thing: lower your sleep expectations. The holidays are about enjoying time with loved ones, so don’t stress too much about sleep perfection. Babies thrive on routines, but travel often means disrupted schedules. Whether you're staying with family or in a hotel, there are bound to be distractions – new surroundings, different sleep environments, and lots of excitement all around.
Instead of setting yourself up for disappointment by hoping your baby’s sleep will be exactly like it is at home, embrace the fact that it might not be perfect. Going into it with low expectations will actually help you feel more relaxed and allow you to enjoy the time with family.
2. Time Zones? Don’t Stress – Just Adjust!
If you're traveling to a different time zone, one of the biggest challenges will be adjusting your baby to the new schedule. But fear not – you can totally manage this! The key is to shift your baby to the new time zone as quickly as possible.
When you arrive at your destination, try to get your baby on the local time as soon as you can. Use natural light and fresh air to help reset their internal clock. Exposure to daylight during the day helps your baby’s body understand when it's time to wake up and when it's time to sleep.
And remember, if your baby’s naps are a little off schedule for a day or two, don’t stress. Adjusting to a new time zone can take time, but it will smooth out.
3. The 50/50 Rule: Naps at Home vs. On-the-Go
This is where flexibility really comes in. While at home, we love crib naps, but during travel, it’s okay to give yourself permission to have a mix of naps in the crib and on the go. The 50/50 rule is a great guideline: try to get 50% of your baby’s naps in the crib and 50% on the go (or wherever you are). Try and follow similar wake windows. If you’re constantly on the move, any sleep – whether in a stroller, car, or even contact naps – is better than nothing. The key here is avoiding overtiredness, which can lead to more tantrums, disrupted sleep, and cranky babies.
If you’re traveling with a baby, sometimes a stroller nap, car nap, or even holding them while they nap will be your only option. That’s okay! Focus on keeping your baby well-rested overall and try to keep the sleep disruption minimal.
4. The First Night: Expect Some Resistance
The first night away from home is often the hardest. Your baby might protest more than usual when it’s time to go to sleep. This is a normal reaction to new surroundings. To help make bedtime easier, consider pushing bedtime a bit later (about 30-45 minutes) to ensure your baby is really tired when it’s time to sleep.
If you’re sleep training, try to stick with your sleep training methods (from our guides or whatever you’ve been working on at home). Consistency is key, and maintaining some routine will make the transition smoother. Even if you’re in a different place, following your usual sleep plan can help your baby adjust more quickly. And once your baby gets through the first night, bedtime usually gets easier!
5. Do What You Have to Do – The No Pressure Approach
This is perhaps the most important tip: Do nothing. The holidays are a time to relax, enjoy yourself, and focus on family. It's important to remember that it’s okay not to stick to your baby’s sleep routine perfectly while you’re away. Sometimes, the reality of traveling means doing what you need to do to get some rest.
We purposely don’t recommend sleep training during the holidays for a reason – it’s not always feasible to follow sleep training schedules and methods when you’re visiting family or staying in a hotel. Instead, prioritize rest however you can. Enjoy the moment, and when you’re back home, you can easily get back to your usual sleep routines.
6. Reset Your Sleep Routines When You Return
Finally, once the holidays are over, it’s time to reset. If you’ve been a bit more relaxed about baby sleep during travel, don’t worry – within two weeks, you can get your baby back to their regular sleep schedule. Babies are surprisingly adaptable, and with a little consistency, your baby’s sleep routine will be back on track before you know it.
Remember that the holidays are a time to be with family, so don’t stress about small disruptions in your baby’s sleep. So relax, enjoy the celebrations, and know that sleep can always be reset when you return.
Wishing you a stress-free and joyful holiday season! ✨ Take a deep breath, let go of the pressure, and enjoy your time with family. Sleep will fall back into place – just give it time!
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