Here’s how to keep your baby nap schedule if you’re traveling with a baby.

Hopefully by now, your baby’s sleep at night is getting easier and you may have even sorted a great sleep routine for your baby.  

But then along comes a holiday like Christmas, or a trip that means staying away from home for a few days and you’re away from all the home comforts that make night times so much easier. Staying away from home - even without a baby - takes a little planning but when you have a small person to factor into the mix, it can be easy to worry about how your trip is going to go and how much sleep you'll all get!

Stick to Your Baby Bedtime Routine as Much as Possible

If you normally have a 'bath, book and bed' baby sleep routine starting at a certain time, then stick to it as closely as possible, including the time you start. The familiarity will help your baby to know what's expected of them and give them their familiar sleep cues.

Surroundings Are Key

It’s important to show your baby both the room and cot they will be sleeping in before you start the bedtime routine – perhaps you might put them into the holiday cot as soon as you reach your destination, so they can have some play time in there. This will mean that their sleep surroundings aren't a complete shock to them when you're trying to get them off to sleep.

Using a sleeping bag, blanket and sheet from home will help them to feel comfortable, as it will have the familiar scent of home.  If you have a portable nightlight and you can bring it with you easily - do!

SnoozeShade for travel cots will be really help to block out distracting light and disturbances if you're sharing a room with your baby.

Be Prepared for Some Disruption

Try not to let any disruptions stress you out - generally if you are staying away somewhere it's because you are on holiday or with friends and family. Try not to get too worked up if your baby’s bedtime goes a little wonky. Remember that your baby will pick up on your stress and mirror it, so try to stay calm and relaxed. 

For more tips on how to maintain a good sleep pattern when you're out and about or away from home read our post from Wee Sleep baby sleep consultants.

Further Reading: 

Baby Sleep and Travel at Christmas
Help Your Baby Sleep Well on Holiday
How Do I Establish a Good Sleep Routine for My Baby?