Traveling with Children
Surviving the holidays when you are traveling can seem daunting. Especially when it comes to your child’s sleep. When we change our children’s sleep environments, it can disrupt their sleep. So, preparing for these changes will help them adapt and sleep well while you are away.
If they are under 2 year olds, exposure to their new sleep space is key! Talk them through it and do some role play. If they are over 2, you can talk to them ahead of time and explain how the space may look. Then, when you arrive, show them! ‘Remember how I told you that your bed was near the window, see, there it is!’
Sleep Tips:
If you’re travelling - call your accommodation ahead of time to ensure your child’s sleep space is safe and age appropriate. Questions to ask: Is a cot provided? Is a trundle bed provided the is plush on the floor?
The Snoozeshade is amazing if you’re room sharing. It blocks out their travel cot to be pitch black, allowing you to sleep in the same room without them being able to see you!
Use my code: SLEEPEMPIRE10 for 10% off.When you arrive at your destination, allow your child to familiarise themselves with their new sleep space. Spend some time in their new bedroom, even place some toys in their cot/bed and allow them to play with you in their sleep space. This will help them get used to their new bed and allow you to talk them through what will happen later on when they go to bed.
**You can say ‘This is going to be where you sleep tonight. I will be right outside and will come get you in the morning. My room is just down the corridor, I’ll be just there. Let’s practice lying down, good job! I really loved how you closed your eyes and were being as quiet as a mouse’. Over exaggerate your praise and show them that they will be safe in this new environment while they sleep.Balance fun and sleep! If you are going away with lots of cousins or friends, try prioritise sleep at night and fun during the day! All children need good quality sleep at night. So, let’s try and keep to our bedtime routines and wind down practices.
Bedtime flexibility: Holidays are full of exciting dinner parties, playdates and late nights! A good rule is to allow 1-1.5hrs of leniency with your child’s bedtime is they are over 2. If they are under 2, try your best to get them to bed as close to their usual bedtime.
Once the holidays are over jump back on the routine band wagon! Do a sleep training reset if needed - let’s get them ready for school or daycare with some consistency and routine.
Surviving the Airplane:
Sleeping on the airplane: All bets are off - just do your best. Try and stick to their awake windows to avoid them being overtired.
Snack, snacks, snacks! I can’t emphasise this enough. This will help keep them entertained on a long haul flight.
Painter tape: This stuff is a game changer! Use it to play ‘rescue the object’ or hide the words or anything you can imagine on an airplane.
Reusable puffy stickers - Melissa and Doug have some amazing ones with a play background
Play Tips:
The holidays often bring an abundance of presents for your child. Stick to the rule: 1/2 new toy/week. Pack away all of the gifts and give them the choice of which toy to open each week. This reduces the overwhelming nature of holidays for children and helps them to manage their excitement over their new toys.
Get outside! Playing outside during the holidays is a fantastic way of bonding with your child. It is also a cost effective way of entertaining them! Go for a nature walk, explore the city, drive to a new suburb and go for a walk! Reduce the expectation of playing and your children will create, explore and connect.
Turn off the screens! Not all the time - don’t worry! Bring out the board games or arts and crafts! Start collecting some recyclables now and have a ‘What can you make?’ day with your children! Bring out the textas, sticky tape, scissors and glue! ‘Who can make the biggest robot? Who can make a new invention to help do the dishes?’
