The holiday season is all about family, fun, and creating memories. But if you’re a parent, you know that fun and sleep don’t always go hand-in-hand. Between travel, late nights, missed naps, and well-meaning family who might not understand your child's sleep needs—you're bound for an overtired little one. And when that happens, you’re likely to see more crabbiness (or hyperactivity) than holiday cheer. But don’t worry—it’s possible to keep your child well-rested throughout the season. Let’s dive into six tips that will help you keep the holiday fun flowing, without the meltdown.
1. Plan Your Family Holiday Travel Around Sleep
Whether you’re hitting the road or boarding a plane, travel is a major disruptor of your little one’s nap schedule. But here’s the thing: you can still make travel work for your child’s sleep. If you’re driving, try to time your trip so that naps happen in the car. If you're flying, you may need to get creative and help your baby fall asleep on the go. Remember, napping on the go isn’t as restorative as napping in a crib, so you might need to do a slightly earlier bedtime on travel days to make up for it.
2. Set Up a Sleep-Friendly Environment
We all sleep better in cool, dark, and quiet spaces, right? The same goes for your child. Sleeping in a strange place can be unsettling, but with a little preparation, you can set up a cozy and safe environment that makes it easier for them to rest. Bring along the Pack-n-Play, sheets that smell like home, their favorite stuffy (if they’re over 12 months), and don’t forget the baby monitor. If you're room-sharing, try to stick as closely as possible to their usual sleep routine and then you can sneak in at your bedtime. The more you maintain their sleep habits, the smoother the transition will be—and the fewer sleep issues you’ll face once you’re home.
3. Stay Consistent with Routines
Kids thrive on consistency, especially when they’re in an unfamiliar environment. One of the best ways to help your child adjust while traveling is to keep their bedtime routine as close to home as possible. If they’re used to a bath, a book, and a song before bed, try to replicate that while you’re away. Consistency extends beyond bedtime, too. If you respond to your child’s needs in the same way as you would at home—whether it's helping them back to sleep or offering comfort—they’ll feel more secure, even in new surroundings.
4. Embrace Flexibility (...within reason)
While consistency is key to healthy sleep, flexibility is also important—especially during the holidays. You don’t need to stick to your child’s sleep schedule 100% of the time, but aim to keep it 80% consistent. That means, yes, you might occasionally shift bedtime for a holiday gathering, but try to return to your regular schedule as soon as possible. A little flexibility can help keep the mood light, but a predictable routine will still help your child get the rest they need.
5. Make Up for Lost Sleep
Missed naps and later-than-usual bedtimes will happen, and that’s okay. The good news is you can make up for it. If your child has missed a nap or had a late bedtime, try to add a little extra sleep at bedtime to help them catch up. Even just 15-30 minutes of an earlier bedtime can make a world of difference in helping them stay well-rested and ready for the next holiday adventure.
6. Trust Your Instincts
It’s inevitable that well-meaning family and friends will offer advice on your child’s sleep. It’s important to remember that people mean well, but not all advice will work for your child’s specific sleep needs. Trust your instincts and stick to the sleep strategies that work for your family, even if others try to convince you otherwise. If you are struggling with your child's sleep, consult an expert.
With a little planning and flexibility, you can keep your child rested while still enjoying all the holiday fun. And if things get off track? Remember: an early bedtime can be your secret weapon to make up for lost sleep and avoid the holiday sleep hangover. Happy holidays—and may your celebrations be filled with joy, not meltdowns!
Wishing you rest,
Certified Child Sleep Consultant
321-209-5013
*based in Orlando, FL, but work remotely with families
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