Tips for travelling with your baby or toddler

If you’re panicking that travelling with your baby or toddler could be even more stressful than it’s worth, or that their sleep routine will be ruined, then follow these tips for easy travel…

Travelling

Many parents worry that travelling might thwart healthy and established sleeping patterns. However, before you swear off travelling, or panic about an upcoming trip, here are some pointers that can help.

Plan the length of your trip. Be honest about what you and your toddler can handle. While older children might be able to deal with 10 or more hours in the car, younger toddlers and babies can’t. Generally speaking, young children should not be subjected to confinement in a car for more than six hours a day. This is just as much for your sanity as it is for theirs.
Children are prone to suffer from a bout of car or motion sickness so be prepared for this. Consult your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time for medication.
To avoid frustration, confusion and last minute run-around on departure day, start packing a few days before you leave. Ensure that you pack their favorite sleeping toy and blanket.
Get your car packed and ready the night before if you are planning to leave early in the morning. This includes getting snacks, drinks, a spare set of clothing, first aid kit and other essentials prepared. Toys, books and other key things to keep your child occupied should be stored in the car where it is easy for them to reach while not causing any safety concerns. Make sure the DVD player or iPad is charged and the screen set up where it won’t distract the driver.

Jetlag

Well-rested children cope with jetlag and time differences much better than if they are deprived of sleep. If your baby has had a good sleep schedule prior to leaving, she should be able to fit into a new time zone easily.

If your baby is showing signs of needing an extra nap to catch up on rest, try limit it to 45 minutes. And, if the nap is close to bedtime, rather move bedtime up and skip the nap.
To adjust your toddler to a new time zone, try spend time outdoors as the light is a good time cue which will encourage their little bodies to adjust easier.
Keep light to a minimum before bedtime – this will help stimulate melatonin production and encourage sleep.

Sleeping

Do not over-schedule or over-plan. Even though you’re on holiday, too much stimulation and back-to-back activities aren’t advised as these cut into rest (and put more pressure on the parents too).
Even though you’re on holiday, try not to bend the rules too much, even though babies and toddlers frequently test the sleep boundaries in a new environment. The best thing to do if there are wakings or crying, is to treat it the same way you would at home. You can go in every five minutes or so to offer some comfort. If you remain consistent, your child will adapt much easier to the new environment, and is likely to sleep well.
Make sure you bring your child’s sleeping toy and blanket, and be aware that if bed sharing happens on holiday and not at home, your child is likely to demand the same setup at home. Most hotels have cots – inquire before you go, and if not, take a camp cot with you.
If your child is older than eight months, try to set their cot or bed up in a private space for them to sleep in.

About the Author: Good Night is a child and baby sleep consultancy that specialises in helping parents with children who struggle to sleep soundly. For more information, visit: www.goodnightbaby.co.za

About the Author: Good Night is a child and baby sleep consultancy that specialises in helping parents with children who struggle to sleep soundly. For more information, visit: www.goodnightbaby.co.za – See more at: https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/month-by-month/972/dads-play-role-babys-sleep-routine/#sthash.gYqJpAIj.dpuf