8 Tips for Great Sleep on Vacation with a Baby or Toddler

Summer is almost here! 

And that family vacation you’ve been planning - the one that seemed so far away? That vacation is suddenly right around the corner. 

For a lot of new parents, the idea of traveling with little ones is exciting, sure, but it can also be a little daunting. There are activities to schedule, flights to book, and bags to pack - that to-do list can get long fast. On top of that, you’ve worked hard to get your baby sleeping comfortably through the night and on a nap schedule that’s been working well for your family. What if the long flights or drives, late nights, and unpredictable days of travel undo the consistent routine you and your baby or toddler have worked so hard to achieve?

Here at dadada Baby, we know how much good sleep matters. So to help you and your little one both get your best possible sleep on your family vacation (and your baby’s), we reached out to our friend Katelyn Yakel for advice. Katelyn is a mom of two, an infant sleep specialist, and the owner of family-focused travel agency Dream Ready Travel.

Here, in her words, are Katelyn’s 8 favorite tips for helping baby sleep well while you’re away from home:

Make sure sleep is going well at home before you travel.

If your baby or toddler isn’t sleeping well at home, things aren’t going to magically improve on vacation. Take some time to establish a solid routine, and try to get sleep on track before you travel. Good sleep habits at home will travel with your baby and help make sleep on vacation easier.

Create a sleep space.

Try to create a comfortable sleep space that mimics the environment your child is used to sleeping in at home. A dark space is best – walk-in closets or laundry rooms can be great options if you’re staying in a rental. If the space has windows, you can purchase travel blackout shades that are easy to put up and remove. If you’ll be in a hotel, a cover for your Pack N Play is a great option! They come in multiple shapes and sizes and attach over the Pack N Play like a tent so your little one can sleep in uninterrupted darkness, even if you have lights on in the same space.

Bring a portable sound machine. 

Vacations are full of new sounds. Even if you don’t use a sound machine regularly at home, it’s a great option to muffle unfamiliar noises and help your baby sleep without distraction. If you plan to have them take naps on the go, try a portable option that can attach to your stroller, baby carrier, or car seat!

Make sure to pack your little one’s favorite stuffed animal or blanket. 

You want your toddler’s travel sleep space to smell and feel as familiar as possible. So if they are old enough to have a favorite toy, lovie, or blanket they usually snuggle, make sure it finds its way into the suitcase!  

Maintain a (somewhat) normal nap schedule.

If your travel plans allow, try to bring your little one back to the sleep space you’ve created for normal naps and bedtimes. While it may seem like taking a break from the beach or the amusement park for a nap might mean missing out on some of the fun, you and your little one will both enjoy your trip more if everyone is well-rested. 

If your baby is still taking multiple naps each day, it’s okay to do some on the go - just do your best to get back to your sleep space for at least one nap a day. The first nap of the day is the most important for healthy sleep, so that one is ideal if you can make it work.

If your child is down to just one nap a day, try to make getting back to your sleep space a priority. You can use it as a rest time for yourself as well. Take a book and a glass of wine out on the balcony and enjoy the peace and quiet!

Try to honor your usual bedtime. 

Whenever possible, keep bedtime on vacation close to your typical bedtime at home. The idea that if you put your baby to sleep later they’ll sleep in longer in the morning is a myth - and it’s one that can get you in trouble on action-packed vacation days. Sleep begets sleep.

If your vacation schedule is going to interfere with your little one’s normal sleep schedule, try to keep at least part of it on track. For example, if you know you’re going to be out late past bedtime, prioritize making sure to get back to your sleep space for a nap. Or, if you know you’re going to miss nap time, try to get back to your sleep space for bedtime – or even a little earlier!

Work with a travel professional to plan your vacation

Traveling with kids is a lot of work, and it can help to let someone experienced handle the not-so-fun details! A good travel advisor can recommend family-friendly resorts and destinations and help you create an itinerary that keeps your child’s healthy sleep a top priority, as well as point you away from options that might be hard to manage with small children.

Don’t stress if things don’t go as planned

Even with the best plan, things are bound to get thrown off at least a little bit at some point. Try to mentally prepare yourself that not everything is going to go perfectly. You will probably have a missed nap or a hard night that results in an overtired baby. Don’t let it ruin your vacation – babies are resilient, and sleep will get back on track once you get home and on your normal schedule.

Wishing you a family vacation full of fun, memory-making, and deep, wonderful, restful sleep!