As the holidays approach, families are gearing up for a season filled with joy, connection, and—of course—travel. While this time of year can be magical, it also brings challenges in keeping little ones on a consistent sleep schedule. With travel, holiday gatherings, and even the shift from Daylight Savings, many parents are left wondering how to protect their child’s rest amidst the festive hustle and bustle. This month, we’re diving into strategies to help you manage sleep during the holidays, including preparing for travel, maintaining routines, and keeping sleep on track even when the schedule gets a bit chaotic.
1. Holiday Travel and Sleep: Setting Up a Cozy, Familiar Environment
Traveling with young children can feel daunting, especially when it comes to sleep. Whether you’re visiting family, staying in a hotel, or setting up in an unfamiliar space, here are some tips to help your child feel at home, no matter where they are:
Bring familiar items: Pack a few of your child’s bedtime essentials, like their favorite blanket, sleep sack, or a stuffed animal. These familiar items can help ease the transition and provide comfort in an unfamiliar environment.
Create a dark sleep space: Controlling light in a new space can be a game-changer. Consider using blackout shades or the SlumberPod (our featured product this month) to create a cozy, dark sleeping environment that mimics their bedroom at home.
Use white noise: A white noise machine can help drown out unfamiliar sounds that might disrupt your child’s sleep, especially if you’re staying in a bustling family household or hotel.
Planning Ahead: For a more tailored approach, consider our Travel Guide or schedule a 30-Min Travel Consult with one of our specialists to help set up a personalized sleep plan for your holiday travel.
2. Adjusting to Daylight Savings - Fall Back
The end of Daylight Savings can disrupt sleep, especially for little ones. With the clocks rolling back an hour on Sunday, November 3, here’s how you can prepare to make the transition as smooth as possible:
Shift gradually: Start adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake-up time by 15-minute increments a few days before the time change. This will help their body gradually adapt to the new schedule without a major shift all at once.
Focus on morning light: Getting exposure to natural light in the morning helps set your child’s internal clock, making it easier to adjust to the new schedule.
Use a flexible wake-up approach: If your child is waking up an hour earlier, resist the urge to rush in. Gradually delay your response time each day to help shift their wake-up time.
Free Resource: Don’t forget to download our Daylight Savings Guide - Fall Back for a step-by-step approach to navigating the time change and easing early wake-ups.
3. Managing Overstimulation During the Holidays
From family gatherings to holiday events, the season’s excitement can sometimes overstimulate young children, making it difficult for them to settle down at bedtime. Here are a few ways to keep things calm:
Create a consistent pre-bedtime routine: A predictable routine with calming activities, such as reading a favorite book or listening to soft music, can help signal to your child that it’s time to wind down.
Use quiet time after gatherings: Encourage 15–20 minutes of quiet time following holiday festivities to help your child transition from an active day to a restful night.
Practice deep breathing together: Simple breathing exercises can help calm both you and your child, making it easier to shift into bedtime mode.
For more personalized tips, our Sleep Evaluation Calls can provide one-on-one guidance for managing holiday overstimulation and keeping bedtime stress-free.
4. The Power of Consistency Amidst Holiday Schedules
Keeping routines consistent during the holidays is key to supporting your child’s sleep, even if you’re adapting to new environments or different time zones. Here are a few ways to balance flexibility with consistency:
Stick to familiar routines: Try to keep your child’s pre-bedtime routine as close to their usual routine as possible, even if the timing shifts a bit.
Prioritize naps when possible: A well-rested child will handle the day’s excitement and change in routine better, so make napping a priority, whether you’re on the road or in a new place.
Communicate with family: Let family members know about your child’s schedule, and don’t hesitate to make adjustments that support their rest.
Membership Launch: Parenting Practice Membership - Now Open!
We’re thrilled to introduce the Parenting Practice Membership, launching today, November 1st, and open to both new and existing clients! This exclusive membership is designed for parents looking to optimize their child’s sleep routine with ongoing expert guidance and support.
As a member, you’ll gain access to:
Foundations Sleep Courses to help establish healthy sleep habits for babies, toddlers, and beyond.
Comprehensive Sleep Training Approaches with tailored strategies to tackle specific sleep challenges.
All of Our Sleep Guides & Resources for quick, easy access to tips and advice at every stage.
Live Courses with Sleep & Pediatric Experts to get hands-on knowledge and boost confidence in managing your child’s sleep.
Direct Access to Our Team & Community where certified sleep specialists answer questions weekly and parents can connect for advice, tips, and support.
This membership is a one-stop resource designed to grow with your child and their sleep needs. Join today to be part of a supportive community dedicated to helping your child sleep better!
Conclusion
The holiday season doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights for your family. By planning ahead, establishing travel-friendly routines, and keeping things consistent, you can help your child enjoy the holidays while still getting the rest they need. Follow us on social media throughout November for more sleep tips, holiday survival strategies, and answers to common questions about sleep and travel.
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