Travel Tips
When travelling or staying somewhere new, try to keep your baby’s regular routine as consistent as possible. If you can, plan travel, flights or long car rides, around nap times and use that as an opportunity to offer sleep. And always have a Plan B, C, or even D in mind so if things don’t go exactly to plan, you’ll feel more prepared and less flustered in the moment.
When it comes to changes in sleep environments, it’s a great idea to start practising this at home during a time when your baby’s sleep isn’t being affected by things like teething, illness, or major developmental changes.
If you have the space and time, begin by setting up the portacot in your baby’s room. Spend some time playing in it during the day so your baby becomes familiar and comfortable with the space. Use a sheet that’s already been well used and carries their scent to help create a sense of familiarity, similar to what they’re used to in their cotThe same goes for their sleep sack or swaddle, and their comforter, offer sleep association items with a familiar smell.
Once your baby is comfortably napping in the portacot in their room, you can progress by moving the portacot to a different room in your home. Try to replicate the sleep environment as closely as possible, blackout blinds, white noise, etc.
If you're feeling unsure about how things might go while you're away, you could even try having your baby nap at a friend’s or family members house to simulate the experience of sleeping in a new environment.
When you arrive at your holiday accommodation, spend some time in the room your baby will be sleeping in. This can help them adjust to the new space. You might like to spend a few extra minutes just playing in the room before starting your wind-down routine. This can help them feel settled and comfortable, especially if they’ve had a stimulating day with lots of new faces and surroundings.
Purchasing a portable blackout blind and portable white noise machine may also be worth considering before your holiday. Give them a test run at home so you're comfortable using them while away.
If sleeping elsewhere means your baby will be staying at their grandparents' house, home-based care, or a new care setting, it may be helpful for you to be there the first time they have a nap in that space. Having you nearby can provide a strong sense of security and help your baby feel more comfortable in the new environment. Take a well-used sheet or anything familiar in smell, and offer a couple of naps there with you present before leaving them for naps without you. This can really help with a smoother adjustment for everyone involved.
If you can gradually introduce the grandparent or other caregiver using the 4-day process provided, start by introducing them in your baby’s most comfortable environment - home. Then look to offer a nap at their place.
Travelling and time changes.
When travelling, especially with a time change, remember that food, light, and social interaction all impact our biological clocks. A baby’s internal system is regulated by these external cues each day.
If your trip is short (a few weeks or less), you might just choose to roll with it. If you’re away longer, it’s worth gradually adjusting your little one's routine to the new time zone.
Gradual adjustment:
If the time difference is 4 hours or less, start shifting your baby’s schedule 3 to 5 days before travelling. Gradually move their sleep and feed times by 15 to 20 minutes each day until they align with the new time zone.