Sleeping on vacation

Tips & tricks for kids who sleep soundly

We find it very important that the kids sleep well on vacation. The days are active, and they take in many new experiences. With a good night’s sleep, everyone can handle so much more. So, make your child’s sleep a priority, especially on vacation! That’s the number one tip for a fun, active, and enjoyable family holiday.

Children place great value on routine and comfort, especially when it comes to sleep. When traveling, disrupting their familiar sleep environment can lead to restless nights for both the kids and the parents. Additionally, it can be challenging to adjust your little one’s nap schedule to fit the day’s plans.

Fortunately, there are ways to create a familiar sleep environment for children, even when you’re on the go. In this blog, I’ll share some valuable tips to improve your children’s sleep during your travels, even for daytime naps.

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Create an optimal sleep environment - sleep better on vacation

For children, new environments can often be exciting. Therefore, a calm and comfortable sleep environment is essential for a good night’s rest. Here are some tips to create an optimal sleep environment:

Take a piece of home with you

One of the best ways to create a familiar sleep environment for children while traveling is to bring along some trusted items from home. Consider packing their favorite stuffed animal, sleeping bag, blanket, or even their own pillow. Here you will find a complete packing list of what to bring when traveling with a baby.Familiar objects can provide a sense of comfort and safety, both at night and during the day when it’s time for naps.

Location of the crib

If you’re sleeping in a hotel room, place the crib in a spot where your child is least disturbed by noise and light.

Use familiar sounds

If your child is accustomed to certain sounds, such as white noise or lullabies, make sure you can reproduce these in the same way during your vacation.

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The normal sleep routine - sleeping on vacation

Children like to know what to expect. Therefore, try to maintain the same sleep routine on vacation as at home. Additionally, a consistent bedtime ritual helps children relax and prepare for sleep. This can include reading a book, having a calming bath time, brushing their teeth, and cuddle time.

Extra tips

Limit screen time before bed

Avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers for at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light can affect melatonin production, disrupting sleep.

Do not give sugary or caffeinated drinks (including tea, iced tea, and hot chocolate, which also contain caffeine!).

Avoid giving caffeinated drinks to children, especially in the afternoon and evening, as caffeine can disrupt sleep.

Be patient and consistent

It may take some time for your child to fall asleep in a new environment. Be patient and stick to the routine consistently.

Go to bed on time - sleeping on vacation

It is crucial to go to bed on time, especially for tired children. Pay attention to the first signs of fatigue, such as moving more slowly, yawning, and looking drowsy, and put your child to bed as soon as these signs appear. This helps prevent overtiredness and promotes a good night’s sleep.

Try to stick to the same bedtimes as at home as much as possible. The bedtimes below are good guidelines. Are you traveling to a destination with a time difference? Then read our tips for overcoming jet lag here.

Babies (0-12 months)

Babies need about 14-17 hours of sleep per day, divided between naps and nighttime sleep. They usually don’t have a set bedtime, but establishing a consistent bedtime ritual can help promote good sleep habits.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Toddlers typically need 11-14 hours of sleep per day. A typical bedtime for toddlers is between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

Preschoolers (3-6 years)

Preschoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per night. An appropriate bedtime for preschoolers is usually around 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Tips for daytime naps - sleeping on vacation

Naps can often be a challenge during vacation, but they are essential for a well-rested child. If you notice that your little one sleeps well in the stroller, car, or carrier, take advantage of this during nap times. Plan walks or car rides around your child’s sleep schedule so they can sleep comfortably while you continue with the day’s plans. This is a convenient way to incorporate naps without disrupting your child’s sleep.

Again, it’s important to stick to the normal nap times. Try to maintain your child’s usual nap schedule as much as possible, even if it seems inconvenient. If your child absolutely refuses to sleep during the vacation, don’t force naps. Instead, try engaging in some quiet activities to help prevent fatigue.

Consider a Deryan tent

A useful purchase for traveling with a baby or young children is a Deryan tent. Your little one can sleep comfortably outside while you relax. This is especially handy at the beach, by the pool, or in nature. The tent provides protection from the sun and insects, allowing your child to take peaceful naps while you enjoy the fresh air. Additionally, a Deryan tent is portable and can be taken on road trips, ensuring you always have a comfortable sleeping spot for your little one, even at night. Check bol.com for all the different types of Deryan tents.

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