Have you ever had a trip planned with your family, but the thought of your child having disrupted routines and new sleeping arrangements replaced your excitement with nervousness?  Whether it’s traveling during the holiday season, spring or summer vacation, or a weekend getaway, traveling with children can be intimidating, no matter how long or quick of a trip.  Here are some of my top baby travel tips, as well as my favorite travel sleep product, to help create the perfect sleep environment while traveling that allows your child to settle peacefully in a hotel room, guest bedroom, or wherever you may find yourself on your next getaway.

TOP TIPS FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL WITH KIDS 2024

Stick to Your Routine:

Try to keep your nap and bedtime routine consistent with what you do at home. If you usually read a story, sing a song, or use a specific lullaby, incorporating these elements while traveling can help ease the transition to sleep.  Familiar routines provide a sense of structure and comfort, making it easier for children to settle down.

Bring Familiar Items:

Having a familiar blanket, sleep sack, or stuffed animal can be comforting for your child and signal that it’s time to sleep, even in an unfamiliar environment.

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Use White Noise: 

If you use a white noise machine at home or staying somewhere with unpredictable noises (like a hotel or a relative’s home), bring your white noise machine or an app on your phone to mask background sounds. This helps create a soothing environment that your child is used to.

IMAGE COURTESY OF SLUMBERPOD.COM

Keep the Sleep Space Dark:

A dark sleep space can make a world of difference in helping a child settle and sleep well, even in unfamiliar surroundings.  One of my personal favorite baby sleep solutions for travel is the SlumberPod—a portable, blackout tent designed to create a perfect sleep space for your child on the go.  I have used this countless times with my children during our travels, and its ease and effectiveness make it one of my top recommended sleep products.  If you haven’t heard of a Slumberpod, let me tell you more.

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Why I like the SlumberPod

IMAGES COURTESY OF SLUMBERPOD.COM

Total Darkness: 

Many travel accommodations don’t allow you to control light levels, which can become an issue when trying to maintain your child’s sleep routine. The SlumberPod’s blackout design keeps the sleep space dark, regardless of the time of day or the presence of external light sources, helping your child settle and sleep better.  This is especially helpful for kiddos who are sensitive to light and sleep best in a pitch-black environment- aka my kids.

Ideal for Room Sharing: 

If you’re room-sharing with a baby, the SlumberPod provides a cozy, separate sleep zone that minimizes distractions.  You can move around the room, read, or keep a small light on without disturbing the baby, which is so helpful for enjoying yourself and allowing everyone to get restful sleep.

Safe and Breathable:  

The fabric is breathable and includes air vents, making it suitable for different climates and helping to regulate temperature.  There’s also a pocket for you to add a portable fan if needed

Portable and Easy to Set Up: 

The SlumberPod is compact and lightweight, making it an easy addition to your travel gear.  Its setup is straightforward, allowing you to transform any space into a sleep-friendly haven in minutes.  I’ve taken the SlumberPod with us everywhere- Europe, the beach, weekend getaways, and day trips to visit family and friends.  For those of you traveling by plane, it even fits in a carry-on, making it an ideal solution for traveling with children.

Children thrive on routine and consistency, which often gets disrupted when traveling.  When traveling, the goal is to mimic your child’s new sleep space to the one at home.  This familiarity is a key element in supporting restful, consistent sleep while traveling.  If you’re worried about the sleep environment at your destination, eliminate the guessing game and come prepared with these tools and tips.  Happy travels, and here’s to creating the perfect sleep environment while traveling and better sleep on the go!