Vacations and babies' sleep are not always good friends. One of the main tips given to parents about babies' sleep is to maintain certain routines at bedtime. But what do we do when we are on vacation and cannot maintain the same schedules?
Vacations, heat, moving to a new room, a different crib, a different mattress... these can all be factors that make it difficult for little ones to sleep.
Maintain routines, but be flexible
Even if you are on vacation away from home, try to maintain some consistency in your baby's daily routine in terms of feeding times, naps, and bedtime. This will help keep their internal clock from getting completely out of whack.
One tip is that if you know there will be changes to your schedule during the holidays, try to gradually adjust your baby's sleep schedule a few days beforehand so that the transition is not so abrupt.
Although it is important to maintain a certain routine, it is also necessary to be flexible and understand that vacations involve changes. If the baby has an unusual night or needs extra naps, allow it.
When you return home from vacation, try to get your baby back into their normal sleep routine as soon as possible to help them adjust again.
Travel cot, the big change
The change from the usual crib is one of the big changes that can affect a baby's sleep during the holidays. To try to mitigate the difference, we should focus on the things we can maintain, especially in the first few days. It can help to maintain some of the routines that are followed throughout the year, such as the same schedules, bathing before putting them to bed, story time, or lullabies. All of this will help the baby recognize the signs that it is time to sleep.
Also make sure that the place where the baby sleeps is comfortable, quiet, and dark. If you are in a new place, try to recreate an environment similar to the one at home. Babies can feel insecure or uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. Try to stay close to them while they sleep to provide comfort and reassurance when needed.
If you can take a travel cot with you, the JOY travel cot is a very good option, as it is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to assemble, disassemble, and store in its carrying bag.
Travel cribs can accommodate different types of mattresses, but the best option is undoubtedly to keep the usual mattress. For example, the Care® Ultimate crib mattress allows you to remove the topper or top padding with a zipper and take it with you when you travel. This is a good way to ensure that your baby does not miss the surface where they sleep every night and recognizes the smell and texture.
Depending on the space we have when traveling, taking our usual mattress may not be an option. In these cases, you can opt for the Goli Air travel mattress, which is rollable and takes up very little space. The foam, recommended for children weighing up to 20 kg, meets the baby's basic rest needs so they can sleep peacefully and safely.
Everyday objects, reminiscent of home
Bring some familiar objects, such as blankets or stuffed toys, that can help the baby feel more comfortable and secure in the new environment.
In many travel cribs, it is not possible to adapt the bumpers, but for safety and aesthetic reasons, more and more families are choosing to surround the cribs with protective braids. The decorative TWIST braid is perfect for edging the crib, preventing the baby from bumping into it. It is also useful for reducing spaces or delimiting play areas. It is a good idea to take them with you when traveling, as the baby will recognize their feel and colors and feel protected and comforted by their everyday objects.
Other items that can help your baby feel at home are their stuffed animals or comfort blankets; if they feel them nearby, they will feel safer and less restless.
