4 Tips to Help Baby Sleep while Traveling - Baby Chick

4 Tips to Help Baby Sleep while Traveling

sleepUpdated December 15, 2021

by Violet Giannone

Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Registered Nurse & Potty Training Expert

Share

Wondering how to get your baby to sleep while traveling out and away from home? Getting a baby to nap during outings, trips, and vacations can be nerve-racking. With the warm weather and summer approaching, everyone wants to know how to take their baby out without constantly worrying about sleep time. Here are some of my best travel and vacation tips.

1. Bring something familiar from home.

This will help your baby settle to sleep easier.  A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, a portable white noise machine. Anything that reminds your baby of sleep. Having a familiar item will put your baby at ease and will help them fall asleep faster.

2. Don’t stress about outdoor naps.

If you are vacationing, the last thing you want to worry about is going back to your hotel at naptime. Bring a breathable blanket or cloth and drape it over the stroller to filter out light and distraction. Even the stroller shade works well. Walk around, enjoy yourself and let your baby drift off to la-la land. If you have never done this, now is a great time to start. Hand your baby a “lovey” and just practice. Some babies fall asleep easily in strollers, while others get uneasy and just need some practice time.

3. Bring a pack ‘n play or travel cot.

I always recommend that a baby has their own sleep space even while away from home. Bring your pack ‘n play, or if you will be staying at a hotel, call ahead and ask if they provide one. At night follow your same bedtime routine, and just lay your baby down as you would at home. This brings me to my next point . . . 

4. Don’t start any new bad sleep habits.

My general “rule” for traveling with a baby is don’t start any new sleep habits just because you are away from home. If you don’t bed share at home, there’s no reason to start that habit while on vacation. And that goes for the bedtime routine, too. If you don’t nurse or rock your baby to sleep at home, don’t start now. Follow the same bedtime routine you have at home. It may take a little more effort to get your baby to sleep in a new environment, but the effort is worth it compared to the work you will have to do to break a new habit formed while vacationing.

Good luck, safe travels, and happy sleep!

Sleepless woman suffering from insomnia, sleep apnea or stress. Tired and exhausted lady. Headache or migraine. Awake in the middle of the night. Frustrated person with problem. Alarm clock with time.

Tips for Managing Postpartum Insomnia

  • Upvote
  • Care
9
Photo of One year old baby boy sleeping during the day. Baby sleeping with open arms and with pacifier. Daytime sleep of the child. Brown hair baby is sleeping on the back. Adorable baby boy sleeping peacefully at home in the living room

Considering Hiring a Sleep Consultant? What to Know

  • Upvote
  • Celebrate
  • Love
10
Mother sitting in her daughter's nursery with her daughter on her lap as they look at the glow of the Hatch Rest with the lights off in the room.

Baby Sleep Must-Haves: 6-12 Month Olds

  • Upvote
  • Love
  • Insightful
11
Close-up view of a newborn baby boy sleeping in a crib

When Your Friend’s Baby Sleeps Through the Night Before Yours

  • Love
  • Care
  • Upvote
48
Baby sleeps on stomach and is laying on a soft blue blanket wearing a white onesie and socks and sucking a pacifier.

SIDS: What You Need to Know to Reduce the Risk – Podcast Ep 98

  • Upvote
  • Insightful
  • Love
40
Adorable baby sleeping at night. Little girl in pajama taking a nap in room with toy.

When You Can Expect Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night

  • Upvote
  • Love
  • Insightful
30

reactions

  • Upvote
    Upvote
  • Love
    Love
  • Care
    Care
  • Surprised
    Surprised
  • Celebrate
    Celebrate
  • Insightful
    Insightful

Share