Summer is here and you know what that means! Traveling and vacations!
Whether you are flying or driving, the thought of throwing your baby’s schedule and routine off has many moms freaked out! Some of you are even considering cancelling your travel plans altogether. I’m going to give you some tips and tricks for traveling with your baby so you can chill out, go on vacation and enjoy yourselves!
Traveling with your baby made easy
Summer is a time to hit the road, visit family and friends and create memories. Here are some tips to help make your travels more enjoyable when you’re bringing a baby along.
Feed your baby on their feeding schedule.
It’s very difficult, especially if you are driving, to pull over and feed your baby when they are sleeping perfectly in the backseat. But, it’s very important that you do. Your baby needs to eat all their required calories during the day so they can sleep through the night. If they miss a feed, they may wake in the night to make up the missed calories. Traveling with your baby will be much less stressful if you can maintain their normal feeding schedule.
Try to recreate their typical home sleep space.
The 3 most important things to include are the sound machine, swaddle ( if your baby uses one) and the darkest sleep space possible.
When possible, try to arrange for a separate sleeping space for the baby. If this isn’t possible, a bathroom, closet or laundry room will suffice as long as there is proper air circulation. If a separate sleeping space isn’t possible, a Pack n Play or a SlumberPod are great options, too!
Maintain your baby’s bedtime routine.
This step will help your baby recognize that nighttime sleep is coming and will give them triggers for sleep. If you want to skip a bath because you are getting in late, you can do that. You don’t have to do every single step of your nighttime routine if it’s not something that is convenient for whatever reason. One or two of your normal steps that you would do at home is enough of a routine.
Chill out and have fun.
When you are on vacation, it’s not a time to stress about things. The most important thing is that you have fun and you create wonderful memories for your family. If your baby doesn’t sleep well on vacation, it’s not the end of the world. Try to do the best that you can and just go with the flow of things. Naps don’t always have to be at home and in a perfect sleeping environment. Sleep is going to happen in a car seat, grandma‘s arms, on the beach in a tent, or wherever else your travels may take you. The baby is going to sleep however the baby is going to sleep. When you get “home” for the night, your baby will likely sleep well, as he may have had a bad nap day. No worries. Tomorrow is a new day!
I hope these tips will help you to relax and enjoy your vacation. Some stress is normal and will happen. The baby may be overtired and not sleep perfectly while you are away and that’s ok! Have fun, make beautiful memories, and get back on track when you return home! Lastly, remember a newborn care specialist is only a phone call away and happy to help you with all things baby.
Safe travels!
