Baby sleep is tough to manage at home, let alone while traveling. While I have anecdotal advice (check it out on CTV’s Your Morning), I decided to speak to Toronto Paediatric Sleep expert Amanda Jewson of Baby’s Best Sleep for a professional opinion. Amanda has been featured on CTV Your Morning, CBC Radio, Newstalk 610, Huffington Post and more.
We chatted about baby sleep strategy from home to holiday.
Q: A lot of us are getting up for early flights. How do we ensure our little ones get to the airport with as much sleep as possible?
A: So right off the bat we need to start the day with this mantra: today will be a shit-show. It just will be.
And I find that the more we accept and breath through the shit-show, the easier it is to actually master the day. Kid super cranky because they were up early? Laugh it off because you’re prepared with some snacks and screens! The more you’re ready for the crappy behaviour, the better they will be. Mental acceptance takes away 75% of your struggle. But for actual strategy, earlier bedtimes and adequate naps the day before will mean that you babe doesn’t start the day overtired and cranky.
Q: Do kids sleep on a plane? How can we promote sleep on the chaos of a travel day?
A: Yes they can totally sleep on the plane. If you can bring your car seat, I would for safety purposes, but if not, encouraging a nap on the plane on you or otherwise will help take some of the edge off a tired and stimulated child. If your child is UBER stimulated by the people and planes–then aim for an earlier bedtime if possible. Also–sneak in some naps once you’re landed. Gate check your stroller and put your child into it as soon as you’ve landed. A few pushes to luggage and they’ll be out in no time. And even 20 minutes sleep can reduce the amount of sleep pressure that’s been building all day.
Q: What about sightseeing or late nights? How can we extend our days and nights without disrupting sleep?
A: For children over 2, you may get away with some later nights provided you have the kind of child you may sleep a bit. If not, my advice is to hire a sitter, or skip it. I know that’s what you don’t want to hear. But if your child is the type of child who is really cranky or irritable if they don’t sleep –the late night may not be worth it the next day. If your child sleeps well on the go, pack your jammies and do your routine on the go and in the stroller. Pack a portable white noise machine (at an appropriate volume of course–keep in mind the confined space of a stroller and make sure it isn’t too loud), and a cover for your stroller and hold your breath during dinner!
Q: How do we create a familiar sleep environment in a new space?
A: Bring your child’s unwashed bedding and stuffies! This may sound crazy but the smells of home will do wonders for your child. And keep your bedtime routines consistent even abroad (and bring their favourite books from home)
Also–if your hotel room is too bright or you don’t have a separate sleep space, don’t be afraid of big bathrooms and oversized closets. They’re dark and they do the trick (and both of my kids have slept in closets and survived to tell the tale!)
Q: How do we deal with time changes and sleep?
A: The joke is your child will tend to do better than you when it comes to time changes. Well-rested children handle jet lag much better than sleep-deprived adults. If your baby has had a great schedule leading up to the trip, he should slide into the new time zone without too much trouble. It is best to adjust to the new time zone as quickly as you can.Your baby may require an extra nap or earlier bedtime due to the shift. That’s totally ok and allow it to happen for a few nights. ALSO–use the sun. the sun literally tells the body BE AWAKE or lack of it will say GO TO SLEEP. Lots of light/dark exposure at the right times.
Q: When we get home from our trip, how do we get back on schedule as quickly as possible?
A: See above! And make sure you’ve planned for a few low key days while your child gets back on track!
Have more sleep questions? Visit Amanda at www.babysbestsleep.com or on instagram @babysbestsleep