Holiday travel season is hear again! Don’t let the prospect of baby getting off schedule worry you. Here are our Top 5 tips to keep the little ones happy and calm when away from home:
This may sound funny but if you’re using a travel crib, set it up in your guest room or den in the days leading up to your trip and have the baby nap or sleep there. Allow your child to get comfortable with the new feel and scent of the travel crib so when it’s set up at your destination, it’s a familiar and cozy place.
Let babies and toddlers get all of the curiosity about the new sleeping place out of their systems at home when you’re less likely to be stressed from travel.
Tip # 2 – Keep Familiar Routines
- If baby is prone to overstimulation, minimize the chances of this by keeping the same early bedtime you have at home.
- Sing the same bedtime songs you sing at home, and read favorite books.
- Use the same PJs, pacifier, lovey and even sheets.
- This is not the time to introduce new foods or formula, stick with old favorites.
Tip # 3 – Have a Few Surprises Ready
Stock up on a few new, inexpensive toys and be ready to whip them out when your child is getting squiggly from sitting in one place.
The novelty of a toy your child hasn’t seen before- a squishy ball or doll that talks- can be the difference between 15 minutes of crying or 15 minutes of laughing when you’re stuck in the car or on an airplane.
Tip #4 – Take the Easy Road…
If your baby usually goes to sleep independently at home but you need to hold and rock your little one to sleep when traveling, that is OKAY! You will not create bad habits and you won’t undo the routine your baby is used to at home. With all the stimulation of travel, baby will feel secure and calm in your arms.
If you’re visiting family, there will also be a line of loved ones anxious to cuddle baby too. The is a win/win for everyone.
Tip #5 -… But the Safe Road
While it’s tempting to let your sleeping baby spend the night in a car seat, follow the recommendations of the American Association of Pediatrics by creating a safe sleep environment and putting babies flat on their back for sleeping.
Babies and toddlers are pretty notorious for doing whatever they want, so as we approach Summer travel season, one last tip is to remember that they are only this age once. If travel is taking its toll on your child, you can never go wrong with holding, hugging or just slowing down.
