What To Do About Naps (and Nights) On Holidays

Holidays with loved ones can be really fun for little ones... and highly stressful, too. All that excitement is exhausting!

Of course I'm going to suggest you keep the schedule the same as usual, to the extent possible. But what about when it's not possible?

For twice a day nappers, try to prioritize getting the first nap in the crib or, if you must travel and you have flexible timing, in the car. Many babies will sleep reasonably well in the car. If you can get one good nap in, it's less risky to compromise the quality of the second one.

For the second nap, or the one nap for older babies and toddlers, all bets are off. Drive around the neighborhood 47 times -- ideally with someone you don't get to see very often for company -- or do a stroller nap. Your little one, once past the age of newborn oblivion, is probably not going to nap well in a brand new environment and it may not be worth trying. Of course, if you are staying somewhere for several days and your child has already slept there the previous night, they may be able to nap successfully there. 

Try, as much as you can, to keep bedtime the same. As your loved ones to move the holiday meal earlier or prepare yourself to feed your child early and put them to bed at the regular time, even if your family is disappointed by this decision. Your extended family doesn't understand that missing bedtime will lead to overtiredness, which can be miserable for everyone. 

After the big day, get back to your regular routine, as much as you can while traveling. Hopefully after the big day, your family or friends will be more understanding of your need to prioritize your child's schedule. But not everyone without young children will know or remember how important good sleep is, so don't be afraid to gently remind them. 

Make sure to get your child outside for fresh air at regular intervals. That will help regulate their mood as well as their sleep. Exercise for toddlers and older children can help tremendously with overstimulation fatigue. 

And no matter what, as soon as you get back home, buckle down and do a quick reset to the old routine. The faster you get back to your excellent routine, the easier it will be to get back on track.

If you'd like a well-rested family before the end of year, set up a free consult and get the sleep your family needs to enjoy their time together.