Top 5 Sleep Tips for Traveling with Your Toddler

Tip #1- Stick to your routine!
Toddlers and kids thrive on predictable routines but we know there's no perfect way to have the exact same routine when you're away from home. Do the best you can to keep their daily routine as predictable as possible! You want to have fun on your holiday or vacation, but want to make sure your little one sleeps too. Toddlers can quickly get overstimulated by taking in all of their new surrounding, so expect naps may be on the go. For a toddler under 3 years old, too much deviation from their normal routine can be very disorienting. Whenever possible, try to prepare your child for a change in their routine, and explain to them what to expect when something may not happen as it usually would at home. This also means that you should still do your bedtime routine at night! 

Tip #2- Be physically available.
Toddlers are sensory driven individuals. Being in a new place can be scary for them but also  exciting as they take in new sights, sounds and smells. Try to physically connect with your child and spend a little down time where you can, simply holding them or reading a story with them in your lap. This will help them feel safe and connected to you and will help calm them, especially right before a nap or bedtime. 
 
Tip #3- Bring along a favorite toy or two. 
An easy way to help your toddler feel at ease is to bring along a favorite toy or stuffed animal. Toddlers are very sensory individuals and will greatly benefit from squeezing and even smelling a familiar stuffed animal from home. To make things easier, bring along your toddler's pillow and blanket from home to make naps and bedtime as familiar as possible.

Tip #4- Don’t fall into bad habits
If you recently stopped giving your toddler a pacifier at bedtime, vacation is not the time to begin allowing the pacifier again. It is so tempting to use the “quick fix” when in a new place, but allowing old habits to start up again will confuse your child and cause you more headache once you return home. Have confidence that your toddler can adapt to their new surroundings without the coping mechanism! Be aware that there may be an adjustment period for the first few nights you are in a new place. 

Tip #5- Be patient!
With every new experience your toddler has, there is a range of emotions and behaviors that typically come along with it. Remind yourself that your toddler is trying to adjust to a new place and try not to take these behaviors personally. Remember your toddler feels safest when they are closest to you, so extra cuddles helps to regulate them. This toddler phase is temporary, but can be so rewarding if we stay attuned to the needs of our little ones! 

And once you get home, go back to your old routine and reset. It may take a few days to adjust back to being home. If you're still having issues one week after travel with a 2 year old, don't hesitate to reach out. I'd love to help.