MANAGING YOUR CHILD'S SLEEP DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The holidays are a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for parents of babies and toddlers, they can also bring along some challenges, especially when it comes to sleep. With packed schedules, travel plans, and holiday excitement, maintaining your little one’s sleep routine might feel like an Olympic sport. Don’t panic! With the right strategies, you can still enjoy the season (and maybe even get a nap in yourself) while keeping your baby well-rested.

Holiday Sleep Challenges

Before diving into solutions, let’s identify the common holiday sleep hurdles:

1. Travel and New Sleep Environments
   Whether you're staying at Grandma's or going on a fun Christmas vacation in a different time zone, new surroundings can throw your baby’s sleep routine into chaos. After all, the only thing your baby should be settling into is sleep, not wondering where they are.

2. Late-Night Gatherings and Overstimulation
   Family parties, bright lights, new faces, and endless excitement can turn your little one into a miniature version of that one relative—you know, the one who insists on staying up way too late and then crashes in the middle of everything.

3. Changes in Routine
   Nap times? Bedtimes? Forget it. The usual predictability of meals, naps, and bedtimes tends to vanish faster than cookies on Christmas Eve.

4. Increased Excitement (and Sugar!)
   Festive treats and the general holiday buzz can lead to a more wired, less sleepy and cranky child.

Solutions for Common Holiday Scenarios

1. Traveling with a Baby or Toddler

• Pack a Sleep Kit: Bring familiar items from home to recreate your baby’s usual sleep environment. Essentials include:

• A portable white noise machine 

• Favourite sleep aids like their sleep sack, crib at home’s fitted sheet, blanket and/or lovey.

• Travel blackout covers to darken the room.

• A travel crib or bassinet, because a hotel bed is not a safe zone for baby sleep.

• Stick to Their Routine: Wherever possible, maintain your child’s usual nap and bedtime routines. Follow familiar steps, like having a bath, reading a bedtime story or singing a lullaby.

• Prepare for Time Zones: If traveling across time zones, shift your child’s schedule gradually (15–30 minutes per day) leading up to your trip.

2. Managing Sleep at Family Gatherings

• Set Up a Quiet Sleep Space: Ask your host for a calm, dark room where your child can sleep during the event. A portable crib, white noise machine and blackout covers can make this space feel like home for your little one.

• Plan Around Naps: Try to arrive after your baby’s nap, or at least schedule naps strategically to avoid an overtired kiddo.

• Communicate Sleep Needs: Let family members know when your child will need quiet time. Hint: Don’t wait for grandma to start singing “Jingle Bells” before you step in.

• Leave Early if Necessary: If overstimulation or exhaustion sets in, it’s okay to prioritize your child’s rest over staying late. The holiday fun is sometimes just not worth a tantrum—or that “too much eggnog” look from your toddler.

3. Handling Overstimulation and Excitement

• Watch for Signs of Overtiredness: Look for fussiness, clinginess, or difficulty settling down. These are cues to give your little one a break.

• Schedule Breaks: Build quiet moments into your day—whether it’s cuddling, reading, or just relaxing in a quiet room away from all the buzz.

• Wind Down Before Bed: Avoid high-energy activities and sugar before bedtime. Instead, opt for calming activities like a warm bath, reading holiday books or singing your favourite Christmas carols. 

4. Maintaining (or Resetting) a Sleep Routine

• Flexible but Consistent: I know the holidays are a whirlwind, but try to keep bedtimes and nap times within 30 minutes of their usual times.

• Reset Gradually Post-Holidays: Once the holiday festivities and madness dies down, ease back into your normal routine by adjusting bedtimes by 15–30 minutes per day. 

• Prioritize Daytime Sleep: The holidays are busy, but a well-rested baby is your secret weapon and that much more fun to be around and enjoy the festivities. 

Christmas-Specific Sleep Tips

• Christmas Eve Bedtime: Stick to your child’s usual bedtime routine to avoid overtiredness.

• Christmas Morning Wake-Up: Let your little one wake naturally rather than rushing them out of bed for presents. A well-rested child enjoys the excitement more!

• Nap Breaks Amidst the Chaos: Plan a quiet window during the day to help your baby wind down for a nap, even amidst family celebrations. Even if Aunt Judy insists on showing you her “famous” gingerbread house (again), carve out a moment for your baby to rest. Trust us, everyone will be happier.

The holiday season is about making memories—and you can make a whole lot of happy, rested ones if you plan ahead. Whether you're traveling, hosting family, or just trying to balance all the excitement with a little bit of downtime, these tips can help you keep your little one well-rested and your sanity intact.

If you find yourself needing some extra support during this holiday season or in the New Year, LET’S CHAT!

Wishing you a joyful, peaceful, and (hopefully) restful holiday season!

xo