The first rule to helping your child to sleep on holiday is the same for a baby and a toddler; it is simply to make the environment as similar to their home environment as possible. It is natural for a very young child to feel anxiety the first time they are away from their home environment especially at nighttime. By creating a similar environment to their home you can maintain your child’s usual sleeping patterns and enjoy a peaceful holiday.

Tips

1. As much as possible keep your child in their usual nap and night time sleep patterns.

2. If travelling to a time zone which is a few hours back (such as America), adjust sleeping times a little later for a few days before departing. If going east to Europe you should move sleep times a little earlier to help adjust before arriving.

3. Pack a favourite night time cuddly toy or cot mobile. The familiar sights to your child will prove comforting.

4. Take an unwashed cot sheet or cot bed sheet with you to provide the familiar smell of sleep time at home.

5. A great tip is to put your child to sleep with a soothing CD for a few days prior to leaving for your trip. By playing the same CD at night time on your holiday, your child will recognise it is time for sleep.

6. If travelling with a car, select a spacious but portable travel cot for toddlers.

7. If travelling abroad or taking a holiday in the sun in the UK, a light weight UV tent will serve the dual purpose of protecting your child from the sun, as well as a place for nap time.

Product Recommendations

Summer Infant Snuggle Nest

If your baby is in their very first months, this light weight sleeping positional aid will be invaluable. By simply positioning your baby within the snuggle nest you know they will be safely protected in the correct sleeping position. You are then able to sleep and bond next to your baby in bed.

The Baby Dan Travel Cot

This is probably the most robust and yet portable travel cot available. It is recommended if you driving to your holiday destination but maybe a little too bulky for airplane travel. The definite advantage of the Baby Dan Travel cot is the space your child will have inside.

Travel Cot & UV Tent

UV Tents are must have items if you are planning a day with your young child on the beach, park or garden. They come complete with zip up mattresses and a fine insect mesh to make a safe place for nap time.

Sleep Sheep Travel Companion

A cute, cuddly first companion toy designed to help baby sleep; probably the best holiday accessory you could take with you!!