Tips for Successful Sleep When Traveling with a Baby
5 Tips for Successful Sleep When Traveling With a Baby
Traveling with a baby can be an incredible adventure—and yes, a bit of a challenge. Whether you're heading out for a weekend road trip or flying across time zones, one thing is for sure: sleep is key to a happy, enjoyable experience for everyone. While travel will almost always bring a little disruption, these five tips can help your baby (and you!) get the rest you need to make the most of your time away.
1. Plan Before You Go
A successful trip starts before you even leave the house. Compare your travel day to your child’s typical schedule—when will naps happen? How will meals line up? What snacks can you pack in case the food isn’t baby-approved? Think about entertainment too—whether it's board books, teethers, or a favorite toy, a little distraction goes a long way. Taking 15 minutes to map out a flexible plan can make a huge difference in how smooth (or chaotic) the day feels.
2. Keep Bedtime Early (as Much as You Can!)
We know: vacations are full of exciting evening plans. But it’s almost a guarantee that your little one will wake early when sleeping away from home. A baby who's overtired will have a harder time falling and staying asleep, which can lead to cranky mornings for everyone. Try to keep bedtime close to normal, especially on the first few nights. If you're going to push bedtime later, save it for just one or two nights of the trip—and aim for earlier bedtimes the next day.
3. Build in Time for Kids to Be Kids
Vacations often come with packed itineraries, but little ones need space to reset and feel grounded. Whether you’re traveling with a newborn or a busy toddler, try to include time each day for open-ended play. Hit a local playground, lay out a blanket for floor time, or slow down with books and snuggles. These small, familiar moments can help balance out all the new sights, sounds, and stimulation that travel brings.
4. Bring the Right Sleep Gear
Recreating your child’s sleep space can help them feel safe and secure in a new environment. We recommend bringing:
A portable blackout solution (like the SlumberPod or blackout curtains)
A sound machine for consistent sleep cues
Their sleep sack or swaddle
Any comfort items they usually sleep with (like a lovey or pacifier)
The more familiar sleep feels, the easier it will be for them to settle.
5. Manage Your Expectations
Even with the best planning, it can take a few days for babies and toddlers to adjust to a new sleep space. Be patient with them—and yourself. It's okay if things aren’t perfect. Stick to your routines as much as possible and offer extra reassurance if they need it. Avoid creating new habits (like co-sleeping if that’s not something you normally do), but know that a few more check-ins or snuggles may be necessary. Grace over perfection, always.
Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights. With a little planning, the right gear, and realistic expectations, you can help your little one rest well—and enjoy your trip so much more because of it.