Evie Summers
Travelling with a 2-year-old can be challenging, especially when it comes to sleep. It's important to maintain your child's sleep routine as much as possible while away from home. This includes bringing familiar items such as their favourite books, blankets, or comfort toys, and creating a similar sleep environment to what they have at home. If your child is used to sleeping in their own space, try to continue this while travelling by booking a hotel room with a separate living area or attached room, or using a travel crib such as a KidCo PeaPod. If you're staying with family or friends, ask about setting up a separate room for your child. Maintaining good sleep habits before and after your trip is also crucial to prevent long-term disruptions to your child's sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep training | Sleep training before a trip can help the trip go more smoothly |
| Sleep space | Try to make your child's sleep space as familiar as possible when you travel. Bring their favourite comfort item, pillow, blanket, books, pacifiers, etc. |
| Sleep schedule | Try to stick to your child's consistent sleep schedule |
| Sleep habits | Avoid starting any bad sleep habits on vacation, such as co-sleeping, which can become the new normal for your child |
| Travel cot | Consider investing in a travel cot such as a KidCo PeaPod or SlumberPod, which can help your child sleep separately in a dark space |
| Hotel cribs | Be cautious when using hotel cribs as you won't know their safety history |
| Air travel | If your budget allows, consider purchasing your child their own ticket and installing a car seat for better sleep, safety and comfort |
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What You'll Learn
Make your child's sleep space familiar
Travelling with a toddler can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining their sleep routine. Here are some tips to make your child's sleep space more familiar when you're away from home:
Replicate Their Normal Sleep Environment
Try to make your toddler's sleep environment as similar to their one at home as possible. If they are used to sleeping in a crib, consider bringing a travel crib or renting one at your destination. You can also use a Pack 'n Play-style portable travel crib, which is lightweight and easy to set up in a hotel room. Alternatively, some hotels offer cribs, so be sure to inquire beforehand. If your child usually sleeps in a bed, you can make a bed on the floor with blankets, or use a toddler air mattress, which is compact and easy to travel with.
Familiar Objects and Routines
Bring along your child's favourite comfort items, such as their blanket, stuffed animal, or "lovey". If they are used to sleeping with a white noise machine, don't forget to pack it or download a white noise app on your phone. Stick to their usual bedtime routines as much as possible, including activities such as reading bedtime stories, giving them a bath, or getting them dressed for bed.
Adjust to Time Zones
If you're travelling across time zones, consider whether you want to keep your child on their home time zone or adjust to the local time. For shorter trips or single time zone changes, it may be easier to maintain their home sleep schedule. However, for longer trips or multiple time zone changes, it's beneficial to help them adjust to the local mealtimes and sleep times gradually.
Plan for Naps
Naps are often the most challenging aspect of sleep when travelling. If possible, try to balance late nights with earlier ones to minimise overtiredness. Bring a stroller or carrier so they can nap on the go, or plan drives or boat rides during nap times. If you're staying in a hotel, take advantage of blackout curtains or travel blackout blinds to make the room darker during nap times and early mornings.
Safety and Comfort
Ensure your child's sleep space is safe and suitable for their age. If using a crib provided by relatives or the hotel, make sure it meets current safety standards. If your toddler will be sleeping in a bed, check the room for any hazards. Give them extra hugs if they need comfort in this new space, and remember that it's okay to provide extra support, such as rocking them to sleep or holding them until they fall asleep.
Remember, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy your family time. Don't stress too much about your toddler's sleep schedule, as vacations are temporary, and you can always get back on track when you return home.
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Stick to the same bedtime routine
Travelling with a 2-year-old can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining their sleep schedule. Here are some tips to stick to the same bedtime routine while travelling with a toddler:
Firstly, it is important to understand your child's internal clock and sleep cues. Their internal clock will determine when they are ready to sleep, regardless of the time zone or travel schedule. If possible, try to align their bedtime with their usual sleep schedule. This may involve making adjustments, such as shifting their bedtime by 30-60 minutes each day until it matches the local time at your destination.
Secondly, create a consistent and familiar bedtime routine. Bring along their favourite comfort items, such as a blanket, stuffed animal, or lovey. Pack their favourite bedtime stories and read together as part of the wind-down routine. If your child uses a toddler clock or has specific sleep boundaries at home, maintain those expectations while travelling.
Additionally, consider the sleep environment. If your toddler is used to sleeping in a dark and quiet room, try to replicate this as much as possible. Bring travel blackout blinds or use foil and painter's tape to cover windows and block out light. If your child is accustomed to white noise at home, continue this practice while travelling to provide a sense of familiarity.
It is also beneficial to expose your child to natural light during the day, especially after waking up. Light plays a crucial role in regulating their circadian rhythm and can help adjust their internal clock to the new time zone. If they are well-rested during the day, they will be more likely to sleep better at night.
Lastly, if you have the time before your trip, consider sleep training your toddler. This can help them become more confident and independent sleepers, making it easier for them to sleep in new and unfamiliar environments. Remember, flexibility is key when travelling with young children, and it may take a few days for them to adjust to the new bedtime routine.
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Sleep training before your trip
Sleep training a 2-year-old before your trip can help your child sleep better when you're away from home. It's important to note that sleep training doesn't guarantee perfect sleep during travel, but it can increase the chances of your child sleeping well in a new place. Here are some tips and techniques to help you with sleep training before your journey:
Establish a Predictable and Calming Bedtime Routine:
About an hour before bedtime, create a calming environment by engaging in quiet play, turning off screens, dimming the lights, and playing low and rumbly white noise. White noise can help block out external distractions and provide a sense of comfort. Introduce a lovey, such as a stuffed animal, which can provide additional comfort and security.
The Fading Technique:
If your toddler usually falls asleep with some form of assistance, such as patting or rocking, the fading technique can be a gentle way to transition them to falling asleep independently. Gradually reduce the amount of assistance you provide over time until you can completely remove it. This method may take longer, but it can minimize tears and provide a sense of support during the process.
The Chair Method:
This technique involves placing a chair next to your child's bed and gradually moving it further away each night until you reach the door. Initially, you'll stay in the room until your toddler falls asleep, but with time, you'll be able to move outside the room, and eventually, your child will be able to fall asleep independently.
The "Check and Console" Strategy:
This approach is suitable for caregivers who want quicker results and are comfortable with allowing their toddlers to cry for defined periods. You put your toddler down awake in their sleep space and leave the room. Then, at regular intervals, you return to offer comfort and reassurance before leaving again. Gradually increase the time between check-ins until your toddler falls asleep.
The "Pick Up, Put Down" Method:
This technique involves responding to your toddler's cries by picking them up and cuddling them until they calm down. Once calm, tuck them back into bed. Stay in the room until they fall asleep deeply. Over time, gradually move your chair farther from the crib or bed until you can eventually leave the room.
Twinkle Interruptus:
Once your toddler is doing better with falling asleep, you can introduce this technique. Say something like, "Wait! Hold your teddy! I'll be right back!" and then leave the room for short periods. This teaches your toddler to self-soothe and understand that you will return.
Remember, it's essential to choose a sleep training method that aligns with your parenting style and your child's temperament. Be patient, consistent, and adaptable as you navigate sleep training before your trip.
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Use a SlumberPod or PeaPod
SlumberPod is a portable, privacy "sleep nook" that acts as a blackout tent for your kid's pack 'n' play, mini crib, or toddler air mattress. It is a mini-tent with breathable fabric that blocks out 90% of light, eliminating the need for blackout shades when travelling. The SlumberPod is great for 4-month-olds to 5-year-olds and can fit over a mini crib, pack-n-play, or inflatable toddler mattress. It is incredibly lightweight and small enough to be easy to bring along when travelling. It is also easy to assemble and disassemble, taking just five minutes. It measures 50″ long, 36″ wide, and 56″ tall when assembled and 5.5 pounds, 17″ long, 5″ wide, and 6″ tall in the carrier bag when disassembled. It has two pouches, one for a fan and one for a portable video monitor. It also has built-in ventilation flaps.
The SlumberPod can help kids from feeling out of sorts when sleeping in a new room for the first time. It can help maintain a regular sleep schedule while travelling and allows parents to stay up and keep the lights on when sharing a hotel room with an infant. It is also useful for blocking out light when putting the baby down in the nursery.
The PeaPod works like a tiny popup tent, with a very thin (almost camping-style) mattress on the bottom. It is compact and cosy for sleeping. It is also more compact than a Pack N Play.
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Book a hotel room with a separate living area
When travelling with a 2-year-old, it is important to consider booking a hotel room with a separate living area to ensure that both you and your child get a good night's sleep. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect hotel room for your family:
First and foremost, look for hotels that offer condo-style rooms or apartments. These types of accommodations typically feature one or two bedrooms, a separate living area, and a sofa bed. Embassy Suites, for example, guarantees rooms with separate living and sleeping areas, as well as kitchenettes and desks. Marriott's Residence Inn offers studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, with the latter accommodating up to six guests and featuring a king bed, a queen bed, and a sofa bed in the living room.
Another option is to book a hotel room with multiple beds. Some hotels offer rooms with one king bed or two queen beds, plus bunk beds, which can be ideal for larger families. The Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance near Disneyland and the Westin Reserva Conchal in Costa Rica are examples of hotels with these types of rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider booking a room for four people and then requesting an extra bed. Some hotels allow you to make special requests through their online reservation system, while others may require direct communication via phone or email. Websites like Sleeps5 can help you find hotels that offer family-friendly accommodations for larger groups.
When booking, it's important to understand the space you'll be getting. Standard hotel rooms typically measure 300-450 square feet and may not provide the extra space you need. Paying a little extra for a suite or larger room can often save you money compared to booking multiple rooms.
Lastly, consider the amenities that are important to you and your family. A kitchenette, for example, can help you save money on dining out. Family-friendly amenities such as recreational facilities and engaging activities can also enhance your stay. By planning ahead and considering your options, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip for both you and your 2-year-old.
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Frequently asked questions
Try to make your child's sleep space as familiar as possible. Bring their favourite comfort items, such as a lovey or pillow, and run through their bedtime routine just like you would at home. If they sleep independently, encourage them to continue doing so while travelling. If you don't have a travel crib, you can use foil and painter's tape to cover any windows and create darkness, or use Gro-Anywhere Blinds.
If your child is used to their consistent sleep schedule, re-establishing good sleep habits shouldn't take more than a night or two. If possible, try to have at least one nap at your "home away from home". If your child sleeps in their own space at home, try to continue this while travelling. If a separate sleeping space isn't an option, create a barrier or distance between your bed and your child's sleep space.
If you're looking for a compact and lightweight option, the KidCo PeaPod is a good choice. It works like a tiny popup tent with a thin mattress at the bottom. If you're staying in a hotel, you can often book a room with a king bed and a sofa bed, providing a separate sleeping space for your child.
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