Evie Summers
Travelling with toddlers can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining their sleep habits. A change in environment can disrupt their sleep, leading to the development of new, undesirable sleep habits that can be challenging to break. To prevent this, parents can try to maintain their child's sleep routine and create a familiar sleep environment while travelling. This may involve bringing their child's favourite bedtime items, such as a lovey or bedtime books, and simulating their usual sleep space, even when sharing a room. Additionally, it is essential to avoid starting any bad sleep habits, such as co-sleeping, which can be difficult to undo upon returning home.
When it comes to where a 2-year-old should sleep on vacation, there are several options. Some parents opt for bed-sharing, which requires no additional gear but may disrupt the parents' sleep. Others choose to rent or bring their own travel cribs, playpens, or toddler beds, which can provide a familiar and safe sleep space for their child. Inflatable toddler beds are also a popular choice, as they are portable, exciting for children, and often come with built-in bed rails to prevent rolling out of bed.
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What You'll Learn
Maintaining sleep habits
Travelling with a 2-year-old can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining their sleep habits. Here are some tips to help your toddler maintain their sleep habits while on vacation:
Keep a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Try to stick to your toddler's regular bedtime routine as much as possible. This includes maintaining a consistent bedtime, following the same steps before sleep, and bringing their favourite bedtime books or toys to create a familiar sleep environment.
Create a Familiar Sleep Space
Make your child's sleep space as similar to their space at home as possible. If your child sleeps in a crib, consider bringing a travel crib or renting one at your destination. If they are transitioning to a toddler bed, you can use a portable toddler bed or an inflatable bed with safety rails to prevent them from rolling out.
Separate Sleep Spaces
If your child is used to sleeping independently in their own space at home, try to maintain this while travelling. If you're staying in a hotel, opt for a suite or adjoining rooms to create separate sleep spaces. Alternatively, consider renting a vacation home or condo to have more space and privacy.
Adapt to Their Needs
Be prepared to adapt your sleep strategy based on your child's personality and needs. Some children may need a quiet and separate space, while others may prefer sleeping near a parent. If your child is going through a transition, such as moving from a crib to a toddler bed, be mindful that they may need extra comfort or a familiar sleeping arrangement.
Manage Expectations
Understand that sleep may not always go perfectly while on vacation, and that's okay. If your child sleeps independently at home, try to maintain this routine while travelling. However, if they end up co-sleeping with you due to circumstances, communicate that this is a temporary arrangement and reset their expectations once you return home.
Plan for Naps
If your toddler doesn't usually nap, consider allowing some flexibility for naps on vacation. This can help them adjust to new surroundings and activities, and you can also enjoy some downtime. Just ensure that their bedtime routine remains consistent.
Remember, every child is unique, and you know your child's sleep needs best. With some planning and flexibility, you can help your 2-year-old maintain healthy sleep habits while enjoying your vacation.
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Bed-sharing
Firstly, bed-sharing can disrupt your child's sleep habits. Even one night of co-sleeping can reset your child's expectations and quickly become their new normal. This can make it difficult to transition them back to sleeping independently in their own bed once the vacation is over.
Secondly, bed-sharing may result in a lack of sleep for you. If your child is squirmy or not used to sharing a bed, they may disturb your sleep throughout the night.
Thirdly, in the United States, bed-sharing is not recommended by pediatricians and other healthcare professionals due to safety concerns, particularly for infants. While there are no official sleep guidelines for toddlers, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and make an informed decision.
If you decide to bed-share with your 2-year-old while on vacation, here are some tips to make it a smoother experience:
- Confirm that you will have a bed big enough for co-sleeping at your destination.
- Bring your child's favourite comfort items, such as their lovey or bedtime books, to make the sleep environment as familiar as possible.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine, even while travelling. This will help your child feel more secure and facilitate easier sleep.
- If your child wakes up during the night, remain calm and walk them back to their bed, tucking them in and leaving the room. Consistency is key in helping your child develop healthy sleep habits.
- Consider a reward system, such as a sticker chart, to positively reinforce your child's behaviour and encourage them to stay in their bed throughout the night.
- If possible, book a suite or a room with connecting rooms to give your family more space and allow for some adult time after the kids go to bed.
- If you are sharing a room, prepare a comfortable space for yourself before your child goes to sleep. Gather all your necessities, such as pyjamas, a toothbrush, glasses, and any entertainment devices like Kindle or iPad, so you can relax once they are asleep.
Remember, the decision to bed-share or maintain separate sleeping spaces depends on your child's personality and your family's preferences. What works for one family may not work for another, so it is important to be flexible and adapt your sleep strategy as your child grows and your travel situations change.
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Travel cribs
Travelling with a 2-year-old can be challenging, especially when it comes to sleep. A change in sleep habits can lead to the development of bad sleep habits that can be hard to get rid of. Here are some tips and products to help your 2-year-old sleep while on vacation:
Maintaining Sleep Habits
It is important to try and maintain your child's sleep habits as much as possible while travelling. If your child sleeps independently at home, try to have them do the same while on vacation. You can bring their favourite bedtime books and toys to make the sleep environment more familiar.
Choosing a Travel Crib
If your child is not ready to sleep in a bed on their own, you may want to consider a travel crib. Here are some options:
- Pack 'n Play style portable travel crib: This is a popular option for families as it can work well for sleep in various travel situations. There are lightweight versions available, such as the Lotus Travel Crib and the BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light.
- Pea Pod: This product is compact for packing and cosy for sleeping.
- Munchkin Brica Fold ‘n Go Baby Travel Pod: This option is ideal for newborns and younger babies who are not yet rolling over. It can be set up quickly and easily and lays flat on the ground.
- Sleep & Go: This 3-in-1 travel crib is pricier than others on the market, but it is versatile and made with high-quality materials. It has a spacious play area and can be used for several years.
- Inflatable toddler bed: An inflatable toddler bed can be a good option if you are staying in a hotel, as it is portable and can provide a separate sleeping space for your child.
Other Options
If you are staying with family or in a vacation rental, you may want to consider renting a full crib or purchasing a foldable portable toddler bed. Additionally, if you are staying in a hotel with multiple beds, you can put your child to sleep in their own bed and then use headphones to watch your phone or catch up on emails in the dark.
Remember, the right travel sleep setup will depend on your child's personality and where you are staying. It is important to consider your child's needs and preferences when choosing a travel sleep solution.
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Inflatable toddler beds
Travelling with toddlers can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to their sleep. A change in sleep habits can lead to the development of bad sleep habits that can be hard to get rid of. Therefore, it is important to try and make your child's sleep space as familiar as possible.
One option for your child's sleep setup is an inflatable toddler bed. These beds are portable and easy to travel with. They are also durable and safe, with raised sides to prevent your child from rolling out. Inflatable toddler beds can be set up easily and quickly, and some even come with their own electric pump. They are lightweight and can be stored in an XL travel bag, making them perfect for sleepovers at grandma's house or for use in a hotel room.
There are various inflatable toddler beds available on the market, such as the Hiccapop Travel Bed, which is made from thick vinyl and can be blown up in under 30 seconds. Another option is the Honeydrill Kids Travel Air Bed, which has raised sides and is available in dark blue. The Regalo Inflatable Toddler Bed also comes with 2-sided bed rail bumpers to prevent your child from falling out of bed.
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Separate sleeping spaces
Travelling with a 2-year-old can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining their sleep habits. Here are some tips for creating separate sleeping spaces for your toddler while on vacation:
Hotel Rooms
Hotels with family suites or adjoining rooms can provide the necessary separation for your toddler's sleep. Look for hotels with multiple bedrooms or spacious suites. If a separate bedroom is not available, consider a hotel room with a pull-out sofa or a king bed that provides ample space for co-sleeping if that is your preference.
Some hotels offer junior suites with daybeds or alcoves, which can serve as separate sleeping spaces for your toddler. A travel crib or inflatable toddler mattress can be set up in these spaces, providing a cosy and contained area for your little one to sleep in.
If you are staying in a standard hotel room, you can get creative by making a pallet on the floor using a sleeping bag, pillows, and an inflatable pool float. Practising this setup in your toddler's room before the trip can make them more comfortable with the arrangement when you're away.
Vacation Rentals
When renting a vacation home, condo, or staying at a relative's house, you often have more flexibility in terms of space. You can set up a separate bedroom for your toddler, bringing their favourite bedtime books, lovey, or other familiar items to make the space comforting and familiar.
Portable Travel Cribs
A Pack 'n Play-style portable travel crib is a versatile option for various travel situations, including road trips and longer vacations where your toddler needs their own space. They are suitable for toddlers up to about 30 pounds and can be set up in a quiet corner of a hotel room or a relative's house. Basic models are inexpensive, but they can be bulky and incur additional baggage fees if brought on flights.
Alternatively, lightweight travel crib options like the Lotus Travel Crib or BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light are designed with ease of travel in mind and can provide a separate sleeping space for your toddler.
Inflatable Toddler Beds
Inflatable toddler beds are a great option for travel, as they are compact and exciting for toddlers. They often feature large edges to prevent toddlers from rolling out, providing a safe and separate sleeping space.
Pull-Out Sofas
When staying in a hotel, look for rooms with pull-out sofas. This provides a separate and compact sleeping space for your toddler while allowing you to have your own bed.
Outdoor Spaces
When travelling with toddlers, consider the value of outdoor spaces like balconies or terraces. These areas can provide much-needed separation, allowing you to relax after your toddler's bedtime while enjoying the fresh air and views.
Remember, the key is to maintain consistency in your toddler's sleep habits and simulate their sleep environment from home as much as possible. By prioritising separate sleeping spaces, you can help prevent the formation of challenging sleep habits that may persist long after your vacation ends.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to maintain your child's sleep habits while on vacation. Try to make your child's sleep space as familiar as possible. Bring their favourite blanket, pillow, or bedtime books. Run through their bedtime routine just like you would at home. If your child sleeps independently, ensure they continue to do so while travelling.
There are several sleeping arrangements for a 2-year-old while on vacation. You could opt for bed sharing, which requires no extra gear. Alternatively, you could rent a crib or a toddler bed. Some hotels provide pack 'n plays or pull-out beds. You could also purchase an inflatable toddler bed or a portable travel crib.
It can be challenging to get your 2-year-old to sleep in a new environment. Ensure the room is as dark as possible and consider using a noise machine. Stick to their bedtime routine as much as possible. If your child is tired from the journey and activities, they are more likely to sleep.
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