How to Help Kids Sleep While Travelling
Getting kids to sleep at home can be tricky enough. Add a plane, long car trip, ferry ride or unfamiliar holiday accommodation and bedtime can become a whole different challenge.
The good news is that you don't need to recreate your child's bedroom every time you travel.
A few familiar comforts, some preparation and a little flexibility can help children settle more easily while you're on the move.
Whether you're flying from Brisbane, heading up the coast, catching the ferry to Moreton Island or taking a family road trip, here are some practical ways to help kids sleep while travelling.
How can I help my child sleep while travelling?
The simplest approach is to make the travel environment feel as familiar and comfortable as possible.
1. Keep some of your normal bedtime routine
You may not be able to follow your usual routine exactly, but familiar steps such as brushing teeth, reading a story or changing into pyjamas can help your child wind down.
2. Bring a familiar blanket or pillow
A familiar comfort item can make an unfamiliar bed, plane or holiday apartment feel a little more reassuring. The Little Travel Co Little Traveller Set includes a blanket, pillow and matching backpack, making it easy to keep a few travel comforts together. The smell of home, wherever they are sleeping away from home, works wonders!
3. Give kids their own travel bag
Let your child pack a few small items, such as a soft toy, book or comforter, into their own backpack. Having familiar belongings close by can help them feel more settled during the journey.
4. Think about temperature
Children can find it difficult to sleep when they're too hot or cold. A lightweight, breathable blanket can be useful when travelling between air-conditioned cars, airports, ferries and warmer outdoor environments. The blanket in our Little Traveller Set might be the right balance for you.
5. Give children time to wind down
After a busy day of exploring, swimming or sightseeing, children may need some quiet time before they can sleep. A calm activity or bedtime story can help them transition from adventure mode to rest mode. Our Around Town Playmat is the perfect activity for little minds to slow down.
6. Don't worry if the routine changes
Later bedtimes, missed naps, different time zones and unusual sleeping arrangements are a normal part of travelling. Focus on helping your child get enough rest overall, rather than trying to keep everything exactly the same.
7. Plan for the journey, not just the destination
Think about where your child may need to rest during the trip, including while waiting at the airport, travelling by car or taking a ferry. Keep comfort items somewhere easy to reach.
A little preparation can go a long way
Travelling with kids rarely goes perfectly, and sleep is no exception.
But a familiar blanket, their favourite toy, a quiet activity and a little patience can make an unfamiliar journey feel much more comfortable.
And sometimes, the unexpected nap in the car ends up being exactly what everyone needed.
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