The Ultimate Guide to On-The-Go Napping
Summer is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to pack up and hit the road with your little ones. Traveling with a baby might seem daunting but, with a few tips, it can be an enjoyable adventure for the whole family.
Keeping up with your baby’s nap schedule while traveling can be tricky. You may not always be able to nap baby in a bedroom or a crib. So you might have to nap on-the-go.
Here are three ways you can do on-the-go naps:
Car Seats
Some babies nap best in their car seat. Plan longer drives around nap time to encourage sleep. And - if you time it right - you can even stick to baby’s normal nap schedule.
- Timing is Everything: Plan your drives around your baby's usual nap times to increase the chances of them falling asleep during the ride.
- Comfort is Key: Make sure your baby’s car seat is properly adjusted and comfy.
- Darken the Windows: Use car window shades to block out sunlight, creating a darker, more sleep-friendly environment in the car.
- White Noise: Play white noise or soothing music to help drown out any distracting sounds and create a calm atmosphere conducive to sleep.
- Safety First: Ensure your baby is securely strapped into their car seat and never leave them unattended in the car, even if they’re sleeping soundly.
Baby Carriers
Carriers can be so helpful when traveling - for getting through the airport, exploring on foot, and napping on-the-go. Your baby will love being close and snuggly, especially while you are in an unfamiliar place.
- Choose the Right Carrier: Opt for a baby carrier that provides good support for both you and your baby. Look for features like adjustable straps and ergonomic design to ensure comfort during extended wear.
- Dress for Comfort: Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing to prevent overheating, and make sure you’re also dressed comfortably to manage the extra body heat.
- Maintain Routine: Follow your baby’s usual nap time routine as closely as possible. This can include singing a lullaby, gentle rocking, or using a pacifier to help them settle into sleep.
- Create a Cozy Environment: Use a carrier with a hood or bring a light blanket to drape over the carrier to shield your baby from bright lights and distractions, creating a more sleep-friendly space.
- Stay Active but Gentle: Engage in gentle, rhythmic activities like walking or swaying, which can be soothing and help your baby drift off to sleep more easily.
Strollers
Stroller naps work well for some babies. The motion helps them fall and stay asleep. You can get a little exercise, explore, and run errands or do activities with the older kids.
- Choose a Reclining Stroller: Opt for a stroller with a reclining seat that can be adjusted to a near-flat position, making it easier for your baby to sleep comfortably.
- Use a Stroller Shade: Ensure the stroller has a good canopy or sunshade to block out bright light and create a darker, more sleep-friendly environment for your baby. But be cautious about overheating the baby.
- Bring Familiar Items: Pack your baby’s favorite toy or lovey to provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, helping them relax and fall asleep more easily.
- Create a White Noise Environment: Use a portable white noise machine or play soothing sounds from your phone to drown out external noise and help your baby stay asleep.
- Stick to the Routine: Try to keep your baby’s nap times consistent with their usual schedule, and incorporate familiar nap-time rituals, such as a short walk or a gentle rocking motion with the stroller.
Travel-Friendly Sleep Products:
Consider investing in a few travel-friendly sleep products
- Travel Crib: Lightweight and easy to set up, perfect for hotel stays.
- Portable Sound Machine: Helps create a consistent sleep environment.
- Stroller with Recline: Ideal for naps on the go, especially when you’re out and about.
We hope these tips help you to enjoy your vacation as a family! And try not to stress if you and baby need a few days to get back into your routine after your vacation.
