6 Tips For Quality Sleep Through The Holidays?!
Jamie Ortiz | Nov 28, 2022
The holidays can be so stressful for us with all the moving parts. ESPECIALLY for us moms!! We aren't only thinking of what we have to do for the current day, but also planning the week, the month, etc!
So how do you go about offering your baby or toddler quality sleep when things are a little out of the norm?
- If you have something planned that falls during their nap time OR you already know bedtime is going to be a little later….wake them up for the day later than you would normally wake them up. For instance, your baby usually wakes up at 6:30. Wake them up an hour later and push their schedule back by an hour the rest of the day so they can enjoy the fun!
- Try and keep their sleeping environment as close to the environment they are used to while at home. This can look like the same sleep sack/swaddle, the same lovey, the white noise, blackout curtains (foil or black trash bags work just as well).
- Don't underestimate the car nap. Even if your little one gets 20 minutes of sleep in the car, that COULD be enough to jump start that energy and get them through the rest of the day.
- What if nothing else works?! Try the 80/20 rule. That's where 80% of the week you are on schedule, but go with the flow 20% of the week (usually 2-3 days off schedule). Planning ahead can help you know when to exercise that 20%.
- Some children won't nap or go to bed as easily no matter what you do. They're excited, don't want to miss out on the fun, and have a lot of energy. THAT'S OK!
- Try and relax. Going with the flow can be hard for some of us ( definitely speaking for myself here), but the holidays are meant to be enjoyed. You can always pick back up where you left off when things quiet down.
The most important thing is keeping the ROUTINE the same (not so much the schedule).
This is also a great time to work on independent sleep skills if you are staying home for the holidays.
DID YOU KNOW….sleep training actually starts with your child's nighttime sleep?! Many parents don't nap train until after 6 months because nap don't start to consolidate until about that time. Your child is capable of independent sleep at night!!
If you are needing more support, you can always schedule your call with me and allow for me to give you tips SPECIFIC TO YOUR CHILD!
Happy sleeping!!