How to Manage Your Child’s Sleep When Staying With Family at Christmas
Welcome to the holiday season, a time of year filled with festive cheer and family gatherings. However, when you have a baby or toddler, the jolly celebrations can also bring some challenges and anxiety, especially when it comes to managing their sleep schedule. You may feel worried about going off track, how your little one (and you!) will manage. I have some practical strategies for ensuring your child gets the rest they need while still enjoying the holiday festivities with your loved ones.
Why It’s Okay to Stick to Your Routine:
As a parent, you know that a well-rested child is a happy child. During the holidays, it’s perfectly okay to stick to your baby or toddler’s sleep routine. You should not feel (or be made to feel) like you are burdening others or getting in the way by prioritising their routine. After all, an overtired, grumpy little one can make the holidays more stressful for everyone. Your child’s comfort and your peace of mind are both essential factors to consider. You may hear “it’s Christmas, let’s just skip their nap and go and do *insert exciting activity*” but, if you don’t feel comfortable because you know that if your toddler doesn’t nap then the rest of your day will be impacted and bedtime will be a nightmare, then hold that boundary. It’s your holiday too!
Communicating this can be tricky but you should feel comfortable with your decision. When it comes to discussing your child’s sleep schedule with family members who may not fully understand its importance, it’s crucial to approach the conversation with compassion. Try calmly explaining your reasons for maintaining the routine and highlight how a well-rested child can contribute to a more enjoyable time for everyone. I saw a great post from Dr Martha about practicing these conversations (you can find it in my Resources Instagram Highlight). If you think you are going to come up against some unhelpful comments, practice your response so you know how you will explain your decision.
Another area to think about is where your baby or toddler is going to sleep. If you are staying with family, it’s essential to provide a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your baby or toddler. If you are going to be borrowing a crib or using one which has been in the grandparents spare room for as long as you can remember, it’s worth checking if it still meets safe sleep requirements. Investing in a reliable travel crib is a wise choice if you think it may be needed. Again, this can be a difficult conversation to have as you don’t want to offend family if they are offering something you don’t want to use. Practicing what you want to say and having safe sleep guidelines to hand can help. The Lullaby Trust is always your go to resource for the latest advice.
Tips for Not Missing Out:
All of the above being said, it’s important you don’t miss out if you can. To make the most of your holiday celebrations without compromising your child’s rest, consider helping them nap on the go. If your family want to go out for a long walk, can your baby nap in the carrier or pram? If they want to go out somewhere for the day can they set off at nap-time so your baby can sleep on the way? Try and fit plans around naps where possible (it may not always be) so you don’t have to miss out. Equally, if you want your little one to have a long crib nap so you can have a rest — that’s okay too!
If your little one isn’t a fan of napping on the go, practicing in the lead up to Christmas can be helpful. Try the first nap of the day (when residual sleep pressure is highest so they are most likely to sleep) in the pram or carrier and see if you can help to get them used to it. If you need any help with this please send me a message.
To conclude, managing your baby or toddler’s sleep during the holidays with family doesn’t need to be stressful if you use a practical approach. Remember that prioritising your child’s well-being and sleep routine is essential for both their well-being and yours. By communicating effectively with family members, ensuring safe sleep arrangements, and making the most of on-the-go napping opportunities, you can strike a perfect balance between festive celebrations and your child’s sleep needs.
I’d love to know your thoughts on this. How do you manage sleep over the holidays? Let me know - send me a DM on Instagram or find me on Threads.
