Spring Break Travel:
If possible, book flights or begin road trips in the early morning. Babies tend to do better when they’re fresh off a good night’s sleep.
If you’re flying, offer a pacifier, bottle, sippy cup or nurse as you ascend and descend to help alleviate any ear pain.
We promise you you’re not the first person with a crying baby on an airplane! If baby’s fussy, try to stay calm. They feed off of your energy.
Don’t stress over nap times on travel days. Let them nap when they can and keep night-time sleep consistent.
Offer the same great sleep associations you do at home when you travel to help baby transition. Pack a loud white noise machine, pack n’ play, swaddle, and you’ll be good to go!
Roomy closets make great places for baby’s pack n play so they’re extra dark. If you’re in tight quarters or know the only option is a brightly lit room, we’ve had great success with The Slumber Pod. *check our recommendations blog post for a coupon code
If you get a little off schedule on your trip, expect a day or two of adjustments when you get home, but rest assured baby did not forget all the healthy sleep habits you helped them develop!
Spring Forward:
On Saturday, March 11th, put baby to bed at regular time.
Move clocks forward one hour.
On Sunday, March 12th, get baby up within 15-20 mins of “new” wake up time.
Do everything according to the new clock time on Sunday. This means all meals and sleep times.
The younger they are, the more important it is to start the day on time.
Why not a gradual adjustment? Putting a baby to bed later, never equates sleeping in;)
Bonus Tips:
Invest in true black-out curtains to prevent early waking and bedtime battles.
Sunday morning, bask in that sun! Fresh air and sunshine first thing in the morning will help reset their internal clock.
As best you can, avoid all screens two hours prior to bedtime.
As always, email melissa@newbornnightingales.com if you’re in need of sleep support. Rest well!
