The holiday season can be exciting for kids, but it can also disrupt their sleep routine due to travel, festivities, and changes in schedule. Around this time of the year, we receive a ton of questions from clients about how they should handle certain one-off holiday situations.
We’ve all been there -- you want to participate in the fun but you’re not sure how to minimize the consequences. In this article, I will not only share tips for surviving the night but also how to get your child back on track the next day.
Tip #1 Prioritize Your Child’s Sleep Before the Holiday’s
A well-rested child is more likely to be able to handle being out later than usual as well as being off their typical schedule. They will also be less likely to meltdown and your chances of having smooth transitions while traveling is going to be better if your child is already sleeping well at baseline.
Tip #2 Schedule Events around Naps (if possible)
If your child still takes naps, protect those nap times as best you can. For instance, if a family gathering is planned for mid-afternoon when your child usually naps, consider arriving a bit later or leaving a bit early to work around their sleep schedule. If this is not possible, then offer your child their nap at the location of your event (either in the stroller, a guest bedroom or in someone's arms) to make sure they stock up on some sleep throughout the day. I vividly remember loading up the pack and plays, monitors, sleep sacks and lovey’s one Christmas so that my twins could nap at my aunt’s house. Pro tip- be sure to ask the host in advance if it would be ok to try a nap somewhere in their home so they can be prepared and possibly scout out a certain room in advance!
Tip #3 Stick to your Bedtime Routine as Much as Possible
If you know you are going to be out late, try to pack PJ’s and all the equipment you need to do the last feeding (depending on age) prior to saying your goodbye’s. Basically, you want to complete their bedtime routine where you are, so you don’t have to do it at home. Also, you are setting yourself up for a successful “transfer from car seat to crib” if they fall asleep on the way home.
Tip #4 Expect Some Crankiness the Next Day
Expect some potential meltdowns the next day. Your child is likely going to be overtired and overstimulated from the holiday (I know I always am!). Let’s not forget the fact that their typical meals were likely filled with some sugary desserts and possibly some first new foods for them as well. Take deep breaths.
Tip #5 How to Get Them Back On Track The Next Day
First of all, have appropriate expectations about the next morning. Like I mentioned above, expect some overtiredness. If you have a unicorn child that decides to sleep in – LET THEM! However, regardless of what time you put them down, children usually wake up around the same time every morning. If your child is still taking naps, feel free to put them down a bit earlier to try and compensate for some missed sleep. The next day after that, get right back on your “business as usual” type schedule. In my experience with my own children and clients, getting back to the typical routine sooner rather than later helps everyone adjust faster.
Tip #6 Don’t be Afraid to Say No
The holidays are filled with love and family, but they’re also full of well-meaning relatives who might not fully understand the importance of your child’s sleep routine. If you are uncomfortable traveling with your children based off their age or certain circumstances, know that you have the opportunity to refuse to do anything you don’t want to do. You might want to have a quiet Christmas at home with just your intimate family members this year and that’s OK! This is especially important with newborns as we do want to minimize the risk of illnesses when they are so little. In short- you do you!
Tip #7 Practice Patience and Flexibility
It’s the holiday season, and things might not go perfectly. Expect a late night here or a missed nap there. Instead of stressing, embrace the moment and enjoy the experience. At the end of the day – it’s only one night (usually)! Try to let go of expectations and you may be surprised at how well your child does.
Stellina is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and mom of three.
She supports families through the journey of better sleep as a consultant with Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She lives in the Boston, MA area with her family.
Stellina is well experienced in sleep coaching twins, babies and toddlers.
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