Nobody wants a joyful holiday evening to end with the inevitable baby or toddler meltdown due to staying up too late or having their sleep patterns disrupted. It’s important to maintain your baby’s sleep during the holidays, while still having a festive season!
The holidays bring joy, family gatherings, and a host of disruptions to your baby’s sleep routine. While it’s tempting to throw your baby’s sleep schedule out the window to accommodate festivities, staying consistent on your baby’s sleep schedule is essential to avoid meltdowns (yours and your baby’s!). Here’s how to keep your child’s sleep on track during the most wonderful (and hectic) time of the year.
ADOPT THE 80/20 RULE FOR MANAGING YOUR BABY’S SLEEP SCHEDULE THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Perfection isn’t realistic. Allow some flexibility during the holidays — aim for consistency 80% of the time. A slightly later bedtime or an on-the-go nap here and there likely won’t throw your child’s sleep into chaos. Just ensure these detours don’t become the new norm from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Make sure you get right back on track after your outings or family visits.
YOU ARE THE BOSS! SCHEDULE HOLIDAY GATHERINGS AROUND YOUR CHILD’S SLEEP (WHENEVER POSSIBLE)
It’s perfectly okay to prioritize your child’s sleep needs over Aunt Sally’s late-night dinner plans. When family or friends invite you over, suggest times that align with your child’s sleep routine. For instance, “We’d love to come by, but an evening dinner past 7:30 won’t work because that’s when my baby goes to bed. How about a lunch instead?”
Some may think you’re being too strict, and that’s okay. They aren’t the ones dealing with a cranky, overtired baby the next day! Most will appreciate how happy and engaged your little one is during their awake times, proving that well-rested kids are the life of the party! This is the most ideal way to manage your baby’s sleep over the holidays.
TAKE THE SLEEP SETUP ON THE ROAD WHEREVER YOU MAY BE JOINING FRIENDS OR FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Bring the pack-and-play and any other accessories you need! (Check out my recommended products list to be prepared.) Help preserve your baby’s sleep over the holidays by setting up the pack-n-play in a spare room or closet as far away as possible from the noise of the party. This lets your baby nap or go to bed on time while you continue to enjoy the festivities with family and friends. When you’re ready to leave, take her home and transfer her to the crib. This approach is far less disruptive to their schedule and keeps everyone happier.
Don’t forget your baby’s comfort items: favorite lovey, blanket, or sleep sack and a portable sound machine. Having these familiar items nearby can make a big difference in helping them feel at ease in an unfamiliar setting and allow your baby to fall asleep easier during these disruptions.
RECREATE YOUR BABY’S NAPTIME/BEDTIME ROUTINE DURING HOLIDAY VISITS.
Do as much of your baby’s sleep routine as possible. Whether it’s a book, lullaby, or a bath, these familiar steps will help signal your baby that it is time to go to sleep. Depending upon your routine, make sure any hotel or family’s home you may be staying at over the holidays has a tub or other facilities needed.
STICK TO WAKE WINDOWS AS BEST AS YOU CAN.
Even during a busy holiday schedule, ensure your baby isn’t staying awake too long between naps. Over-tiredness makes it much harder for babies to settle and sleep well. I often recommend to parents bringing their baby’s sleep plan from our initial training sessions to assist them in sticking to these wake windows.
By balancing boundaries with a little bit of holiday flexibility, you, your spouse, any other children can enjoy the season without sacrificing sleep for your baby or missing out for any older children. Holidays can be fun with a baby!
If you’re struggling to recover post-holiday, or looking for more detailed strategies to manage sleep challenges year-round, check out the sleep packages I offer to assist in building sleep strategies for your baby at each of the critical phases of his life. Teaching your little one to sleep well, is the gift that keeps on giving so next year you may not be as stressed as the holidays approach.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful holiday season.
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