I've done enough travelling with little ones to know that certain things MAKE LIFE EASIER.
Plan for where your little one will sleep at night. Consider how you all get the best sleep - Is your baby used to being in their own cot? If so, plan to have a travel cot..
If they’re used to sleeping with blackout blinds or in a dark room, then be sure to take some temporary window coverings with you. Tommee Tippee’s portable blackout blinds are my favourite! If you don’t have time to get your hands on one - pack some foil and masking tape for a makeshift option! What about naps?! I hear you ask.. Well.. That’s where the Snoozeshade comes in! I have used Snoozeshades since the beginning of my nannying career, and still recommend them at every opportunity..!
Where are they going to have their naps? Perhaps safely tucked up in a sling or baby carrier, or they’ll contact nap? If you’re going somewhere hot, you might want the option of being able to put them down for their sleep. I’d recommend making sure you’ve got a pram with a lie-flat position to keep things nice and safe whilst still being convenient! The Bubba Hub have loads of fab options for travel buggies!
What you want to do is recreate their usual sleep environment! No stress here, just something to consider.. A portable white noise machine might be your saviour here, especially if you’re likely to be out and about a lot or are unsure how noisy your hotel room will be!
Another little trick of mine is to bring their unwashed cot sheet, so they’ve got the familiar smell of home and softness of their usual sheet. Of course if they’re over 12 months old a comforter is a big win for sleep away from home! Obviously we’re trying to avoid your taking the whole house on holiday with you.. But do make sure you bring the products your little person associates with sleep, so that your baby is still getting all the same messaging and cues that it’s time for sleep.
Remember their sleep surface should always be flat and firm. It needs to be protected with a waterproof cover, and baby should be placed to sleep on their back for every sleep.
Travel cots are BRILLIANT for helping to recreate a similar sleep environment to home. Although, the mattresses are often thinner and feel a bit firmer than a standard cot mattress. Don’t risk placing folded blankets or a quilt under the baby to make them ‘more comfortable’, doing so goes against safe sleep guidance from The Lullaby Trust.
In terms of finding the right place for a travel cot, don’t forget keep it out of direct sunlight, away from a radiator and out of reach of any blind cords.
What’s brilliant is that loads of these items are available to hire from The Bubba Hub, and if you do find yourself unsure on ANY of it - you know where to find me now..!
Have the most amazing trip away with your little family and cherish those precious little moments together.
Much love,
Lucy - Snug SleepCoach
