Christmas Baby Sleep Survival Guide While Visiting Family
The festive season is full of joy, but when you're visiting family with a baby, getting good sleep can be a challenge. Whether you're staying at a relative’s house or hosting family at yours, the disruption to your baby’s routine can make it hard to get the sleep you crave.
As a mum of four and a holistic sleep coach, I understand how difficult it can be to keep your little one’s sleep on track during family visits. In this guide, I’ll share practical tips to help your baby sleep well during the holidays – so both of you can enjoy the festivities as stress-free as possible!
Create a familiar sleep space
One of the biggest hurdles during family visits is getting your baby to sleep in a new environment. Babies thrive on routine and familiarity, so a new setting can make them feel unsettled.
Tip: When you arrive at your family’s home, try to set up your baby’s sleep space as similarly as possible to their usual environment. Bring along their favourite blanket, sleep sack, or any comfort items they associate with sleep. These familiar items can provide comfort and help your baby feel more secure.
Tip: Consider using a travel blackout blind if the room doesn’t get dark enough. White noise machines or apps can also be lifesavers, as they help block out the sounds of particularly noisy relatives!
Help your baby adapt to sleeping in new places
Many babies struggle to sleep in new places, especially if they’re sensitive to changes in their environment. To help ease this transition, you can take a few steps to make the new space feel more familiar.
Tip: Before it’s time for bed, allow your baby to explore the sleep space while they’re still awake. This gives them the chance to get used to the new surroundings before sleep time.
Tip: If your baby has trouble settling in unfamiliar places, try a longer wind-down routine. Create a calm environment with dim lighting and soft music to help them relax. Sometimes, allowing a little extra awake time before bed can also make it easier for your baby to drift off in a new environment.
Stick to the usual bedtime routine
A consistent bedtime routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time for sleep, even in unfamiliar surroundings. While the environment may be new, maintaining your usual bedtime ritual can help your baby settle to sleep more easily.
Tip: Keep as much of your usual bedtime routine in place as possible. Whether it’s a bath, feeding, or reading a story, doing what your baby is used to will make them feel more secure. The predictability of the routine will help ease the transition to sleep.
Tip: Let your family know about your baby's usual bedtime routine in advance. This helps avoid any surprises and ensures everyone is on the same page. Also, be prepared for your little one to take a bit longer to settle in a new environment. New surroundings can make it trickier for babies to unwind.
Be mindful of overstimulation
Family gatherings can be exciting, but they can also overwhelm your baby. The noise, new faces, and different environment can easily overstimulate them, making it hard to wind down and sleep well.
Tip: Set up a designated quiet space where you and your baby can retreat if the festivities get too overwhelming. Bring along familiar comfort items, like their favourite comforter or toy, to help them settle.
Tip: Watch for signs of overstimulation, such as fussiness, turning away from people, or difficulty focusing. If you see these signs, take a break and let your baby have some downtime away from the activity. A short rest in a calm environment can make a big difference.
Maintain flexibility, but keep some routine
While it’s not always possible to follow your baby’s usual schedule during family visits, you can still aim to keep some consistency around key sleep times.
Tip: Try to keep naps and bedtime within the general windows your baby is used to. Even if you have to adjust slightly, maintaining a similar rhythm throughout the day will help your baby stay settled.
Tip: If your baby’s nap or bedtime gets shifted a little later due to family events, don’t worry. A slight change in schedule won’t cause lasting disruption. Keep an eye on your baby’s tired cues.
Expect more night wakings
It’s completely normal for babies to wake more frequently during the night when away from home. New environments, unfamiliar sounds, and the absence of familiar comforts can make it trickier for babies to settle into sleep. This may lead to them needing extra reassurance during the night or appearing more attached to you than usual.
Tip: Stay calm and reassuring. Babies are sensitive to your emotions, so staying calm is key. If you’re anxious or frustrated, your baby might pick up on that, making it harder for them to relax. Offering gentle reassurance through your voice or a soothing touch can help them feel secure and make it easier for them to settle back to sleep. Focus on the calm, not the sleep.
Tip: Consider co-sleeping. If your baby is struggling to settle, you might want to consider co-sleeping. Don't worry about creating "bad habits" – this way, you all get the best sleep you can in the circumstances! The goal is to support your baby’s sleep in a way that works for your family at this time. If co-sleeping is what helps everyone sleep better, then that’s what matters most!
Prioritise time outside for better sleep
If you’re staying at a family member’s home for an extended period, getting outside can provide both you and your baby with a much-needed reset. Natural daylight helps regulate your baby’s circadian rhythm, which in turn supports better sleep.
Tip: Even a short walk outdoors can help your baby adjust to the new environment. Try to get outside for at least 20 minutes each day, even if it’s just a stroll around the block. This exposure to daylight can improve sleep quality and help your baby stay on track with their sleep routine.
Tip: Bringing a pram or sling can help ensure your baby gets a nap while you’re outside. The fresh air is a great way to combine a break for you and sleep for your little one.
Don’t forget about your own sleep needs
In the whirlwind of family visits and caring for your little one, it’s easy to overlook your own rest. But it’s just as important for you to get sleep, too!
Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask a trusted relative to watch your baby for a while so you can recharge. Whether it’s going for a walk, grabbing a coffee, or simply lying down for a quick rest, taking some time for yourself can help you feel more refreshed and ready to handle the challenges of the day.
Your festive sleep takeaway
Keep in mind that flexibility is key during this time of year, and don’t worry if things don’t go exactly as planned - they most probably won’t! By staying calm and focusing on your baby’s needs, you can help them (and you) get the rest needed to fully enjoy the festive season.
