Saving Sleep During the Season. Tips from a Baby Sleep Consultant.
As featured on LyfeStyled by Kyly Clarke
This week, Lyfestyled welcomes guest writer Tara, who is a certified sleep consultant and paediatric nurse who is here to give us some tips on how our bubs can get some sleep over the busy, holiday season!Holiday season, the best season, it’s a time for fun, family, travel and chaos. It is also the time where any type of order you have around your little one’s sleep can be turned upside down.
My top tips to keep baby sleep on track during the silly season.
Allow for plenty of sleep. When travelling, the biggest disruption to our kids’ sleep isn’t usually the change in surroundings, it’s the change in their routine. With all the excitement going on, your little one may not be provided with regular opportunities for naps, and their regular bedtime may be gradually getting later and later. Although this is sometimes unavoidable, you will eventually end up with an overtired bub on your hands who will struggle to settle well when you put them down for bed. So do what you can to ensure they keep their naps and get plenty of sleep. This way, they can have all the energy they need to have a fun and play-filled festive season! Keep their sleep space separate. If your little one is used to their own sleep space, continue to provide this even when you are on holiday or staying with family or friends. It doesn’t take long for your child to get used to sleeping in bed with you and if it’s not the normal at home then it shouldn’t be while you are away. Little ones’ don’t generally understand two sets of rules, so if they are allowed to co-sleep when away on holidays, there’s a good chance this will be expected on your return home. Bring a piece of home on holiday. Whether you’re just going for a day or a week, trying to keep bedtime familiar can really help avoid confusion and sleep regressions. If your little one has a teddy or comforter they sleep with then it’s a good idea to bring this with you. Do as much of their usual bedtime routine as possible, and if they use a sleeping bag at home absolutely bring this along for the ride also. Maintain boundaries. The holiday season is a great time for toddlers to start pushing boundaries. Often during this season late nights and missed naps tend to be more common, often leaving your little one with the belief that the rules have changed. Pair that with a new environment and it’s highly likely your toddler may start to try and take control of bedtime or bend the rules. So whilst it’s important to enjoy this time of year, remember that our little ones thrive off structure and boundaries, so keep them as much as you can. If you do fall off the rails a little, a rewards chart and consistency will help you get back on track.Let's work together!
Happy Sleeping!Tara Mitchell
About the Author:
Hi all, Tara Mitchell here from The Gentle Sleep Specialist. As a paediatric nurse, qualified infant and toddler sleep consultant and mother, I have created a successful business that allows me to guide, educate and support parents to create healthy sleep habits with their little ones. I pride myself on the support my clients receive and my compassionate, caring nature enables me to build lasting rapport with the families I work with. Working one-on-one with families allows me to personalise plans and truly craft the best plan based on each individual child. I am passionate about my work and see the life changing results much needed sleep brings to the physical, emotional and mental well being of the child and parents.
