The Power of Flexibility in Family Travel

Picture this: you've just booked a trip with your family. You haven’t traveled with your kid(s) yet because you've been anxious about what it would be like. But you went for it and now, it's go time!

The packing process is extensive but expected. Your travel days are chaotic, but manageable. Your children’s schedule is all over the place or non-existent, but you were able to see and do things by making sleep less of a priority (temporarily). Your vacation is more like a trip, but you made amazing memories.

How did you make this happen? You did three things:

1. You prepared with essential sleep items to keep your kids' sleep environment as familiar as possible.
2. You kept your expectations low for how and when your children will sleep while away.
3. Most importantly, you were flexible.

When it comes to our babies' and young kids' sleep needs, we can and often should be strict on schedules and ensuring they get the right amount of sleep. Trust me – I get it. I’m a sleep consultant, after all. But when I travel, even if it’s a road trip, I surprise myself at how “loose” I can be.

Here are some rules to live by while you’re traveling to help you be flexible even if it’s not in your nature (like me!)

Travel days are basically a free-for-all.

Days where you are flying, taking road trips, or traveling, in general, are stressful enough! You don’t need to take on the added stress of sticking to a regular sleep schedule for your kids.

Keep it simple. If your child naps, try to get them to nap (even for 30 minutes at a time) somewhat near their usual nap time. Even this short amount of time will allow your child a reset, and while they will be more tired than you would like, it will help avoid a full-on meltdown.

Once you’ve arrived, allow yourself to assist your child to sleep more than you usually would on your first day, as it's an unfamiliar environment. You can pull back on the assistance each day of your trip as your child gets more comfortable.

Add in cat naps, extra naps, or contact naps to your day. 

If your child naps, use this to your advantage rather than viewing it as a problem. Naps allow your baby/toddler to reset throughout the day. Even if naps don’t look the same as they do at home — which they most likely will not — they are still valuable and recommended for helping your child feel their best during the day. Naps on the go, bonus naps, contact naps — all are acceptable and highly encouraged while traveling.

Early bedtimes are your friend.

Parents are often terrified of an early bedtime, thinking that it will cause their child to wake up earlier. That is often not the case! If your child skips naps or is napping for a shorter amount of time, they will have the opportunity to make up for that lost sleep at night. Now, I am not suggesting a 5 p.m. bedtime, but a 6:30 p.m. or later bedtime — fair game! Obviously, this also requires that you are hotel-bound early (or need trusted childcare), but that’s another topic!

Sleep-trained kids can (and will) revert to their amazing sleep habits when they are back home in their regular sleep environment.

Remind yourself of this repeatedly if any stress about sleep creeps up during your trip. Allow yourself to enjoy your trip with your family knowing that your child has the tools and foundation to sleep well and independently when back home. This may take a day or two to get back on track. Kids are not only resilient but will welcome the familiarity and consistency they are used to back at home.

Remind yourself to project positivity.

Your kids will react and absorb how you feel. If you are tense, they will feel that and will ultimately be harder to manage on your trip. Staying positive during your travels will not only help your children to feel lighter, but it will allow you to enjoy yourself more. I know it’s easier said than done, but do your best. And if you have a moment of heaviness, take a deep breath, forgive yourself, and keep on moving!
 
Remember, it's okay to deviate from the norm and embrace the spontaneity of travel. By expecting the unexpected and prioritizing your child's comfort and well-being, you can create unforgettable memories for the whole family. So, as you embark on your next family adventure, keep these tips in mind: be prepared but open-minded, stay patient in the face of challenges, and above all, savor the moments!