Traveling with a kid is an adventure like no other, but if you are sleeping in a strange place here are some tips for you and your child to help you get a better sleep!

If you are a parent, you know the joys of simply packing your car! The amount of “stuff” is unbelievable, and much of it you use only once! This Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I traveled to our cottage on Cape Cod with our precious bundle of joy, Barrett.

Barrett on Cape Cod at Lunch

Traveling With Child To Cape Cod

Our destination was our cozy one-room cottage. Did I mention that the entire cottage is just ONE ROOM? When I bought this cottage in 2020, that was before I was married and before we welcomed a baby. Needless to say, the sleeping experience was wonderfully memorable and also very challenging. Our experience taught us valuable lessons on how to make traveling with an infant more comfortable for everyone involved! I will share some tips and tricks for anyone traveling with a baby or toddler.
Always Have a Home Cottage Cape Cod

As we arrived at our  cottage, we quickly realized the difficulties of adapting our newborn to a new space. Babies thrive on familiarity, and the sudden change in surroundings can be overwhelming for them. The unfamiliar smells, sounds, and even the temperature can pose challenges and disrupt their routines.

Always Have A Home birdseye view of the entire cottage

As you can see, our place is literally one room. So where did we set up Barrett’s “pack and play?” See where that couch is with the white chest? We moved that chest out of the way and set up his portable crib there. It actually fit perfectly! By the third night we finally realized that closing the room off with the blue curtains would be the most helpful. Barrett couldn’t see us (because we are SO FUN!) and he ended up sleeping much better.

Barrett Bellamy traveling to Cape Cod

Pack The Essentials So Your Kid Can Sleep

We brought along all the essentials. The portable crib, a well-stocked diaper bag, toys, a binky, clothes, and a stroller. But that still didn’t prepare us for the night-time bed routine. Barrett was just confused. He didn’t understand the new space. The first night was awful and we ended up bringing him in the bed with us to sleep. The second night was bad, but a little better. He slept with us that night too. But the third night we were finally in a groove and he slept the entire night in his OWN portable crib.

Here are some tips, tricks, and suggestions from other parents when it comes to traveling with a baby. I hope this helps you too!

 

  • Choose Accommodations with Baby in Mind

    Selecting suitable accommodations is crucial when traveling with a newborn. Look for places that offer separate sleeping areas or additional space, as it allows you to create a sleep-friendly environment. Our one-room cottage may have seemed limiting, but with some creativity, we were able to carve out a cozy corner where our baby could rest undisturbed.
    baby sleeping in crib

  • Pack Familiar Items

    Babies find comfort in familiarity, so don’t forget to bring along some favorite items from home. Pack their beloved blanket, a familiar stuffed toy, or anything that soothes them during sleep time. These familiar scents and textures can help create a sense of security, making the new space feel more like home.

    pacifier

    (Photo illustration by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)

  • Stick to Routines

    Maintaining a consistent routine while traveling can work wonders for your baby’s sleep patterns. Try to stick to their usual nap and bedtime routines as closely as possible. By replicating familiar rituals, such as reading a bedtime story or playing soft lullabies, you can signal to your little one that it’s time to wind down and rest.

  • Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

    Transforming your temporary abode into a sleep-friendly environment is essential for your baby’s comfort. Start by ensuring the room is dark and quiet during nap and bedtime. Consider bringing along portable blackout blinds or using clothespins and blankets to darken windows. White noise machines or smartphone apps can help drown out unfamiliar sounds and provide a soothing backdrop for sleep.

  • Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

    Designing a relaxing bedtime routine is a powerful tool for soothing your baby to sleep, regardless of the location. Create a consistent wind-down routine that includes gentle activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, or quiet playtime. This signals to your baby that it’s time to unwind and prepare for a peaceful slumber.
    girl reading a book

  • Optimize Sleep Surfaces

    If you’re concerned about the sleep surface in your accommodation, consider bringing a portable crib or bassinet. These familiar sleep spaces will provide your baby with a comfortable and secure spot to rest. Ensure the crib or bassinet meets safety standards, and familiarize your baby with it before the trip, so they associate it with sleep.
    Barrett in a sleepsuit

  • Be Patient and Flexible

    Remember that traveling with a newborn requires patience and flexibility. Babies may take some time to adjust to new surroundings, and their sleep patterns may be temporarily disrupted. Stay calm, provide extra comfort, and allow for extra time to settle them down. Be prepared for shorter naps or waking up during the night, and try to adapt accordingly.

  • PRODUCTS THAT MIGHT HELP THE CHILD SLEEP

  • Sound Machine

    Yogasleep Hushh® Portable White Noise Sound Sleep Sound Machine and Night Light for Babies, Gray - Walmart.com

    Buy Yogasleep Hushh® Portable White Noise Sound Sleep Sound Machine and Night Light for Babies, Gray at Walmart.com

    Sound machines are small and portable, but they can provide a loud, distracting sound for the baby to fall asleep to. Many sound machines have different sounds from “ocean waves” to “raindrops” and “white noise.”

  • Slumber Pod

    https://www.slumberpod.com/products/slumberpod-combo-includes-fan?variant=40203984371735&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ax%3A18082323966%3A%3A&nb_adtype=pla&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=&nb_mi=127714218&nb_pc=online&nb_pi=shopify_US_6777276071959_40203984371735&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&gclid=CjwKCAjwvdajBhBEEiwAeMh1U8_rgsyo4CuKZ0XeOblpupnHPDA0pYIzH9JqbJVh_Lde9N60HtIIIBoCHA0QAvD_BwE

    According to parents, the Slumber Pod is THE product for sleep time. It goes around the portable crib and makes the area completely dark for the child so there’s no distractions or interruptions.

  • Lavender Spray/Essential Oil Diffuser

    300 ml Essential Oil Diffuser With Dark and Light Wood Grain

    Fits in perfectly with any home decor. This 300 ml Essential Oil Diffuser With Dark and Light Wood Grain has an innovative design bringing out natural beauty.

    Lavender is relaxing that’s for sure! Take some essential oils and put it in that diffuser you’ve had in the closet for two years. It’ll do wonders for relaxing your child. Tip: use distilled water. It’s cleaner for the diffuser.

  • Sleep Sack

    Lion Sleep Sack (1.0 Tog) | BambooLittle

    Keep your baby cozy with our lion-themed sleep sack (1.0 Tog). Explore the comfort and eco-friendly features at BambooLittle.

    If you don’t use a sleep suit or sleep sack for your baby, what are you thinking?! They really do help regulate the baby’s temperature and help them stay asleep.

  • Pictures of Baby Barrett

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