It can often be difficult to settle a child for sleep at night at the best of times. Settling a child to sleep on holiday can be even more challenging!

They are likely to be excited about being on holiday and in a new environment. Here are some tried and tested top tips to settle your child to sleep and give you the best chance of a peaceful night.

Keep the routine

Children love routine. If you follow your usual bedtime routine which may involve a warm bath, milk and relaxing storytime your child is likely to be easier to settle at night. You can still make them feel special about being on holiday by perhaps allowing them to stay up a bit longer, but once it is time for bed follow the usual routine and they will be more likely to follow their usual sleep pattern.

Bed time can be fun

If going to bed makes your child feel like they are missing out on the fun remember that going to sleep on holiday can be part of the fun too (calm fun, but still good fun!). Perhaps they are sharing a room with a sibling or friend, which they don't usually get to do at home. Get your child involved in the bedtime preparation so that they look forward to getting into their new holiday bed. Maybe they are sleeping on a ready bed, guest bed or using a sleeping bag? Capture your child's imagination and turn going to bed into part of the holiday adventure.

Blackout for more sleep

It's not for everyone but we find blacking out the windows can really help prolong sleep in the morning. If bright mornings lead to early starts for you think about darkening the windows. You can get some really great portable blackout blinds which suction cup easily onto the windows wherever you are staying. Slip one into your suitcase and earn yourself a few extra winks in the morning!

Bedtime Favourites

Some children sleep better with a favourite toy or blanket. Add this to your essential holiday checklist and we guarantee your life will be easier all round!

Likewise if your child has a favourite book it may be worthwhile bringing this along to help them feel more comfortable and settled in their new surroundings.

Familiarisation

Spend some time with your child where they are going to be sleeping before you expect them to sleep there for the first time. Perhaps they can help you unpack the clothes and decide where they would like to put their things. When it is time for them to come to bed they will be familiar with their sleeping environment and probably settle down easier. If young children are used to sleeping with a light on don't forget to pack a night light with you. If they tend to wake in the night and come into you at home talk to them about where they will be sleeping and where you will be sleeping so that if this happens on holiday they will know what to do and where to go.

We always expect a night of settling in but find that these tips really help everyone in the family get a much better night's sleep on holiday. Have a great holiday!

by Julia from KidsTravel2

About KidsTravel2

KidsTravel2 is an independent online retailer of children's luggage, kids travel games, children's sleeping bags and family travel accessories. Travelling with kids can be fun, exciting, rewarding and at times challenging! As parents of 2 young children ourselves at KidsTravel2 we fully appreciate this and have sourced products to help bring out the best in your travels with children. Whenever we are looking for things for our children we want to know they are good quality, that the children will actually like them and want to use them, and that they represent good value for money. This ethos runs throughout KidsTravel2. Happy travelling wherever you are going!

June 2011

Jun 2011

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