9 Top Sleep Tips For The Holidays đź’ť
Hi Friends!
The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and creating memories—but let’s face it, it can also feel chaotic when you’re trying to keep your baby or toddler’s sleep on track. Late nights, missed naps, and travel can turn an otherwise magical time into one full of overtired meltdowns.
But don’t worry, Mama—I’ve got you covered! Here are my 9 top tips to help you navigate the holidays while keeping your little one well-rested.
9 Top Tips To Navigating The Holiday Season:
1. Stick to a Routine When You Can
Consistency is key. Keep your bedtime routine as close to “normal” as possible, even when you’re traveling or staying with family. A quick bath, pajamas, a book, and lights out can work wonders—even in a new environment.
2. Prioritize Sleep Before the Festivities
If you know you’re heading to a late dinner or celebration, try to get in a good nap earlier in the day. A well-rested baby will handle disruptions much better than an overtired one.
3. Recreate the Sleep Environment
Pack items that make sleep familiar and cozy:
✔️ Portable white noise machine
✔️ Favorite lovey or blanket
✔️ Sleep sack or pajamas
✔️ A portable blackout curtain (travel shades can save you!)
4. Be Strategic About Travel Times
If you’re driving, plan around naps—leave during nap time so your little one can snooze in the car. If you’re flying, bring comfort items and aim for earlier flights when kids are less cranky.
5. Don’t Skip the Nap (If You Can Help It)
Even during busy days, prioritize naps. A stroller nap or car nap is better than no nap at all. Build in some downtime so your baby doesn’t become overtired.
6. Adjust Bedtime When Needed
A later bedtime is bound to happen once or twice—but don’t let it derail your week. If your baby has a late night, move bedtime earlier the next day to help them recover.
7. Set Boundaries With Family
It’s okay to say, “We need to step away for a bit so [baby] can nap or wind down.” A well-rested child = happier holidays for everyone. Don’t feel guilty for prioritizing sleep!
8. Watch for Sleep Cues
If you’re noticing yawns, rubbing eyes, or zoning out, it’s time for sleep. Tuning into these cues can help you avoid overtiredness meltdowns, which are much harder to recover from.
9. Give Yourself Grace
Not every day will be perfect—and that’s okay. A day or two of off-schedule sleep won’t undo your progress. Stay consistent when you can, and know that you can always get back on track after the holidays.
Enjoy the Holidays Without Sacrificing Sleep!
The holidays don’t have to mean sleepless nights for you or your little one. With these tips, you’ll be prepared to keep naps, bedtimes, and wake windows on track—so you can focus on making magical memories.
If you need extra help this season, I’m here for you! Click the link below to learn how we can work together to create a sleep plan that fits your family’s needs.
👉 Book a free call today and let’s make this your most restful holiday yet!
Wishing you peaceful nights and happy days,
Raz ❤️
Certified Sleep Consultant | The Rested Mama
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f you’re still struggling or need a more tailored plan, I’m here to help. Visit my website today to get personalized solutions for your family’s sleep challenges.
I am always here to help fine tune and make a plan that will work perfectly for your little one! Let’s make sure they are not up at night and not waking too early!
Again my friends… for any reason at all…
Book a free discovery call with me. I would love to help you make SLEEP HAPPEN!
XO,
Sweet Dreams,
Raz Franklyn ,The Rested Mama