Sleep tips for travelling with children

Holidays should leave the whole family feeling refreshed, but unfortunately long days on the road and disrupted sleeping patterns can lead to restless nights and temper tantrums. Follow these steps to ensure the whole family gets ample shut-eye and your dreams of a perfect holiday may well come true. 1 Do your research

When researching hotels online, filter your results to show those advertised as being family-friendly. If you have a bigger family, it’s worth considering connecting rooms; more space and privacy will help everyone feel relaxed.

2 Leave home well-rested

Get your holiday off to the best start possible by ensuring that kids (big and small) are well-rested before heading off.

3 Be room ready

When you arrive, place all breakable and dangerous objects out of reach and cover any sharp corners. Get the beds set up straight away so there are no delays or distractions when getting tykes settled for the night.

4 Stick to your schedule

If possible, keep everyone to the sleep schedule they have at home. While it’s easy to lose track of time on holidays, late nights mean grumpiness in the day.

5 All about routine

Keep the usual before-bed routine going and include familiar bath times and stories.

6 Nights out

If the family is out late, it may be a good idea to bring PJS for tiny tots so they can doze off in the pram. You can also get a ‘sleep cover’ such as Cozigo.

7 Cosy cots

If you’re travelling with an infant, it’s a good idea to bring your own travel cot to ensure it is safe and familiar.

8 Home away from home

Try to make the hotel sleeping environment like home. Bringing your kids’ linen and a favourite soft toy will make their new sleeping spot feel and smell familiar.

9 Try before you leave

Get your bub used to sleeping in the travel cot a few nights before you leave to ensure they are familiar with their new bed.

10 Go with the flow

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you can only get your kid to sleep in your bed then so be it, as long as they know it’s a one-off. Rules are made to be broken every so often.