Tips to Get Your Baby Napping While on the Go
Traveling with a baby is always an adventure. You have to be prepared for anything, from tantrums to strangers stopping to coo and have a look. If your baby misses too many naps, however, time spent traveling can quickly become a nightmare for both of you. If you will be trying to get a baby to nap on the go, then follow these suggestions. Hopefully your little one can get a nap in and you can keep your sanity.
Stick to a Schedule
Plan your itinerary so you are in a quiet place when it gets to be nap time. For example, if you plan to visit a museum, plan the activity just before nap time. Chances are, baby will fall asleep in the stroller, allowing you to make the most of your time spent there. If you plan on taking a long drive or train ride, then try to coordinate your schedule so you are traveling during nap time. If you are on a bus, you probably won’t have a seatbelt which is often a cause for adult injury, but your baby should be in a car seat which are safer and can help get them comfortable enough to sleep.
Sacrifice an Adult
If this is not possible, consider sacrificing an adult that will stay behind while the baby sleeps. Older adults often need a break from more physically demanding activities, so they may enjoy staying behind while you take a day out. Make sure you make arrangements to meet the adult and baby later, allowing everyone to enjoy traveling.
Take Along Accessories
If your baby loves to sleep with a favorite stuffed animal, pacifier, or comfort blanket, bring it along for nap time during your travels. White noise machines can block out other sounds in a noisy hotel, making it easier to get little ones to sleep. Swaddling blankets often help babies feel more secure when they are napping on the go. Consider packing their favorite lullaby CD from home to play.
Make Naps a Priority
When traveling, you may want to pack in so many different activities it gets difficult to fit a nap in. Make one good nap a day a priority in your hectic traveling schedule. Doing this will help keep the baby in a great mood, ensuring everyone has a better time.
Set Up the Room
Take a quick look around your home or apartment. You might discover that designated activities your baby does are done in specific areas. When you arrive at your travel destination, arrange your room in the same way if you can. Create a play space, a small kitchen, and a sleeping area. Remember that all rooms at a hotel may not be created equal, so discuss your needs with an agent at the hotel if you need an extra pull out, microwave, or mini refrigerator.
Getting your baby to take a nap on the go can be challenging. Be sure to bring along your carefree attitude as babies can sense your stress. Use all your at-home napping tricks and try to keep consistent.
Eileen O’Shanassy is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking. Check out her Twitter @eileenoshanassy.
