Tis the Season to be Sleepy

‘Tis the season to be jolly… and exhausted. If you’re a parent of a young child, you know that the holidays can be a time of both great joy and little sleep. But never fear! There are some things you can do to help your baby (and yourself) get some sleep during holidays and this festive time of year.

Baby sleep during holidays

HOLIDAY BEDTIME TIPS FOR YOUR BABY

1. Establish a bedtime routine: Stick to it as much as possible... even on Christmas Eve. If your little one is used to a bath, story, and lullaby at 7pm, try not to deviate from that too much. The occasional late night is understandable (we all want to stay up to see Santa!), but try to keep things as close to normal as possible. Consistency is key when it comes to babies and sleep.

2. Daytime sleep: Make sure your baby is getting enough daytime sleep. If your baby is well-rested during the day, he or she will be more likely to sleep better at night. That’s why it’s important to create opportunities for naps, especially during this busy time of year. Especially when there are lots of stimulations and activities.

3. White noise: White noise can be very helpful in getting babies (and adults!) to sleep soundly through the night. Whether it’s the sound of a fan, an app on your phone, or an actual noise machine. White noise can help drown out household sounds that might otherwise keep your baby awake. It can really help them sleep during holidays.

4. Get some help: If you have family or friends who are visiting for the holidays, put them to work! Ask them to watch the baby while you take a nap or just have some time to yourself. It’s important to take care of yourself so that you can be in good spirits to take care of your baby.

5. Adjust your expectations: The holidays are a hectic time, and it’s important to adjust your expectations accordingly. Don’t expect that you’ll be able to do everything that you normally do when you have a baby. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself and your baby and enjoying the time with family and friends.

6. Have realistic expectations for your partner: This is similarly important for partners who are helping to care for the baby during the holidays. It’s easy for one person to become overwhelmed while the other person is out having fun at holiday parties. Remember, that both people need some down time and need to be supported.

7. Create a Calming Environment: A dark and quiet room is ideal for sleeping, but that’s not always possible when you’re sharing a hotel room or when relatives are visiting your home. You could also try using blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out any unwanted light.

8. Don’t Overstimulate Before Bedtime: Television, video games, sugary snacks—we know all too well the temptations that can keep our kids up way past their bedtimes. But if you want your baby to sleep through the night, it’s important to avoid any kind of overstimulation in the hours leading up to sleep. So, turn off the screens at least an hour before bedtime and opt for a quiet activity like reading instead.

9. Be Consistent: One of the most important things you can do when working on sleep training is to be consistent—and that includes during the holidays! Even if you’re traveling or relatives are in town, try to stick as closely as possible to your normal sleep routine. This includes both naps and night-time sleep. I know it’s not always easy (believe me, I’ve been there!). But, consistency is key when it comes to getting your baby to sleep through the night.

The holidays are a wonderful (and exhausting) time of year! The holidays are a time for family, fun… and sleep deprivation. If you’re co-parenting, you’re likely already familiar with the challenges of getting your baby to sleep through the night. But add in extended family visits, travel, and holiday parties and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. By following these simple tips, you can help your baby (and yourself) get some much-needed rest so that you can fully enjoy all that the season has to offer.

Merry Christmas and happy napping!

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more tips and advice. BOOK your free call here.

For the love of sleep...

Divya