Parents Zone

Holidaying Tips with Babies/Toddlers

Are you planning a Summer HOLIDAY ?

There is no doubt about it, us Aussies LOVE our family holidays during the Summer months but for some parents this can often turn into a nightmare and we end up stressed, frustrated and completely overwhelmed. I recently took a family holiday BUT it wasn’t in the Summer months because I wasn’t quite feeling that game, however some of the preparation that went into planning our holiday is useful not only in Summer but all year round especially when it comes to our little babies.

Every child is sensitive to changes especially when they are not prepared. Simple changes such as: strange sleeping places, hot Summer nights, combined with other changes that occur like diet, routines, water and sounds can lead to upset and crabby babies.

So here are some tips that we used to help to prepare our baby or toddler for a planned holiday or a visit with family for a few days. These tips are some that I have used for many years and some were handed to me by close friends and family and even a close friend in the midwifery area.

Sleep Time

Work out a plan to deal with night waking or simple refusal to go to bed, this will help to avoid long term problems and you will find it will also give you more confidence if the need arises.

Try to take some sleep related items from home such as: your own linen, a favourite teddy or sleep toy or your bub's mobile that hangs above the cot. Try looking around you bub/child’s room from their sleep position to see something that they may look at when drifting off, if possible take that item along too. We have a small sleep pack that we always take with us.

When holidaying or sleeping-over try to avoid having your little one close to your sleeping area, especially if they don’t sleep in your room, as both you and your little one will not sleep as you normally would and this can then lead to other issues.

 Do your best to try and keep normal sleep routines, remember that its fine to have the occasional late night but try not to have them too much. My night routines with my toddler did not change whilst we were away as I refused to let it change. My toddlers night routines are very important for her and I’ve found that she doesn’t handle that particular routine being interrupted so we plan around it. Yes it can be a royal pain at times but I’d rather plan around it than have her screaming for hours on end.

If your little one still has naps during the day then try not to skip them as this can often lead to sleep problems through the night. I’m not suggesting a strict nap routine; all I’m suggesting is a nap when you think your little one really needs it.

If possible get a friend or relative to tape night sounds to where you will be staying, then a few weeks before you leave try playing them to your little one during both day and night sleeps, this will help your little to not be put off by the new sounds.

Water
If you can, take some water from your own home with you. Sometimes water changes can upset little tummies which can lead to pain and diarrhea. We have never used tap water with our toddler as she has medical issues, we have always boiled rain water which we get delivered in 10 litre bottles, we took a bottle with us BUT we also arranged to buy some locally if we ran out. If you’re planning an extended holiday then you can use you own water to wean onto the local water and this should help make the change less stressful.

When holiday many parents begin to question what they should or need to do, please don’t feel you need to try something different as this isn’t the way to go. Use old methods and techniques that you have found useful in the past; remember that your child has not changed but your child’s environment has and always remember to trust your own instincts.

We know that our toddler doesn’t cope well with change at all so we always plan and always stick to the same routines, when we are holidaying we make sure that whoever or wherever we are staying know some of our night routines so as not to upset their own households. I hope this helps some of you in coping with Summer holidays

Happy Holidays
Alana
©Alana Kelly 2009 (aka Kellzacar)