As a parent, one of the biggest challenges you may face is getting your baby or toddler to sleep - especially when you're away from home. It can be difficult to create a consistent bedtime routine, and even more so when you're on the go.
We found that getting your baby used to a sleep routine in a travel cot, as well as their own bed, came in super handy. Not only does it provide more than one familiar and comfortable sleep environment for your little one, but it also offers you the freedom to travel and rely on your friends and family for support.
Teaching your baby to sleep anywhere is much easier to do while they are young before they become too attached to one location. Babies are remarkably adaptable, so by exposing them to different sleep environments early on, you can help them become more flexible sleepers (which is a life saver for new parents). Sleep flexibility significantly reduces stress for both the baby and the parents, making transitions smoother and less disruptive.
Imagine this - your baby is only willing to sleep at home! This situation could severely limit your activities and freedom. Maybe you find yourself declining social invitations, family gatherings, and even holidays, simply because your baby struggles to sleep anywhere else and it’s simply not worth the pain of trying. Over time, this can lead to a sense of isolation and increased parental stress. Additionally, it can become challenging to rely on others for babysitting or overnight care, as the baby might struggle to sleep without their familiar surroundings, and let’s be honest - not many people would enjoy babysitting a cranky, upset baby.
Furthermore, teaching your baby to sleep in various settings can be beneficial in emergency situations or unexpected changes in routine. Life is unpredictable, and having a baby who can sleep well regardless of the location can provide peace of mind, knowing that their rest won't be compromised if your plans suddenly change.
In summary, instilling the ability for your baby to sleep anywhere not only enhances their adaptability and flexibility but also grants you, as a parent, greater freedom and reduces the potential stress and limitations associated with having a child who can only sleep at home. When parents AND baby are sleeping well, and rested - the rest of parenthood becomes pretty easy!
How To Get Your Baby (Or Toddler) To Sleep At Someone Else’s House
Whether you're visiting grandparents, going on holiday, or simply spending the night at a friend's house, your baby will settle much easier if they recognise their sleep space and feel secure. Creating familiarity and routine makes it easier for them to settle down and fall asleep, no matter where you are.
Here are some basic, practical tips to help your baby sleep comfortably in an unfamiliar place:
- Bring Familiar Items:
- Travel Cot: Use a portable travel cot or travel bassinet that your baby is accustomed to. This creates a familiar sleep environment in an unfamiliar place.
- Comfort Objects: Bring your baby’s favourite blanket, stuffed animal, or dummy. Familiar smells and textures can provide comfort and security.
- Maintain Routine:
- Consistent Bedtime Routine: Follow the same bedtime routine you have at home, including activities like bath time, reading a book, or singing a lullaby.
- Same Sleep Schedule: Try to keep naps and bedtime at the same times as at home to maintain consistency.
- Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment:
- Dark Room: Use blackout curtains or a portable blackout blind to keep the room dark.
- White Noise: Bring a white noise machine or app to mask unfamiliar sounds and create a soothing sleep environment.
- Minimise Changes:
- Same Sleepwear: Dress your baby in the same pyjamas or sleep sack they wear at home.
- Familiar Smells: Place a worn t-shirt of yours in the crib to provide a familiar scent.
- Plan Ahead:
- Practice Runs: Do a few practice naps at home in the lounge room and if possible, progress to overnight stays at someone else’s house before a longer trip to help your baby get used to sleeping in a different environment. Starting in the lounge helps the baby to feel relaxed in the home while introducing a new sleep environment.
- Pre-Trip Preparation: Arrive at your destination early enough to allow your baby to settle in before bedtime.
- Stay Calm and Patient:
- Stay Calm: Babies can pick up on anxiety. It is important for you or the grandparent/friend to stay calm and relaxed to help your baby feel secure.
- Patience: It might take some time for your baby to adjust to the new environment, so just be patient and give them time to settle.
These tips can help ensure that your baby feels secure and comfortable, making it easier for them to sleep well even when you're away from home.
So what is a travel cot and why is it important?
A travel cot is a lightweight, multifunctional, foldable & portable cot designed for easy transport and setup. It's intended to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for babies and toddlers when away from home. These portable cots usually have fabric or mesh sides, a removable mattress, a change table, nappy holder and can easily be folded up for transport closely replicating your home nursery.
Using a travel cot gives your baby a familiar place to sleep - even in different environments. Having this flexibility is not only beneficial for you in those early months where a helping hand is needed - but also for your child's long-term ability to sleep well in various settings. As your baby grows into a toddler, having familiarity with different sleep environments leads to fewer bedtime battles, more freedom for parents and more restful nights for the whole family.
What age is a travel cot for?
Can you use a travel cot for a newborn is a highly asked question. The answer is a big YES! The travel cot is suitable from newborn to approximately 3 years, or until your child is able to climb out of it. Investing in a travel cot that is multifunctional ensures you can keep the same familiar product as your child grows and progresses.
A travel cot that turns into a “Pack 'n Play” or “playpen” is something you will find yourself using more while they are awake, than asleep as they grow and become more mobile.
What are the best travel cots for newborns and toddlers?
We often hear that raising a baby requires a village, and a travel cot definitely makes it easier to accept help from your community. Whether it's leaving your little one with a trusted friend or family member for a few hours or overnight, having a familiar sleeping space can ease the transition for your baby and help them feel more comfortable.
- Versatility: A multifunctional cot can be used as a traditional cot, a playpen (Pack 'n Play), or a travel bed. This versatility means you can use it in various settings and for different purposes, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Portability: Designed to be foldable and lightweight, these cots are easy to transport and set up. Whether you're moving it from room to room or packing it for a trip, the ease of portability is unmatched.
- Comfort and Safety: High-quality portable travel cots with mattresses included are built with your baby's comfort and safety in mind. They often come with breathable mesh sides, sturdy frames, and ensure a safe sleeping environment.
- Convenience: Many travel cots come with additional features like storage pockets, changing tables, nappy holders and even a toy bar, adding to their convenience and making them even more practical for busy parents on the go.
Travelling with a baby or toddler?
All in all, teaching your baby or toddler to sleep anywhere is an invaluable skill that can make a significant difference in your family's daily life. As a parent, you face the challenge of establishing a consistent bedtime routine, especially when away from home. By getting your baby accustomed to sleeping in a travel cot as well as their own bed, you will create multiple familiar and comfortable sleep environments, offering you greater freedom to travel and rely on your community for support.
A lightweight and compact travel cot for babies is our recommended must-have solution, and provides a safe and familiar sleep space wherever you go.
In addition, following the practical tips in this article to maintain consistency and create a comfortable sleep environment, you can help your baby feel secure and sleep well even in unfamiliar places. Ultimately, fostering the ability to sleep anywhere enhances your baby's adaptability and grants you greater freedom, leading to more restful nights and a more enjoyable parenthood experience.
Happy Travels x
