So if your Christmas wish is for a peaceful night’s sleep or an evening free from a fussy tot, here are some pointers on managing your baby’s sleep routine
For many, the festive season is a welcome respite from the humdrum of daily life. However, parents with infants know all too well that babies operate on their own timetable.
But fear not, Christmas needn’t be marred by parental stress or incessant baby tears. It’s entirely feasible to celebrate without compromising your little one’s happiness or your own.
So if your Christmas wish is for a peaceful night’s sleep or an evening free from a fussy tot, here are some pointers on managing your baby’s sleep routine. Be assured, you can still have a sound sleeper during and post the holiday season.
Maintain your regular routine
Babies often start preparing for sleep as soon as they spot certain sleep cues – like bath time, feeding, storytime, or changing into pyjamas. If you’re travelling this Christmas, it’s crucial to keep these associations intact, reports the Mirror.
Try to bring along your baby’s familiar items (blankets, toys, sleep aids, etc. ) so they always have a sense of familiarity.This will help maintain their sleep environment as “normal” as possible.
Plan for late nights
Late nights are almost a given during the Christmas period. If you anticipate being out until the wee hours, consider bringing your baby’s pyjamas or sleeping bag with you.
Babies are likely to sleep through a long car journey, so try to align travel times with their usual nap or sleep schedules. Once you arrive home, put them to bed immediately.
If they wake up, revert to your regular sleep routine. Don’t worry if they go to bed a bit later than usual, just keep the next day’s activities low-key.
Watch for sleep cues during busy days
During the festive season, there will be a lot of new faces and activity which some babies might find unsettling. Keep an eye out for signs that they’re tired (rubbing eyes, yawning, crying, etc.) and adjust nap or sleep times accordingly.
Watch your own routine
This tip is for the adults: if you know your little one will be waking up early on Christmas morning, consider hitting the hay earlier yourself. If you plan on celebrating into the wee hours, arrange for babysitters or grandparents to take over in the morning so you can catch up on sleep.
Otherwise, aim for a reasonable bedtime. Your body, and your baby, will appreciate it.
Disruptions are temporary
Remember, any disruptions to routine caused by the holiday season are temporary. Decide when Christmas is officially “over” and use that date to return to your normal sleep schedules.
Don’t let routine rule you
Aim for balance, not perfection. Don’t reject all the festive invites because you’re worried your baby won’t handle it – pick the ones that matter most or will cause the least disruption.
Be as flexible as you can
Grown-ups need a break from routine too. Be as adaptable as possible. Yes, consistency is key – but a bit of flexibility won’t hurt. If your routine gets a bit jumbled for a day or two, don’t fret. As long as you get back on track quickly once you’re home, neither you nor your baby will notice a difference.
