Sleep Tips for the Christmas and Holiday Season

December 19, 2024

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy and excitement, but it can also bring unique challenges when it comes to your little one’s sleep routine. Believe me as a mum of 3 and an Infant and Child Sleep Consultant I have been through it all. Traveling, disrupted schedules, and the festive buzz can make keeping to a routine feel impossible.

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! With a few simple strategies, you can help your child sleep well while still enjoying the magic of Christmas

1. Keep Wake-Up Times Consistent

Start each day at your child’s usual wake-up time. This consistency helps maintain their nap schedule and ensures they’re ready for both daytime rest and bedtime.

2. Adjust Naps for Flexibility

Traveling or spending time in new environments? Here’s how to handle naps on the go:

• During Travel: Align naps with long car journeys or flights to make the most of your travel time.
• In New Environments: Bring a travel cot and create a calm, dark space. If that’s not an option, a buggy with a sleep shade works well too! Minimise distractions to help them settle.
• If a Nap is Missed: Plan for an earlier bedtime to avoid overtiredness. Remember: sleep aids sleep! The more rested they are during the day, the better they’ll sleep at night.

3. Maintain a Familiar Bedtime Routine

If bedtime is delayed or you’re in a new setting, don’t stress—it’s okay! Babies and toddlers adapt well with a little extra support.

• Allow extra time for the bedtime routine to help them settle.
• Bring familiar comfort items such as their favorite teddy, blanket, or white noise machine.
• Create a dark, calming environment to signal it’s time for sleep.

4. Be Mindful of Treats and Sugar

It’s the season of indulgence, and sugary treats are everywhere! While occasional treats are perfectly fine, it’s important to be mindful of how and when they’re consumed:

• Too much sugar can:
  ⚡ Spike energy levels
  😵 Overstimulate their nervous system
  🌙 Disrupt settling and sleep
• Try to avoid sugary treats close to naps or bedtime. Balancing their intake throughout the day can help avoid these challenges.

5. Introduce Breathwork to Wind Down

The holiday season often leaves children overstimulated, making it harder to wind down at bedtime. A simple breathwork for kids  exercise can help calm their nervous system and create a sense of relaxation.

✨ Try “Snowflake Breathing”:

• Imagine blowing a snowflake gently across the room.
• Inhale deeply through the nose, then exhale slowly through the mouth.
• Repeat for 1-2 minutes to create a calm, peaceful bedtime atmosphere.

🎄 Final Reminder: Don’t Stress

If things don’t go perfectly, that’s completely okay! A day or two of disrupted sleep won’t derail your child’s routine. Well-rested children bounce back quickly. Focus on enjoying the magic of the holidays, knowing that you can easily reset their routine afterward.

Need Extra Support?

If you’re looking for more guidance on your child’s sleep, I’m here to help.Why not book in for a free 15 Minute Sleep Assessment Call. During the call you can explain the sleep challenges you are having with your little one and i can share how i can help. 

👉 Book a Free 15 Minute Sleep Assessment call now 

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