Vacations are a time for fun and relaxation, but they can also be a challenge when it comes to getting your little one back on track with their sleep schedule. If your toddler has been off of their regular routine during your vacation, this can be a difficult task.
In this blog post, we will provide some tips that will help you get your toddler back on their sleep schedule as quickly as possible!
Key Notes
- Don't let them nap for too long during the day
- Be patient with the process
- Keep their room dark
- Be consistent with their sleeping schedule
- Seek professional help if necessary
Avoid Letting Your Toddler Nap For Too Long During The Day
It can be tempting to let your toddler sleep as much as possible during the day in order to make up for lost sleep at night. However, napping for too long during the day can actually make it harder for your toddler to sleep at night.
Try to limit naps to no more than two hours during the day. It is also important to keep a regular nap schedule as much as possible.
Be Patient with Them: It May Take A Few Nights
One of the most important things to remember when getting your toddler back on a sleep schedule after vacation is to be patient with them. It may take a few nights for them to adjust back to their regular sleep routine.
Try not to get too frustrated with them if they have a few sleepless nights. Just be patient and they will eventually get back into their normal sleep pattern.
Create A Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Another great way to help your toddler adjust back to a regular sleep schedule is to create a relaxing bedtime routine.
This can include different activities like reading them a bedtime story, giving them a bath, or singing them a lullaby.
Anything that will help them relax and get ready for bed. After you have an efficient bedtime routine established, try to stick to it as closely as possible each night.
This will help your toddler know what to expect and make it easier for them to fall asleep.
Give Your Toddler A Small Snack Before They Go To Sleep
If you want to help your toddler get back on their sleep schedule after a vacation, one of the best things you can do is give them a small snack before they go to bed.
This will help them feel more comfortable and may even help them fall asleep more quickly.
Try offering a healthy snack like cheese or crackers, or a small piece of fruit. Sometimes toddlers wake up in the middle of the night because they are hungry.
So giving them a snack before they sleep would help them stay asleep for a longer period of time without waking up in the middle of the night.
If All Else Fails, Seek Professional Help from A Pediatrician
It can be difficult to get your toddler back on a sleep schedule after vacation, especially if they have developed a random sleeping routine while away from home.
If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to be working, it might be time to seek professional help from a pediatrician.
They can give you some advice on how to get your toddler back on track and help you create a sleep schedule that will work for both of you.
Be Consistent With Their Nap Times
One of the best ways to ensure that your toddler stays on their sleep schedule is to be consistent with their nap times. Try to put them down for naps at the same time every day, and stick to a regular bedtime as well.
This will help their bodies adjust and get used to a set sleep schedule. It is also important to make sure that their naps are not too long or too short.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for about 1-2 hours for each nap.
Keep The Room Dark and Quiet
When you travel, there are often many new and exciting things for your toddler to see and do. This can make it difficult for them to wind down at night and get a good night’s sleep.
When you return home, try to keep their bedroom dark and quiet to help them relax and fall asleep more easily.
Avoid Stimulation Before Bedtime
It can be tempting to want to keep your toddler up later so you can have more time to play with them before bedtime. However, this will only make it harder for your toddler to fall asleep.
Instead, try to avoid stimulation an hour or two before bedtime. So do the following things before putting your toddler to bed;
- Turning off the television
- Putting away toys
- Calming down for the evening
Conclusion
Getting your toddler back on a sleep schedule after vacation can be challenging, but it is possible.
Just follow the above mentioned tips and be patient with your toddler. With a little time and effort, they will eventually get back into their regular sleep routine.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to a pediatrician for help.
They can give you specific advice on how to get your toddler back on track.
