How to Handle Disrupted Routines While Traveling with Babies and Toddlers
Traveling with little ones can be an incredible adventure, but it often comes with the challenge of disrupted routines.
Sleep schedules, meal times, and even playtime can be thrown off balance by time zone changes, long flights, or unpredictable days. But don’t worry—with a bit of planning and flexibility, you can help your baby or toddler adjust to travel while maintaining as much routine as possible.
Why Do Routines Get Disrupted During Travel?
Travel introduces new environments, unfamiliar schedules, and often overstimulation. Key factors include:
Time zone changes: Jet lag can affect babies and toddlers just as much as adults.
Irregular activities: Busy days, sightseeing, or family gatherings can throw off sleep and meal times.
Unfamiliar settings: A new sleeping space or different bed can make it harder for children to settle.
How to Prepare Before You Travel
Introduce Changes Gradually:
In the lead-up to your travel, introduce travel items, such as a pram, white noise, and carrier, one at a time so your little one can adjust gradually to the new items and not be thrown in the deep end and expected to adjust while traveling.
Pack Familiar Items:
Bring along their favorite sleep items, like a blanket, stuffed toy, or white noise machine. Familiar scents and sounds can make a new environment feel like home.
Stick to Parts of Your Routine:
While it’s impossible to keep everything the same, maintaining familiar elements, like a bedtime story or pre-nap cuddles, can provide comfort.
Managing Routines During Travel
Stay Flexible:
Travel days are often unpredictable, so don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly. Focus on your child’s needs in the moment, rather than adhering rigidly to the clock.
Prioritise Sleep:
If your baby or toddler misses a nap, try to make up for it with an earlier bedtime. Use travel-friendly tools like portable blackout curtains or a pram nap to support their sleep needs.
Keep Meals Predictable:
Pack snacks and easy-to-eat options to ensure your child doesn’t get hungry or cranky during long travel days. Try to stick to familiar foods to avoid upsets.
Provide Downtime:
Build breaks into your schedule for quiet, low-stimulation activities. Even 20 minutes of calm can help your child reset and recharge.
Adapt Quickly:
Upon arrival, adjust to the local time zone by keeping your child awake during daylight hours and creating a calming bedtime routine that aligns with the new schedule.
After the Trip: Resetting at Home
Once you’re back, it may take a few days to re-establish your usual routine. Be patient and consistent, gradually reinforcing nap times, bedtimes, and meal schedules. If your child seems overtired, allow extra time for rest and recovery.
How I Can Help
Travel doesn’t have to mean chaos for your family’s routines. I specialise in creating personalised plans to help your baby or toddler navigate the challenges of travel and disrupted schedules. From preparation tips to in-the-moment troubleshooting, I’ll be in your back pocket making travel stress-free and enjoyable.
Embrace the Journey
Disrupted routines are part of the adventure, but with the right strategies, you can keep your little one happy and rested. Travel is an opportunity to make incredible memories—and with a little planning, you’ll return home with both stories to tell and a well-rested family.
Ready to travel with confidence? Let’s create a plan tailored to your family’s needs. Reach out today to get started!
I’ve got you,
Clare
Your baby and toddler sleep concierge