Sunday Sleep Dilemma

Q: What is the best way to keep your kids sleep on schedule when traveling?

A: When you travel it is best to plan ahead if you want your kids to get the sleep they need (which will also mean avoiding cranky kids).

Some things to consider as you plan for your summer vacation:

-The all out indulgence is to bring a babysitter. Kids can get the naps and early bedtimes they need, and you and your husband can do all the things you want to do on the vacation. Still spend plenty of time with the kids- use the babysitters as extra hands or let them have some free time.

-Keep the same schedule you follow at home: make dinner reservations early, so you can get back and get the kids ready and into bed.

-Get a suite or adjoining hotel room. This way you can stay up and watch a movie while your kids sleep.

-Don't skip naps. If you have a baby with an early nap and you have plans try to create an adequate sleep environment in a pack n play at the location (pool, beach, someone else's house) or try using a stroller with a bassinet. In either situation, make sure the baby has a lovie if they usually have one, a paci if they usually have one, are swaddled if that is the usual, have a fairly dark environment, have adequate airflow, have a sound spa (don't forget the batteries!). Try to be back at the hotel for afternoon naps- maybe you and your husband can switch days staying with the kids while the other gets to do soemthing fun.

-Don't forget about your bedtime sleep routine. Some nights will just be later and busyer, but if you can try to still do bath, book, pjs, bed, or whatever your normal sleep routine happens to be.

-If you are changing time zones, immediately change to the new time. Your kids will be tired from travel, so just run your normal schedule off of the new cities time. And do the same when you get home.

And remember it is vacation- there are exceptions, indulgences, and missed sleep. But, if you try to limit those you and your children will all have a much more enjoyable vacation.

Sunday Sleep Dilemma

Q: Can I just let my infant sleep for a five hour stretch during the day without feeding her?

A: I would not do this. I did this with my first baby, and it was great to have that long break, but she was not a good sleeper at night or during the day. I had to work pretty hard to get her to become a good sleeper. I really think there is something to feeding on a schedule (use the word loosely). If you wait five hours- it is like you are pretty much skipping a feeding.

With my next two babies, I would feed them every three hours- if they were not awake I would feed them in their sleep. Both of them were much better sleepers day and night. I have known many other moms who have fed on a schedule and everyone of them has found success in sleep and always had a well-fed baby.

Note: This isn't to say there weren't times that I fed extra or for comfort. You know your baby and their needs best.