Staying on Track with Sleep Through the Holidays: Tips for Parents

The holidays bring joy, family gatherings, and a host of disruptions to your little one’s sleep routine. While throwing schedules out the window to accommodate festivities is tempting, staying consistent is essential to avoid meltdowns (yours and your baby’s!). Here’s how to keep your child’s sleep on track during the most wonderful (and hectic) time of the year.
 
You’re the Boss: Schedule Around Your Child’s Sleep**
Remember: you’re the CEO of your family’s schedule. It’s perfectly okay to prioritize your child’s sleep needs over Aunt Sally’s late-night dinner plans. When family or friends invite you over, suggest times that align with your child’s sleep routine. For instance, “We’d love to come by, but an evening dinner past 7:30 won’t work because that’s the baby’s bedtime. How about a lunch instead?”
Some may think you’re being too strict, and that’s okay. They aren’t the ones dealing with a cranky, overtired baby the next day! Most will appreciate how happy and engaged your little one is during their awake windows, proving that well-rested kids are the life of the party.
 
Adopt the 80/20 Rule**
​Perfection isn’t realistic. Allow some flexibility during the holidays—aim for consistency 80% of the time. A slightly later bedtime or an on-the-go nap here and there likely won’t throw your child’s sleep into chaos. Just ensure these detours don’t become the new norm.
 
Take the Sleep Setup on the Road**

• **Bring the pack-and-play:** Set up a quiet sleep space in a spare room, away from the hustle and bustle. This lets your baby nap or go to bed on time while you continue to enjoy the evening with family and friends. When you’re ready to leave, gently wake your little one, take them home, and transfer them to their crib. This approach is far less disruptive to their schedule and keeps everyone happier.
• **Recreate the bedtime routine:** Do as much of your baby’s bedtime routine as possible—even away from home. Whether it’s a bath, story, or lullaby, these familiar steps will help signal that it’s time to sleep.
• **Bring comfort items:** Pack your baby’s favourite sleep toy, blanket, or sleep sack. Having these familiar items nearby can make a big difference in helping them feel at ease in an unfamiliar setting.
• **Stick to wake windows:** Even during a busy holiday schedule, ensure your baby isn’t staying awake too long between naps. Over-tiredness makes it much harder for babies to settle, no matter how cozy their setup is.

Most importantly, don’t stress about what others might think. Chances are, your family will be amazed at how easily your baby naps or goes to bed, and you’ll all enjoy a more peaceful visit because of it.

By balancing boundaries with a bit of holiday flexibility, you can enjoy the season without sacrificing sleep. And if you’re looking for more detailed strategies to manage sleep challenges year-round, check out my sleep packages here. Teaching your little one to sleep well is the gift of sleep that keeps on giving!