Tips for Dealing with Time Change & Jet Lag

​When it comes to surviving the plane ride, the best piece of advice I ever got about traveling with kids is just to ACCEPT the fact
that you’re traveling with kids! So plan ahead and bring as many things that you can think of to keep your little one occupied
and comfortable. If you have to resort to “old ways” to get your child to settle down, then do so.
Just know that as soon as you land, its back to the plan!
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The good news is that well-rested children handle jet lag much better than sleep-deprived adults.

How can you make the adjustment as seamless as possible?
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 If your little one has had a great schedule leading up to the trip, he/she should slide into the new time zone without too much trouble.
It is best to adjust to the new time zone as quickly as you can.
 
If you really feel like your little one needs an extra nap to catch up a bit, try to limit it to 45 minutes.
Try not to let him/her nap too close to bedtime. If it’s a choice between a strangely timed dinner hour nap or an earlier bedtime,
I suggest you go with the slightly earlier bedtime.
 
Sunlight is a useful tool in helping both you and your little one adjust to the new time zone, since light is the
most powerful time cue our bodies have. Try to plan meals and socializing around the new time zone as well,
and get an hour or two of fresh air in the early afternoon.
 
Make sure you do just the opposite when evening rolls around.
Use the blackout blinds, and keep light to a minimum a couple of hours before you want your little one to go to bed.
This will help stimulate melatonin production, making him/her sleepier.
 
In spite of their best efforts, many parents find themselves reverting back to old, familiar sleep props with their children when
they travel. If you find that it’s all fallen apart in just a week or two, the good news is that it’s just as easy to get back on track
within a week or two, too! So as soon as you get home, start your plan over, speeding it up by two nights at each step –
and hold tight to the memory that your child is capable of doing this! He just needs a push in the right direction from you!
 
Happy Travels! 

Need help getting your child's sleep back on track?
Book your Free 20 Minute Evaluation and I can help!
For a DIY approach get your copy of the Travel & Sleep Guide!

​Erin Neri

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About the Author 

I am the mother of two amazing little boys who did not come pre-programmed with the skills to sleep well independently. I knows how hard it is to function on little to no sleep, I understands how this impacts your ability to be the best version of the mom that you want to be. This is what led me to become a Certified Sleep Consultant and the founder of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting.  I am also a member of the International Association of Professional Sleep Consultants. I have a background in Psycology and have worked with families and young children in many different settings for over 19 years.  One of the best parts of my job is seeing the impact that TEACHING their little moon bugs healthy/independent sleep skills has on the momma's!!
"Life Changing! I am a better mom!"