For many, the festive season is a welcome respite from the humdrum of daily life. However, parents with infants know all too well that babies operate on their own timetable. But fear not, Christmas needn't be marred by parental stress or incessant baby tears. It's entirely feasible to celebrate without compromising your little one's happiness or your own.
So if your Christmas wish is for a peaceful night's sleep or an evening free from a fussy tot, here are some pointers on managing your baby's sleep routine. Be assured, you can still have a sound sleeper during and post the holiday season. Babies often start preparing for sleep as soon as they spot certain sleep cues – like bath time, feeding, storytime, or changing into pyjamas. If you're travelling this Christmas, it's crucial to keep these associations intact, reports the Mirror.
Try to bring along your baby's familiar items (blankets, toys, sleep aids, etc. ) so they always have a sense of familiarity.This will help maintain their sleep environment as "normal" as possible. Late nights are almost a given during the Christmas period. If you anticipate being out until the wee hours, consider bringing your baby's pyjamas or sleeping bag with you.
Babies are likely to sleep through a long car journey, so try to align travel times with their usual nap or sleep schedules. Once you arrive home, put them to bed immediately. If they wake up, revert to your regular sleep routine. Don't worry if they go to bed a bit later than usual, just keep the next day's activities low-key.
