Embracing Flexibility During the Summer (Without Losing All the Sleep!)

I remember when my daughter was 3 or 4 years old, I wanted so badly to go to the neighborhood fireworks show. It’s a big deal around here—everyone brings snacks, donates a little something, and someone always puts on an amazing fireworks display that we all watch together from cozy blankets on a warm summer night. It’s one of those “movie moment” memories, and I didn’t want to miss it.

But there was one problem: bedtime.

At the time, I had already been certified as a gentle sleep coach, and I knew the importance of a consistent bedtime routine. That schedule had been a lifesaver for us, especially with the sleep challenges we had faced before. So even one night of going off that schedule made me anxious.

My husband kept saying, “Let’s just have fun—we’ll figure it out later!” But I couldn’t. In my mind, there was no “figuring it out”—there was only a hard night, followed by an early wake-up, and a rough next day.

But here’s the thing…I honestly don’t remember how that night went. I don’t remember if she woke up a thousand times, or if the next day was exhausting. All I remember is the fireworks. And her face—completely lit up with wonder as she looked up at the sky.

Because that is what summer is about. It’s about core memories, not perfect routines. It’s about letting go of the guilt and anxiety and finding joy in the moment, while still honoring your baby’s needs.

So how do we do that? How do we find the balance?

Over time, I’ve learned that a mix of consistency and flexibility is key. You can respect your child’s sleep needs and make room for the spontaneous fun of summer. Here’s how:

1. Start With a Solid Foundation

You need a baseline—an age-appropriate schedule that works for your baby or toddler. This means knowing how much sleep they need, what their ideal wake windows are, and building a rhythm that supports their development and your family’s lifestyle.👉 (You can check recommended sleep needs by age here).

2. Make a Plan

Planning is everything. If you know you’ll be out late—say, for a barbecue or fireworks on the 4th of July—adjust accordingly:

• Can your baby take a longer nap earlier in the day?

• Can you squeeze in an extra nap if they’ve dropped naps altogether?

• Is there a way to create a calmer pocket of time before the event so they’re not overstimulated?

  
  

These small tweaks can make a big difference in helping them stay more regulated throughout the evening.

3. Let Go and Enjoy

Once you're out and about, don’t spend the whole time watching the clock. You’re there. Enjoy it. Be present. Make the memories.

And the next day? It might look like one of these three scenarios:

• They wake up at the usual time. → Great! Go back to your regular schedule.

• They sleep in a little → Awesome! Adjust the naps throughout the day so the last wake window lines up as usual.

• The day is a total mess → That’s okay too. Try to fit in as much sleep as possible and aim for an early bedtime. One off day won't ruin everything.

  
  

You’ve Got This!

Summer doesn’t need to be chaotic, nor does it have to be rigid. You can create structure and allow for flexibility. You can plan ahead and go with the flow. Your baby’s sleep doesn't need to suffer for your family to enjoy the season.

✨ Want more tips on how to handle late nights, travel, and hot summer days without the sleep drama?

📘 Grab my Summer Sleep Survival Guide – just $17! It’s full of gentle advice, sample schedules (3 months to 5 years), travel tips, and strategies to keep things on track without stress.

👉 Click here to download it instantly and get back to enjoying your summer—one memory at a time.