Getting Back on Track with Sleep After the Holidays

After a wonderful week-long trip to Mexico, my family and I returned home feeling refreshed—but also exhausted. Sleep during our vacation was very disrupted, as it often is when routines are thrown out the window.

Baby sleeping in his own crib

Thankfully, my kids are now 3 and 7 years old and a bit more flexible, but I can’t help but remember those days when they were babies.

Back then, traveling meant bringing all the things and doing whatever it took to keep them calm and avoid tears. Sometimes that meant co-sleeping, adding extra feedings in the middle of the night, taking extra naps, or even skipping naps altogether.

Fast forward to today, and I know the aftermath of those disrupted sleep routines all too well. When you return home, you may find yourself dealing with overtired and overstimulated little ones—and let’s face it, you might feel the same way! But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to get everyone’s sleep back on track. Here are three tried-and-true tips:

3 Ways to Get Back on Track with Your Baby's Sleep After the Holidays

1. Return to Your Pre-Holiday Schedule (but Be Patient): Start by reintroducing the nap and bedtime schedule your baby was following before the holidays. Keep in mind that it might take a few days for their internal clock to adjust. Stay consistent, and their body will fall back into the rhythm.

   
   

2. Add an Extra-Soothing Bedtime Routine: After all the excitement, your little one might need a bit more comfort to relax at bedtime. Consider adding calming activities like a warm bath, a gentle massage, or extra cuddles to help them wind down and ease into sleep.

   
   

3. Eliminate Any Newly Created Sleep Crutches: If you introduced new habits during your trip, like co-sleeping or rocking to sleep, now is the time to transition back to your usual sleep setup. Whether you choose to make the change cold turkey or gradually, consistency will help your baby remember how things were before the trip. Be prepared for a few rough nights, but stay patient—your little one will adapt.

   
   

Getting back to normal after the holidays can feel overwhelming, but it’s completely doable with a little patience and consistency. Remember, your baby’s sleep patterns may take a few days to adjust, and that’s okay.

Give yourself grace, too! Reestablishing routines takes time, but soon enough, you’ll all be enjoying peaceful nights and well-rested days again. Safe travels, and happy snoozing!

If you need help getting back on track, let's chat! Request a free discovery call here:

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