Spring Break Travel & Spring Forward Checklists

Posted By nightingales on Mar 2, 2020 |

YAY for spring and BYE FELICIA to sick season! Browse these reference lists for travel tips and how to spring forward like a champ.

Spring Break Travel:

• If possible, book flights or begin road trips in the early morning. Babies tend to do better when they’re fresh off a good night’s sleep.
• If you’re flying, offer a pacifier, bottle, sippy cup or nurse as you ascend and descend to help alleviate any ear pain.
• We promise you you’re not the first person with a crying baby on an airplane! If baby’s fussy, try to stay calm. They feed off of your energy.
• Don’t stress over nap times on travel days. Let them nap when they can and keep night-time sleep consistent.
• Offer the same great sleep associations you do at home when you travel to help baby transition. Pack a loud white noise machine, pack n’ play, swaddle, and you’ll be good to go!
• Roomy closets make great places for baby’s pack n play so they’re extra dark. If you’re in tight quarters or know the only option is a brightly lit room, we’ve had great success with The Slumber Pod. 
• If you get a little off schedule on your trip, expect a day or two of adjustments when you get home, but rest assured baby did not forget all the healthy sleep habits you helped them develop!

Spring Forward:

• On Saturday, March 8th, put baby to bed at regular time.
• Move clocks forward one hour.
• On Sunday, March 9th, get baby up within 15-20 mins of “new” wake up time.
• Do everything according to the new clock time on Sunday. This means all meals and sleep times.
• The younger they are, the more important it is to start the day on time.

Bonus Tips:

• Invest in true black-out curtains to prevent early waking and bedtime battles. Cheapie ones available here if you’re in a pinch.
• Sunday morning, bask in that sun! Fresh air and sunshine first thing in the morning will help reset their internal clock.
• As best you an, avoid all screens two hours prior to bedtime.

As always, email melissa@newbornnightingales.com if you’re in need of sleep!