Tips to Help your Child Sleep Well on Holiday

Can children sleep well on holiday? Absolutely!

With these tips to help your child sleep well on holiday and a little planning and preparation, your child can enjoy restful sleep while travelling. Good sleep can help the whole family make the most of their holiday.

As the summer holidays approach, many parents are excitedly planning family adventures. However, concerns about disrupted sleep routines, missed naps, and difficult bedtimes often come along too. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between family fun and healthy sleep habits. With the right approach, you can enjoy both.

Here are my top tips to help your child sleep well on holiday and make travelling with children much less stressful.

1. Stick to Your Child’s Sleep Routine Where Possible

Children thrive on routine, even when they’re away from home. If your little one still naps, try to keep their wake windows and nap schedule as consistent as possible. Naps in the buggy, carrier, or car can work well when you’re out exploring.

Maintaining familiar elements of your child’s bedtime routine can also help them settle more easily in an unfamiliar environment.

2. Avoid Overpacking Your Holiday Schedule

One of the most common mistakes parents make is trying to fit too much into each day. While it’s tempting to make the most of every moment, busy days can leave children feeling overtired and overstimulated.

Overtired children often struggle to fall asleep and may wake more frequently during the night. Allowing for some downtime can make a huge difference to your child’s sleep quality.

3. Build in Quiet Time During the Day

If your child no longer naps, consider scheduling some quiet time instead. After a busy morning, an hour of calm activities such as colouring, reading, puzzles, or imaginative play can help them relax and recharge.

This downtime can reduce overstimulation and support a smoother bedtime later in the evening.

4. Bring Familiar Sleep Items from Home

Comfort and familiarity are key when it comes to helping children sleep well while travelling. For children over 1 years old you could pack their favourite comforter, teddy or blanket for sleep.

If possible, bring their one slept in, usual sleeping bag and cot sheet, as familiar smells can be reassuring. A blackout blind can also be invaluable for creating a dark sleep environment, especially during bright summer evenings. Make sure to peel it away from windows that are in direct sunlight when not in use.

5. Don’t Worry About the Occasional Late Night

If your child is already a confident, independent sleeper, an occasional later bedtime or car nap is unlikely to cause major problems.

The key is balance. A few changes to routine are perfectly manageable, but several days of missed naps, late nights, and busy activities can quickly lead to overtiredness and disrupted sleep.

6. Consider Alternatives to Bedsharing

Unless bedsharing is part of your normal routine and you follow the guidance from the Lullaby Trust, it’s often best avoided during holidays.

Many families find that nobody sleeps particularly well when sharing a bed unexpectedly. It can also create new sleep associations that are difficult to change once you’re back home. A travel cot is a practical and portable option for maintaining independent sleep habits.

7. Keep Bedtime Stories Screen-Free

Bedtime stories are a wonderful way to maintain a familiar bedtime routine while away. Pack a few favourite books from home to create consistency.

Try to avoid using tablets or other screens for bedtime stories, as screen exposure can be stimulating and may make it harder for babies and children to settle to sleep.

8. Create Separate Sleep Spaces When Possible

If you’re booking accommodation, adjoining rooms can be a fantastic option. They allow children to have their own sleep space while still being close to parents.

Separate sleeping areas can be especially helpful if younger children go to bed earlier than older siblings. If adjoining rooms aren’t available, consider using a room divider or temporary partition to reduce distractions and support better sleep.

9. Continue Using White Noise

If white noise is already part of your child’s sleep routine, keep using it while you’re away. Familiar sleep cues can help children settle more quickly in new surroundings and block out unfamiliar holiday noises.

10. Pack Your Gro Clock

For older children who use a Gro Clock or similar sleep trainer, don’t forget to pack it. Consistent visual cues can help children understand when it’s time to stay in bed and when it’s okay to get up.

If you’re travelling abroad, remember to bring the correct adaptor too.

The Most Important Tip: Relax and Enjoy Your Holiday

While maintaining good sleep habits is important, holidays are also about making memories together. Family life is busy, and time away provides a valuable opportunity to slow down, connect, and enjoy quality time with your children.

A flexible approach, combined with a few familiar sleep routines, can help your child sleep well on holiday while allowing everyone to enjoy the adventure.