Holiday season is here! Which usually means extra events, family gatherings and busy schedules.

After being a Mom for 6 years, I have lived experience for many of these common scenarios and want to share that knowledge with you and reassure you that it’s going to be ok. 

I’ve prioritized my children’s sleep for MANY events. I’ve been flexible with their sleep for some events, too. I’ve panicked when they haven’t napped (spoiler alert: it doesn’t help and it will be ok). I’ve stayed calm when schedules get wonky, too. 

When considering the decision to be flexible or prioritize schedules, you know your baby the best. You know your capacity the best. You know your family’s needs the best. 

This blog is going to guide you through some scenarios you may encounter this holiday season so you can feel calm and confident about how to handle them. 

What do I do when my baby wakes up early with a busy day ahead?

• If possible, try to offer the first nap of the day at home to ensure they have the opportunity for a quality restorative nap in their typical sleep space.
• If scheduling demands are tight later in the day, you can attempt to bump their usual nap time earlier by 15-30 minutes to ensure they have the opportunity to get a good nap in before having to leave. 
• If you have an older child that doesn’t nap, you may offer them quiet time mid-day to give them an opportunity to rest (either with or without you present depending where you’re at in this journey).
• Be prepared for big feelings when that late afternoon crash hits. Get some fresh air. Co-regulate with them. Take a break from a busy room to sit in a quiet space. 

What do I do when we have to travel for a holiday event at nap time?

• Plan for the drive to happen around the typical nap time. This may mean having to leave a bit early or arrive late for an event. You could also choose to arrive late to an event and opt for a nap at home! 
• If in an infant bucket seat, consider a breathable car seat cover to block out external stimulation.
• Bring a sound machine to offer a familiar noise and sleep cue for your baby.
• Be prepared that the nap may take a bit longer to start OR they may wake after a short period of time because they will be in their car seat, not as comfortable as their typical sleep space.
• Pro tip: hit up the drive-thru for a coffee before baby falls asleep so you can drive in silence and enjoy a hot beverage.

What do I do when a holiday event starts at nap time?

• Decide to arrive on time and offer a nap on-the-go once you’ve arrived (tips below)
• Opt to arrive late to an event. You can let the hosts know you’ll be prioritizing your baby’s sleep schedule and will let them know when you’re close to arriving but not to wait for your family before starting the event. 
• Opt not to go to the event altogether and arrange an alternative gathering time.

What do I do when my baby falls asleep in the car unexpectedly?

• If they are sick, allow them the extra rest for however long they need.
• If they’ve snoozed as a result of a long car ride, you can choose to let them snooze until you’ve reached the destination and then adjust the rest of their daily schedule from the wake time. This may mean their nap schedule looks fairly different than other days – it’s ok!
• If they nap for a very short period of time (e.g., 5-15 minutes) before arriving at a destination, keep them up upon arrival and engage in some very physically exerting activities. Try to offer a nap after they’ve woken up since you’ve rebuilt some sleep pressure for them. Their nap may only be 1 sleep cycle with this approach but some sleep is a win!
• If they fall asleep on the drive home (approaching bedtime), you can either let them sleep and attempt a transfer once home or wake them up after a very short snooze and then give them some playtime once home before starting the bedtime routine. 

What do I do when it’s nap time during a holiday event?

• If your baby loves to contact nap, pop them in a carrier, turn on the sound machine and opt to bounce around in a quiet area of the event. Bonus: you can take a break yourself away from overbearing family members.
• If your baby doesn’t love contact naps, or is too big for a carrier, consider bringing their stroller as an option for them to sleep. Sound machine and a blanket draped loosely over the canopy will help to optimize the sleep space. Keep the stroller moving to help them settle for sleep. 
• If your child is older, you may attempt to skip their midday nap altogether and offer an early bedtime as a way to make up for lost daytime sleep.
• Depending on where the event is, you may consider bringing their pack n’ play and a SlumberPod to offer a nap at the event. Or a SlumberTot for children 2 years+.
• When doing naps on-the-go, your baby may nap a shorter amount of time than usual. This is common. For most babies, the best solution for this is to offer an earlier bedtime (if possible).

What do I do when we have to stay over somewhere new during the holiday season?

• Bring any and all familiar sleep items from home. Blog on travel sleep here. 
• Keep the bedtime routine as consistent as possible.
• Consider a SlumberPod to help block out distractions from the new sleep space. If you’re local to Hamilton, send me an inquiry here to rent my SlumberPod or use code (LITTLESLEEPSPACE) to save on your purchase. 
• Expect some hiccups since most of us don’t sleep great in a new space right away. Practice makes progress. 

What do I do when I want to leave a family event early to prioritize my baby’s sleep? 

• Give the hosts advanced notice that you’re on a specific timeline and will be leaving by a specific time.
• Don’t expect them to shift their hosting timelines to match your family’s schedule (amazing if they do though!)
• Have a script ready to say if/when a family member gives you pushback on your decisions.
• Pack car snacks in the event you have to leave before food has been served and everyone is going to be feeling hangry!

What do I do when Aunt Betty tries to hold my crying baby at a family event?

• Let Aunt Betty know you are thankful she’s so interested in your baby and she can hold them once you’ve been able to help settle your baby down. “____ really needs my scent and familiar touch right now in this new overstimulating space, can you help me do ____ instead?”
• Give Aunt Betty an alternative task to help you support your baby (e.g., ask her to warm a bottle, ask her to distract the baby during a diaper change, offer her an opportunity to sing a song while you nurse your baby, etc.). 
• You aren’t responsible for Aunt Betty’s feelings. She may be taken back by your boundaries but that doesn’t mean they’re wrong. Your baby = your rules. 

What do I do when a family member comments on my parenting choice/preferences (e.g., feeding, sleep, emotional regulation, etc.)

• “This is what works best for my family right now. Thanks for respecting that.”
• “There are many ways to raise happy, healthy kids and families. This is how we are raising ours.”
• “Can you refill my wine glass before we have this conversation?” ;)

What do I do when it’s bedtime but I want to stay at a holiday event later?

• If your baby is on the younger side, you can opt to do a bedtime routine at the event and offer sleep in any way possible (e.g., contact, carrier, stroller, etc.)
• Be prepared for a second wind of energy from your older child if bedtime is being pushed.
• For some children that can tolerate flexibility, you may be able to do a modified bedtime routine and let them fall asleep at the event then transfer to car seat then home.
• I’ve done this for NYE with both my kids. For my son, he was 13 months, we did bedtime routine at our friend’s house then put him to sleep in a pack n’ play. We transferred him to his carseat after midnight to get home and then transferred him to crib once home with a breastfeed session. We used the same approach when my daughter was 7 months old last year. Yes, I was tired the next day but the social opportunity with our best pals was worth it for me!

No matter if you choose to stick to schedules or be flexible, know that the excitement of holiday events and the busy season may toss a few hiccups your way. 

No need to stress – it’s going to be ok!

If you have an off day, here’s a few tips to get things back on track once the busy season settles down:

1. Don’t be afraid of an early bedtime after a hard nap day or naps all on-the-go. This will help fill the sleep tank that may have been extra depleted during the day. If your child typically has a later bedtime or lower sleep needs, this may not be an ideal strategy for their circadian rhythm. 
2. The next day, ensure your child is woken up within 30-minutes of their usual wake time. This will help shape the rest of your day. 
3. The next day, get nap 1 back on their usual schedule to help regulate their schedule again. 
4. Stay consistent on your strategies you and your baby are familiar with. When your child has had an off day or 2 from sleep, their sleep tank may be depleted which can sometimes result in extra protest, random night wakings or early morning wake ups. Support them where needed to get through this phase of the journey.
5. Book a support call to chat through your unique situation and let me provide you individualized strategies to guide your unique sleep journey.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and rested holiday season.

Chelsea

Chelsea is Mom of 2  kids and a Baby Sleep Consultant supporting families within Hamilton, Ontario and beyond. She has a Master’s of Professional Education and over 10 years of professional experience in parent coaching. She works collaboratively with families to empower them with the confidence and tools they need to reach their unique sleep goals. Read from other rested families here and if you’re ready to start your journey to more sleep, book a free call with Chelsea here to discuss how she can support your family.