The ultimate baby and toddler travel sleep checklist
ergoPouch AU
Travelling with a baby or toddler brings a very specific kind of packing anxiety (we've been there). Forgetting the portable bassinet is one thing, but forgetting the thing that they wear for sleep is another. The good news is that most travel sleep hiccups come down to a few fixable things: an unfamiliar room, a lost routine, or gear that's just not built to travel. Here's how to sort it all before you even leave the driveway.
Start with the sleep environment
Bub doesn't need a whole nursery on the road; they need their sleep cues that already work at home. Before you start packing individual products, think through the three things that make any room feel like a good place to sleep: light, sound, and a familiar item, aka a Sleeping Bag.
Light: a portable blackout blind turns any hotel room, Airbnb or grandparents' spare room dark enough for a proper sleep, no more sunrise wake-ups.
Sound: a portable white noise machine gives a consistent cue that says this is sleep time, wherever you are.
Sleepwear: a familiar Cocoon, Sleeping Bag or PJs goes a long way if their if sleepwear is their cue for bedtime.
Pack by trip length, not by product
The Sleepwear and tools you need for a weekend away aren't the same as what you need for two weeks overseas.
A quick weekend or short trip
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A TOG-rated Sleeping Bag, Cocoon, Sleep Suit Bag
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Their Toddler Pillow
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Their usual pyjamas/Layers, in the right TOG for where you're headed
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A small comfort item, their night lamp, white noise, whatever they already reach for
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Lastly, our DreamRoll for babes 2+. An all-in-one padded children's sleeping mat, pillow and blanket for children. The portable bed provides a comfortable and warm nap space on the go, or for overnight sleep when travelling.
A longer trip, or one with a few sleeps in different places
Everything above, plus:
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A couple of extra TOG rated layers (Long or Short), so you're covered if the weather does something unexpected
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A spare Sleeping Bag just in case!
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The Drift Home Baby Monitor, perfect if bubs will be going down to bed and you're up enjoying Netflix.
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A simple routine cue, a book, a song, Affirmation Cards, something small and portable that signals bedtime wherever you are.
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Again, our all-in-one padded children's sleeping mat, pillow, and blanket. DreamRoll will fit in your suitcase or over your shoulder with its handy carry strap!
Don't skip safe sleep basics
It's easy to relax the rules a little on holiday (love this for us), but safe sleep guidelines don't take a break just because you're away from home.
Stick to a firm, flat sleep surface, keep the sleep space clear, and dress bub for the actual temperature of the room you're in, not just the season back home.
Nothing in their cot, on their heads, and make sure to dress them in their right-size sleeping bag. If you're not sure what weight to pack for where you're headed, our TOG guide can fit in a handbag, carry-on, back pocket, anywhere really!
A note on time zzzzones and jet lag
If you're heading somewhere with a real time difference, don't expect the first night or two to run like clockwork. That's normal, not a sign anything's wrong. Anchor bub to the new local time as soon as you land, even if the first nap or bedtime is a bit early or late, and keep your usual wind-down routine the same. It's often the most reassuring part of the whole day for them.
Happy Holidaying, friends.
As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our CS team
Remember:
Wherever summer takes you, safe sleep follows.
With love,
eP x