Summer Travel with Kids: Sleep Tips for a Smooth Trip
By Jensine Casey, MEd, pediatric sleep consultant
Summer travel with little kids (especially ages 2 to 6) can be an adventure—sometimes exciting, sometimes exhausting! Between long car rides, flights, and new sleep environments, keeping your child well-rested while still enjoying your trip can feel like an impossible task. As a sleep consultant (and a mom who knows that life happens), I want to share some realistic strategies that can help you keep sleep on track—without stressing if things don’t go perfectly.
Sleep Tips for Traveling by Car or Plane
If you're traveling by car, consider leaving early in the morning or around nap time so your child has a chance to rest on the way. Don’t forget things to keep them cozy in the car—like a small pillow, blanket, or stuffed animal (if over 12 months)—to make car naps easier. If your trip is long, plan for stops at least every 2 hours where they can run around to burn off energy.
Flying? Try to schedule flights earlier in the day if possible, but don’t stress if it doesn’t work out. Pack a small comfort item and noise-canceling headphones (or a favorite toy/show) to help them relax. If you're dealing with a time change, exposure to natural light upon arrival will help reset their internal clock. Just expect an adjustment period of a few days! Once you arrive, set up the sleep environment so they can be introduced to it before it’s actually time to sleep there.
Setting Up the Sleep Environment at Your Destination
Once you arrive, take a few minutes to create a familiar sleep space. If your child is used to a crib in their own room, the SlumberPod is a game-changer—it gives them their own dark, cozy space even in a shared room. Bring a sound machine to drown out unfamiliar noises and keep bedtime routines as close to normal as possible. Even if bedtime is later than usual, doing the same steps (bath, book, cuddles) will signal that it’s time for sleep.
If your child is in a bed, consider bringing a travel bed rail or a toddler cot. A simple nightlight can help if they're nervous in a new place. And if they wake up early? Give it a few days before worrying too much—kids often need time to settle into a new environment.
Must-Have Sleep Items for Travel
To make sleep on the go easier, pack these essentials:
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SlumberPod (for a blackout sleep space)
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Portable sound machine (to block out unfamiliar noises- but be sure it can run all night!)
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Favorite blanket or stuffed animal (for comfort)
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Sleep sack or pajamas (something familiar from home)
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Travel crib or toddler travel bed (if needed)
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Blackout curtains or garbage bags & tape (for room darkening)
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Nightlight (for reassurance in a new space)
Go with the Flow (and Enjoy the Trip!)
At the end of the day, travel sleep won’t be perfect—and that’s okay! Prioritize sleep when you can, but also give yourself permission to enjoy the trip without stressing over every late bedtime or skipped nap. Most kids adjust back to their normal routine within a few days of being home. So pack those essentials, set up a cozy sleep space, and make some summer memories—sleep included (mostly).
And if sleep doesn’t return to normal once you are home? I’ve got your back! Follow me on instagram @babyoandi, email me at jensine@babyoandiconsulting.com, or go to babyoandiconsulting.com to find out more about how to work together.