The Christmas season is magical, but for parents, it can also bring stress about how the festivities might disrupt their child’s sleep.
Here are some tips to help you maintain your child’s sleep routine, so you can enjoy the holidays without sacrificing precious rest, writes Baby & Child Sleep Consultant Emma Hill.
1. Keep the bedtime routine consistent
Try to maintain your child’s usual bedtime routine, even amidst all the Christmas excitement. Familiar activitieslike a bath, bedtime story, or lullaby can help signal that it’s time for sleep.
Quick Win: If you’re travelling, pack a favourite blanket or stuffed animal to help your child feel at home, making it easier for them to settle in a new place.
2. Protect nap time
Christmas events can interfere with nap time, but prioritising it helps avoid over-tiredness, making bedtime smoother too. Plan outings around naps, and don’t hesitate to say “no” to gatherings if needed.
Quick Win: If you’re out during nap time, find a quiet spot for a quick nap. Even a 20-minute rest can prevent over-tiredness.
3. Watch sugar intake
Festive treats are inevitable, but too much sugar can make bedtime tricky. Try to limit sugary snacks to earlier in the day and offer healthier alternatives in the evening.
Quick Win: Introduce a calming bedtime snack like warm milk or a banana, which can help your child settle.
4. Balance flexibility with routine
While sticking to a routine is important, occasional flexibility can make Christmas moments more enjoyable. It’s okay if bedtime is a little later on Christmas Eve with all the excitement of Santa arriving – just try not to make it a habit.
Quick Win: If bedtime has been late, have some calming wind-down time the next day to reset their sleep schedule.
5. Be mindful of bedtime during family gatherings
Family gatherings often run late, and it can be tempting to stretch bedtime so that your little one can spend more time with relatives. However, children are creatures of habit, and a later bedtime can sometimes lead to over-tiredness, making it even harder for them to sleep well. It’s okay to make occasional exceptions but try not to make a habit of it over the entire Christmas period.
Quick Win: If you know you’ll be out past bedtime, consider bringing along pyjamas and doing part of the bedtime routine wherever you are. This way, your child can fall asleep in a quieter space, and you can transfer them into their bed or cot when you get home.
Don’t let sleep worries steal your Christmas joy
The festive period doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights for your child (or for you). By taking small steps to keep your routine intact, you can make the holidays enjoyable and restful for everyone. And remember, if you’re finding it tough to navigate your child’s sleep challenges during the festive season, I’m here to help. My tailored sleep packages are designed to support you through every stage, from infant sleep to toddler transitions, so you can enjoy this magical time of year with peace of mind.
If you’d like more support on keeping your child’s sleep on track during the festive season and into the New Year, visit my website for more information about my sleep packages or contact me for a 15-minute introductory call (via the website). Here’s to a happy, restful, and joyful Christmas for you and your family!
Editor’s Note: Emma’s website is www.sleepybabyhappymama.com. She can be contacted via email at hello@sleepybabyhappymama.com