Planning for Naps on the Go
Many new(er) parents want their baby to fit into their lifestyle. And they also want what’s best for their baby.
Sometimes these things don’t go together very well.
When your little one is a newborn, they’re pretty flexible when it comes to sleep and can sleep just about anywhere. But as they get older and become more aware of the world around them, sleep becomes harder. When you used to be able to bring your baby to the restaurant for a 7:00 p.m. dinner, let them fall asleep in their car seat, and transfer them easily to their crib after a dream feed when you got home later, that’s not really the case anymore.
It’s one of those things where you might just have to experience it to really believe me!
At the end of working together, parents always have this question - "How are we supposed to handle their sleep schedule when we have outings, trips, appointments, vacations, etc.?"
My biggest recommendation is the 70/30 rule. Here’s the thing though…the 70/30 rule only really works if your little one has a strong sleep foundation.
Many families feel like sleep training is too rigid. Like, they're always going to have to be stuck at home. But, in reality, the opposite is true.
Once your baby has the SKILL of sleep down, they are going to be flexible. A well-rested child is a flexible child. An overtired child is not. So, prioritize sleep 70% of the time (after you’ve taught your child some independent sleep skills), and for the other 30% you can allow for appointments during nap time, a later bedtime, or an overnight trip to your cousins’ house.
This ratio is roughly 5/7 days per week you’re following your baby’s regular schedule and routines, and 2/7 days you’re not. After your string of flexibility, your little one is going to need to catch back up on sleep so they can get ready to be flexible again. Repeat this process and you’ll have a great, flexible little sleeper on your hands and not feel like you need to be stuck at home all the time!
Tips for Naps on the Go
Tip 1 - Plan Your Outing Around the Nap Schedule
If you have a long drive to get to your destination, plan for a nap in the car. Complete your child’s nap routine, and instead of placing them in their crib, put them in their car seat! Turn on the white noise and they just might be asleep before you back out of the driveway.
Tip 2 - Recreate the Sleep Space as Best You Can
To recreate the sleep space, use the Yogasleep Hush Portable White Noise Machine. Make sure it’s charged before you leave the house and you’ll be good to go for about 8 hours. For naps in the car, use a Car Window Sun Shade or a Snoozeshade Car Seat Cover and give them their sleep sack, blanket or lovey to cuddle with if they’re big enough. If you have a day full of exploring, plan for it to be in the stroller or baby carrier. I love the Ergo Baby Carrier for a carrier nap and the Snooze Shade Stroller Cover for a stroller nap.
You might even want to include a stroller fan for some air movement and to keep them cool while they sleep if it’s a hot or humid day.
White noise + darkness = the ideal environment for sleep, even sleep on the go!
Tip 3 - Offer an Early Bedtime
If your child took a short nap or refused the nap on the go, offer an earlier bedtime. Sleep that is outside of their normal environment, or with movement (car seat, stroller, or carrier naps) is not as restorative as sleep in their crib.
Even if your child took a decent nap in the stroller, car seat, or carrier, you might want to opt for a bedtime that’s slightly earlier than normal. Follow their lead - trust me, they’ll let you know if they’re cranky and need to go to bed!
Next Steps
Struggling with your baby’s naps on the go? Or do you feel like you can’t do naps on the go because your little one is lacking the skills to have some flexibility with their sleep?
You can learn more about my sleep services here. I’d love to help you find this kind of freedom and flexibility with your child’s sleep!
