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2:10 PM 23rd December 2024
family

Get Your Little Ones To Sleep On The Drive Home For Christmas

Image by Tú Nguyễn from Pixabay
Image by Tú Nguyễn from Pixabay
The holiday season is here, and that means it’s time for family road trips and Christmas journeys! But if you’re traveling with little ones, you know the drive home for Christmas can sometimes be anything but peaceful.

While over a third of parents use their car as a secret tool to help their child drift off into a sound sleep, it’s not always an easy task.

Unfortunately, there’s no simple way to soothe a crying child while driving safely without pulling over, and with the season's excitement, every detour can add extra travel time.

So, how can you make those Christmas journeys smoother for you and your little ones?

According to Harrison Walsh at Family Car Deals, there’s an art to getting your child to sleep through the holiday drive:

Recreate their home sleep environment

One of the best ways to get your little one to sleep during a Christmas road trip is to recreate their cozy home sleep environment.

Bring along their favourite comfort items, whether it's a favourite blanket or stuffed toy, something familiar will help them feel secure and ready for a peaceful nap.

Dressing your child in their usual bedtime clothes sends subtle cues to their brain that it’s time for a snooze, even if they’re surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights instead of their usual bedroom.

Block the light where possible

When traveling at night, be sure to block out any external light that might disrupt your child’s sleep. The soft glow of Christmas lights or headlights from passing cars can keep your child from falling into a deep sleep.

A simple car window shade can do wonders to block out the light and help your little one rest easy. Studies show that light exposure can interfere with melatonin, the natural sleep hormone, so blocking light can help your child drift off faster.

Travel during nap windows

The secret to a smooth drive? Plan your trip around your child’s natural sleep schedule. Traveling at night when they’re already used to sleeping can make the journey a lot easier, as falling asleep in the car is much simpler when they’re already tired from the holiday excitement.

Children thrive on routine, and syncing your journey with their usual sleep times helps them settle in and feel more comfortable. If night driving isn’t ideal, aim for their typical nap times during the day. That way, your child will be well-rested, and your journey will be a lot more peaceful.

Stick to your child’s typical nighttime routine

Even on the road to Christmas celebrations, it’s important to stick to familiar routines. Before setting off, follow your child’s typical nighttime routine, whether it’s a warm bath, a Christmas bedtime story, or a final bottle before sleep.

These comforting bedtime cues signal to your child that it’s time to wind down and make a restful sleep on the journey much more achievable.

Information supplied by Family Car Deals