Picture this. It’s summer, the kids are out of school, and your family has booked a lovely vacation to a tropical paradise, an exciting city escape, or even a mountain retreat. Sounds exciting, right? It will be…  if your toddlers can outlast the schedule changes, fast–paced days, and random naps in new places and at new times. Traveling can be stressful for any parent, especially when you have to adjust to a new place and find a way to bring the comfort of home with you on the road. Just because you’re changing the scenery doesn’t mean your sanity has to change with it! Let’s go over some ways to build a restful routine in these travel-heavy summer months. 

The first step is to bring a piece of home with you. This could be your child’s favorite cozy bedtime story (I, of course, highly recommend The Napping Tent), a portable sound machine, and, if possible, the pillow from their own bed. These elements may seem small, but as you learn in The Napping Tent, every piece of the puzzle counts when creating a restful atmosphere. Bringing these anchors of familiarity will help your kids feel comfortable and ready to nap anywhere in the world.

Another good step is to prepare and adjust accordingly to the new ways you’ll be doing naps, maybe on the go or in a stroller outside. It will be difficult, but it’s better to understand that it will likely be very different than the usual circumstance. A great tip is to plan long walking tours or train rides around their normal napping times to give a chance for rest. Also, make sure to plan for a possible window on certain days if you recognize that that’s needed! Nothing wrong with using some time to rest rather than exploring under bad moods.

A final step in managing the changes of a special vacation is to be communicative with relatives and friends you may be traveling with. If your child needs a nap or rest, it’s better to step away from a group activity, even if that means explaining the situation and garnering support. A well-rested child makes for a better environment for dinners and events, so it’s essential we all get the time we need! I hope your summer adventures are relaxing, enjoyable, and a nice break from the busy school year!