With summer on it’s way, thoughts have turned to where to go for your summer break. There is lots to consider when travelling with little ones in tow especially when going abroad. Besides the long flight, the idea of crossing time zones with a babies and toddlers is one of the biggest concerns for parents. Babies and toddlers actually do experience jet lag, just like adults- and we all know awful it is!
There a few things that parents can do to survive Jet Lag!What to expect from baby when they jet lagged:
When you are crossing time zone’s which are large- for example going on holiday to the United States or Australia, you are going 8 hours ahead or 8 hours behind- these changes can wreck havoc with your child’s time clock and yours! With such big time changes expect that your little one will wake up once or twice the first few nights, most likely at their usual meal times as they will be hungry. The first two nights its suggested that you let your baby or toddler play or eat when they wake up if they need to. If you’re your baby/toddler eats solids and if they wake up hungry during the night after the 1st two nights, just give them milk but not solid food.
The first few days on your trip abroad after a big time change, baby will most probably fall asleep at random times during the day. Keep them sleeping in their stroller and enjoy the peace and quiet!
How to avoid the dreaded jet lag…Try make sure baby sleeps on the plane. Also keep your little one hydrated and when they awake walk around with them on the aeroplane.
The best way to avoid jet lag for mum, dad AND baby is to try keep everyone on home time. If you can request blackout curtains at your hotel- they will help! This will help with naturally adjusting.
Get everyone up and at em’ bright and early! Wake them up at local time and don’t allow lie-in’s! Sunlight is a huge factor is helping people adjust to time differences. Get your family up first thing in the morning- don’t worry there will be time for a lie-in later- try get as much daylight and sunshine as possible.
Keep them busy! It’s important to encourage plenty physical activity- this is vital to encourage the body to sleep. Keep the little one’s busy, find a playground to play on, or let them swim in the sea if you are on a beach holiday, this will tire them out and ensure a good night sleep.
Feed your little one at the local mealtimes so they can get on the right time scale. Keep them fed during the day so they won’t wake up hungry in the middle of the night hungry. Stick to healthy food options and stay away from junk food as it will hype them up and make the situation worse! Keep them very hydrated- this helps combat jet lag.
Don’t make the fatal error of keeping baby up all day in the hope they crash at night- this just makes things worse. Encourage nap time at the local time of your destination and take advantage of the time out and get 40 winks yourself!
Try get to bed early the first few nights of your holiday, this will help everyone adjust!
Helping them sleep...When travelling many little one’s and adults have trouble sleeping. Often this is down to the unfamiliar surroundings, they lose the comfort of home and everyday routines.
To help your little one to get settled it’s a good idea to bring your child's pillow along, this will help with familiarity and help them sleep better . Bring their favorite stuffed animal and if there are any special books you read before bedtime bring those along too!
Try your best to stick to regular bedtime routines wherever possible. This can be difficult while on holiday but try stick as closely as you can to it. If you bath your little one before bed each evening and read a story before bed, try do that while on your trip.
Holidays are jam packed and busy but keep in mind, you need a good hour or so to get your little one to wind down before bedtime. Help them wind down by reading them a story or have a little chat with them and discuss what they have done that day!
TipsExpect that it may take up to 4 or 5 days for your little one (and family) to adjust to local time so keep this in mind when planning and booking your holiday!
Repeat the same routine when you return home, as they will suffer from jet lag and different time zone’s on the other end too!
Happy travels...
