The ultimate guide to baby sleep & Christmas travel
Christmas travel with a baby
Christmas is magical, but travelling with a baby can quickly turn festive plans into a sleep challenge. Late nights, bright lights, excited relatives and unfamiliar places all make it harder for babies to rest.
The good news? With a little planning - and the right sleep set-up - you can protect your baby’s sleep routine while still enjoying the celebrations. Here’s our updated guide to baby sleep and travel at Christmas, designed to help everyone get more rest.
1. Travel during nap time when you can
Timing travel around naps helps your baby fall asleep more easily and stay asleep for longer.
If you’re driving or taking the train, aim to travel during your baby’s most reliable nap, often the longer midday one. By this stage, you’ll have a good sense of their routine.
Pop your baby into their car seat or pushchair and add a SnoozeShade to create a dark, cosy and distraction-free sleep environment. Blocking visual stimulation helps babies switch off, even in busy surroundings.
2. Use bedtime travel to your advantage
- Stick to your usual bedtime routine: Bath, pyjamas, feed and cuddles help signal sleep.
- Travel at bedtime if safe to do so: Night sleep is often your baby’s longest stretch.
- Transfer gently on arrival: Move your baby straight into a cot or travel cot.
3. Make new places feel like home
New environments are stimulating for babies. Familiar sights, smells and sounds help them relax.
Once your baby is settled, use a SnoozeShade for cots or travel cots to block out light, movement and curious visitors — helping your baby sleep undisturbed.
4. Flying with a baby at Christmas
Some babies find the noise of the plane soothing, while others struggle with stimulation and pressure changes. Preparation makes all the difference.
Sleep tip: If your baby is travelling in a car seat on the plane, a SnoozeShade for car seats helps block bright cabin lights and visual distractions, creating a calmer space for sleep.
- Feed during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure
- Pack spare clothes for both you and your baby
- Check if your airline offers bassinets and book early
5. Managing family expectations
Top tip: Be clear and confident about protecting naps and bedtime. A well-rested baby is happier, and so is everyone else.
Keeping your routine consistent helps your baby settle faster and enjoy the festivities in between sleeps.
6. Sharing a room without disrupting sleep
When you’re away, you’ll often share a room with your baby. Creating a defined sleep space helps minimise disruption.
Using a SnoozeShade for cots or travel cots keeps your baby’s environment dark and calm, even if you come to bed later or need a small light. It can also help early-rising sun from waking your baby too soon.
Travel well, sleep better:
With thoughtful planning, familiar routines and SnoozeShade sleep solutions, you can enjoy Christmas travel without sacrificing your baby’s sleep.
