_edited.png)
When you encounter a situation where your baby's nap needs to overlap with other activities like school pick-ups, appointments, events, or general errands. While napping at home in their own sleep environment is typically ideal, there are situations where napping on the go becomes necessary. It may be challenging to navigate, but it's important to ensure that your little one gets the sleep they need, regardless of the location or your busy schedule. Here are some tips you can implement to help your little one to nap on-the-go.
Here are my top tips on how to navigate naps on-the-go Lower your expectations
If your baby doesn't have a full nap, that’s okay! There's no reason to place unnecessary pressure on yourself. We can't control how long it'll take for them to fall asleep, or how long they remain asleep, so it's okay if you tried and they didn't have a long nap or a nap at all.
Earlier bedtime
If your baby hasn't been able to get sufficient sleep during the day despite your attempts to have successful naps, and if the naps have been consistently short or nonexistent, adjusting their bedtime earlier might be necessary to compensate for the lost sleep.
By bringing bedtime forward, you provide an opportunity for your baby to catch up on the sleep they missed during the day.
Start the day earlier
If your baby's current wake-up time at 7am is causing conflicts with school drop-off or pick-up, you might consider adjusting their morning start time to ensure that their naps can be shifted forward accordingly.
Waking your baby earlier in the morning allows you to align their nap schedule with your commitments outside the home. By shifting their wake-up time, you can create a schedule that accommodates school drop-offs or pick-ups without compromising their overall sleep routine.
➞For example This is their usual routine with a 3pm school pick up: ◦ 7am: Morning ◦ 10 to 11:30am: Nap 1 ◦ 2:30 to 3:30pm: Nap 2 ◦ 7:00pm: Bedtime ➞For example This is their routine started 30 minutes earlier in the morning ◦ 6:30am: Morning ◦ 9:30 - 101m: Nap 1 ◦ 2:00 - 2:45pm: Nap 2 ◦ 6:30pm: Bedtime
Extend the drive
Sometimes, opting for a car nap can be a favorable choice when aiming for the best possible nap for your baby. By leaving a little earlier than planned, there's a chance that your baby may doze off in the car before needing to be taken out. Additionally, if your baby happens to fall asleep while on the way back home, you can consider staying in the car for a while longer to allow them to continue their nap undisturbed.
During this time, you can take advantage of the situation to enjoy some well-deserved moments of relaxation and personal activities. Grabbing a coffee on the go, reading your favorite book in peace, catching up on work, or even indulging in a TV show you've been meaning to watch are all possibilities.
Bring the essentials
➞ Sound machine Using a sound machine can be a helpful tool not only at home but also while you're out and about with your baby. Here are a few ways you can incorporate or replicate a sound machine:
◦ Car speakers: If you have the option, playing white noise through your car speakers can create a soothing environment for your baby during car naps.
◦ Smart device: If your baby is in a pram or stroller, you can play white noise on your phone or a portable device. There are various white noise apps available on youtube or spotify.
◦ Portable sound machine: Investing in a portable sound machine can be a valuable addition to your on-the-go sleep routine. These compact devices are designed to produce white noise and can be easily carried with you wherever you and your baby go.
➞ Sleeping bag
It's a great idea to bring your baby's sleep bag when you'll be away from home for an extended period. Putting your baby in their sleep bag serves as a signal that sleep time is approaching. If they are accustomed to wearing a sleep bag at home and see it in a different environment, it can help cue them that it's time to sleep. Additionally, it's a helpful tip to keep a spare sleeping bag in your car for those "just-in-case" scenarios. Having an extra sleep bag ensures that you're prepared for unexpected situations where you may need to facilitate sleep while on the go.
➞ Comforter
Comforters, also known as security blankets or loveys, can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to your baby, promoting a soothing and calming environment for sleep.
If your baby is accustomed to sleeping with a comforter at home, having it with them during outings can help. The familiar scent, texture, and presence of their comforter can provide reassurance and a sense of security, even in unfamiliar surroundings.
Written by Alexandra Selekos I'm the founder of Babee Dreams, a certified sleep consultant and a mum of three. My approach is based on studies, training through The Sleep Consulting Academy, successful outcomes experienced by those who have used my methods and the instincts of a mother. My approach will help your baby achieve their best sleep, whilst always feeling reassured, loved and never neglected.