Sleeping Away From Home: A Gentle Guide for Families on the Move

Travelling with little ones can feel like a logistical feat, especially when it comes to sleep. Whether you're heading off on holiday, staying with relatives, or booking a weekend away, disrupted sleep is totally normal – even for adults. New surroundings, unfamiliar smells + sounds, different beds… it all takes some getting used to.

But with a little forward thinking and a healthy dose of flexibility, you can make it that bit easier for everyone. Here's how to support your child's sleep (and your own sanity) while away from home:

1. Make a Plan (Before You Pack)

Think about where you’re going and what the sleep setup might look like. Are you in a hotel, an Airbnb, or staying with family? Could you request an extra bed or cot? Is there floor space for a mattress if that’s your child’s usual preference?

If you're staying with family, it’s worth having a quick chat in advance with your partner about any boundaries you want to hold. That way, you're a united front if well-meaning relatives start offering (unsolicited) opinions on bedtime routines!

2. Recreate a Sense of ‘Home’

Children thrive on familiarity. Bringing familiar items like a well-loved teddy, your child’s usual sleeping bag, cot sheet or their pillowcase from home can help them feel secure.

If you forget something? Don’t stress. You are their biggest source of safety. A cuddle and calm presence go a long way. Even popping one of your worn t-shirts in their sleep space can bring them comfort - the smell of you is incredibly soothing.

Spending some time in the new sleep space during daylight hours also helps it feel less strange come bedtime. Look around together - are there odd shadows or unfamiliar lights that might be unsettling? A quick scout beforehand can help you troubleshoot before they start to panic at bedtime.

3. Prioritise Connection, Not Perfection

Being somewhere new often means your child needs a little extra reassurance. That doesn’t mean you’ve gone backwards - it just means they’re human.

Spend some extra one-to-one time together before sleep. Read books, sing songs, tell silly stories, or offer a gentle massage. Don’t worry too much about rushing through the bedtime checklist. These calm, connected moments are where regulation and safety come from.

And if you’re breastfeeding or bedsharing at home, bringing that same comfort with you can be incredibly grounding for your child. It’s okay if they want more of you when you’re away. It doesn't mean that you're creating a bad habit or making a rod for your own back OR that you're 'undoing' anything, promise.

4. Stick to Your Rhythm (Loosely!)

Keeping familiar bedtime rituals can really help, even if the timing shifts a bit. A wind-down period that includes some movement, a bath or wash, stories, and cuddles is a gentle way to tell their body and brain that sleep is coming.

But equally, don’t panic if things go a bit sideways. Holiday bedtimes are rarely picture-perfect, and sometimes being away give us a little extra breathing space to go off routine and not feel bad or guilty about it.

5. Set the Scene for Sleep

Create a calm environment wherever you are. Portable blackout blinds are brilliant for blocking out street lights or early sunrises, especially if your child is sensitive to light. A portable white noise machine can help mask new sounds and keep things consistent.

For little ones who are curious and easily stimulated, dark, calm spaces can really help them switch off, especially after busy days exploring.

6. Expect a Transition (and Support It)

Even the best sleepers might need a bit of extra help when sleeping somewhere new. That might look like more feeds, more cuddles, or a later bedtime while they adjust. That’s okay. Sleep isn’t linear, and this isn’t forever.

Also bear in mind that travel usually means lots of new experiences: sights, smells, people, and that can be overwhelming. For younger babies, using a sling instead of passing them around to relatives can reduce overstimulation. And for toddlers, having a quiet wind-down space (even just 10 minutes before bedtime or at different parts of the day) can make a huge difference.

7. Routine + Flexibility = The Sweet Spot

Yes, consistency helps… but flexibility is your friend too. If naps are later, or your toddler falls asleep in the buggy instead of their usual cot, it doesn’t mean you’re ‘ruining’ anything. You’re just adapting.

Sometimes, these breaks in routine can actually be helpful – offering a chance to try new approaches that you might bring home with you.

Final Thoughts: You Are the Constant

Wherever you are in the world: a hotel in abroad, a relative’s spare room, or a rustic cabin in the woods – you are your child’s home base. Your presence, your calm, your connection: that’s what matters most.

So take the pressure off, embrace the messy bits, and know that sleep will settle again when you’re back in familiar surroundings.Have fun instead of stressing about sleep - you deserve it.

Here are the essential travel things we couldn't have lived without on our recent trip to Sri Lanka

Travel Sleep essentials we couldn't live without on our recent trip to Sri Lanka with our 3 & 5 year olds

Wishing you safe travels and peaceful(ish) nights! 😉