How to Get Your Baby Back on Track After a Vacation (Without the Bedtime Battles)
Okay, so you’ve just returned from an amazing trip—whether it’s a camping adventure, a magical Disney vacation, or a family getaway. It was all fun and games, but now… it’s back to reality. And let’s be honest, getting everyone back into a routine sounds a lot harder than it actually is, right?
Vacations have this magical ability to make us forget about the usual grind. We loosen up, let go of the routines, and embrace a bit more spontaneity. But now that you’re home, it’s time to get back on track. I know it can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! I’ve got some simple tips to help you ease your baby, toddler, or little one back into their groove—without the bedtime struggles.
1. Don’t Stress About Naps Right Away
On the day you return, don’t worry about sticking to the usual nap schedule to the minute. Let your little one take naps as needed, but make sure they get at least their usual awake time before bed.
For example: If your child typically stays awake for 2.5 hours before bedtime at 7 pm, let naps happen as they will—but make sure your child is awake by around 4:30 pm before the usual bedtime routine. That way, bedtime stays on track!
2. Give Yourself a Couple of Days to Adjust
If there’s a time zone change involved, expect a bit of chaos for the first couple of days. Your little one might wake up super early or be hungry at odd times—give them (and yourself!) a bit of grace. This is totally normal, and it won’t last forever.
3. Wake Them Up at a Set Time
It might be tempting to let your child sleep in, especially if they’ve been exhausted from the trip. But keeping a consistent wake-up time will help reset their internal clock. Wake them up when you want the day to begin—no matter how tired they are!
4. Get Back Into Your Usual Routine the Next Day
The day after getting home, it’s time to go back to your normal routine. Be consistent with your usual bedtime routines. This is not the time to skip that bedtime story or rush through the sleep sack routine because you’re tired (trust me, I’ve been there!). Taking your time with these familiar steps helps your little one know that it’s time for bed and makes them feel secure.
5. Keep the First Few Days Low-Key
I know the temptation to catch up on everything once you're home: unpacking, appointments, and running errands. But try to resist the urge to over-schedule your first few days back. Think of it as a mini staycation for the whole family. You’ll want to take things slow, stick to routines, and give your little one (and yourself) time to recover from any sleep debt accumulated during the trip.
Remember, your child can’t bounce back as quickly as you can, so be patient and understanding. If you’ve picked up any new habits while away—like letting them sleep in your bed or skipping naps—now is the time to gently put those to rest.
Once you're back into your normal routine, don’t forget: If you need help with sleep, we’ve got some Amazing Free Resources for you! Click below to download our Free Nap Cheat Sheet and Free Awake Times Chart.
Sleep Sweetly,
Anna