Reader Questions: Napping in the Stroller on a Family Vacation

I've gotten a lot of questions recently about how to help a baby or toddler who is used to sleeping in their crib at home nap in a stroller on a family trip. Here are some helpful tips:

• Use Jet Lag To Your Advantage
  The first few days of a trip are a great time to get your child used to sleeping in their stroller if they aren't already. They'll be a bit more tired and primed to sleep than usual, and since they're already out of their element they're more likely to go along with a nap in their cozy, familiar stroller. We have fond memories of our 6 month old son (who had never slept in the stroller at home) sleeping through a multi-course meal at Robuchon in Paris
• Consider a Sling
  Both of our kids fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer when they're cuddled in someone's arms. The sling gives them that same feeling of safety and closeness, and noises that might awaken them in the stroller are less likely to disturb them when they know that a parent is nearby. We used the Baby Bjorn when our kids were little, but found that they got too heavy at around seven months. We switched to the Ergo Baby Carrier, and little D will still take a good nap in the carrier now (at 18 months old)
• Fresh Air is Your Friend
  There's nothing like running (or crawling) in fresh air to help you feel calm, tired, and ready for a nap. Just before naptime, try to find a playground or open square where your child can move around. You'll feel refreshed too.
• Maintain Your Home Routine
  We often carry along a storybook and aren't afraid to (quietly) sing a song or two before putting our kids to sleep. With babies and young toddlers, going through the home routine is what cues them into the idea that it's naptime. For older kids, who understand your words better the routine is still comforting.
• Bring The Binky
  Help your child feel comfortable (and further reinforce the idea that it is time to sleep) by giving your child whatever comfort object they usually have in their crib at home. If you're worried about loosing it, find a way to clip it to the stroller.
• Find a Quiet Place to Stroll, and Keep Rolling
  Every child is different, but ours do fall asleep most easily if we find a street or park to stroll in where there's not too much activity and excitement. A slightly bumpy surface (but not too bumpy) seems to be soothing too. You can walk in circles or use naptime as an opportunity to cover the city searching out hidden finds. Don't stop until baby is sound asleep in the stroller.
• Cover Up
  Covering the stroller's opening with a lightweight blanket will block out drafts and changes in light (as well as some sound). Some kids will let you cover the stroller when they are merely drowsy while others need to be fully asleep, and you will need to experiment to see what your child likes. Be sure to try a few different blankets at home to find one that covers the entire opening, and bring along a couple of clips to secure the blanket to the stroller.

Now that baby is sound asleep, it's time to choose a stroller friendly grown up activity!

Related Links:
Naps and Bedtime on a Family Trip
Helping Your Baby or Child Sleep on a Plane
Jet Lag and Babies, Toddlers, and Kids

Filed Under: travel-tips

2 comments | Posted on April 3, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

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