Realistic strategies for real families.
💤 Intro: Sleep routines meet strange rooms
New sounds. New smells. New bed. For babies and toddlers, hotel rooms can feel like alien planets.
That’s why even “good sleepers” at home often struggle during travel. But with a bit of planning (and a lot of flexibility), you can recreate comfort and routine in any room — from Airbnb to all-inclusive resort.
This guide walks you through the 7 essential sleep strategies parents swear by.
🛎️ 1. Choose the right room before you arrive
Some rooms are doomed from the start — avoid them if you can.
Tips when booking:
- Ask for a room away from elevators, pools, or main roads
- Avoid ground floor if possible (street noise + safety)
- If booking an Airbnb, check photos for blackout curtains and quiet location
💡 Many hotels will give you a quiet room if you simply request it in advance via email.
🧱 2. Create a separate “sleep zone” for baby
If you’re all in one room, separate sleep zones are key.
How to fake it:
- Use a travel crib in a corner, closet, or bathroom (yes, really)
- Hang a light muslin cloth or scarf between crib and bed for privacy
- Use furniture (chairs or suitcase) to create a divider
🛏 Out of sight = more sleep. For everyone.
🌒 3. Control light like a sleep ninja
Light is the #1 enemy of baby sleep. Hotel curtains lie — they rarely block it all.
Solutions:
- Bring portable blackout curtains (like the Tommee Tippee ones)
- Or: use duct tape + garbage bags (seriously, parents do this)
- Roll a towel at bottom of the door to block hallway light
- Cover TV LEDs and chargers with stickers or socks
🔦 A completely dark room helps maintain melatonin and mimic home conditions.
🎧 4. Use white noise — and use it right
White noise drowns out hallway footsteps, street sounds, and unfamiliar noises.
Best tools:
- White noise app (like “Baby Sleep” or “Sound Sleeper”)
- Portable machine (Hatch Mini, Yogasleep Rohm)
- Loop the sound all night — not just at bedtime
📱 Place the phone or device between the door and the crib to block noise from the hallway.
🧸 5. Bring familiar sleep items
A baby’s sense of safety is tied to scent, texture and sound — not location.
What to pack:
- Their usual sleep sack or blanket
- Same bedtime storybook
- Familiar stuffed animal or comforter
- (Optional) Pillowcase from home — smells like “your bed”
💡 Don’t introduce new sleep gear on the trip. Stick to what works at home.
🔄 6. Stick to the bedtime routine — even if it’s shorter
Babies crave predictability, even in new places.
Simplified routine idea:
- Warm bath or face wipe
- Pajamas + sleep sack
- 1 storybook (same as home)
- Bottle or breastfeeding
- White noise on → lights out
⌛ Even if it’s rushed or interrupted, a familiar flow calms your child — and you.
🤝 7. Be flexible — and kind to yourself
Sometimes, they just won’t sleep well. And that’s OK.
Plan B options:
- Co-sleeping, if safe and everyone sleeps more
- Rocking to sleep even if you don’t do that at home
- Earlier bedtime the next day if naps were short
🧠 One night of poor sleep doesn’t ruin a trip — or your parenting.
✅ Final Thoughts
Sleep and travel rarely go perfectly hand in hand. But with these tools — blackout control, familiar cues, and noise management — you give your child every chance to rest well in a new space.
Even better? You get some rest too.
🔗 What to read next:
- [12 Genius Baby Travel Items You Didn’t Know You Needed]
- [7 Airport Hacks for Flying with a Baby]
- [How to Survive a Road Trip with Kids Under 5]
