Summer Sleep Solutions
Five summer sleep strategies
1. Plan ahead If you’re embarking on a summer excursion, such as a drive to the cottage or a day at the beach, leave either first thing in the morning when your child wakes up, or right after a nap so you don’t disrupt his sleep schedule, says Birnbaum.
2. Stick to your routine Maintain your nap and bedtime routines no matter where you go so your child knows what to expect and will have less trouble falling asleep, says Birnbaum. "For example, if your routine is: diaper change, read a book and pull down the blinds, then follow that same routine at the cottage or campground as best you can."
3. Keep nap and bedtime routines short End it when it’s over, Birnbaum says, so that you don’t fall into the trap of negotiating “one more story.” Try not to schedule naps too late in the day as late naps can affect nighttime sleeping.
4. Don’t pack clean sheets As opposed to packing clean sheets, bring a sheet that your child has slept in because a sheet that smells like his room at home is very comforting, says Birnbaum. “What a child sees, smells and feels will impact his sleep associations, so keep what he associates with sleep consistent wherever you go.” These familiar things will trigger the part of the brain that says “ok, it’s time for sleep.”
5. Bring a friend For kids older than a year, give them an attachment object to sleep with. “Having a familiar blanket or stuffed toy that they sleep with takes the scariness out of a new situation,” says Birnbaum.
Meet our expert:
Ariana Birnbaum is the founder of Becoming Maternity and Parenting Centres and the mother of three amazing children who inspire her work at the Centre, Mason aged 9, Eden aged 6 and Noa aged 21/2 years. Ariana graduated from Harvard University and the University of Chicago and is passionate about sleep. At Becoming Maternity and Parenting Centres, Ariana facilitates some of the New Mom and Baby Groups and meets with clients privately for Individual Sleep Consults. Becomingmaternity.com
