The holidays are magical… and also slightly unhinged. There are twinkly lights, family gatherings, travel snacks that definitely don’t count as meals, and enough overstimulation to make even you want a nap.
But good news: with a few smart strategies, you can keep your little one’s sleep on track. Whether you’re traveling, skipping naps, bouncing between parties, or just praying for one silent night, these holiday sleep tips for babies and toddlers will help you enjoy the season without sacrificing rest.
Why Holiday Sleep Feels So Messy
Between excitement, late nights, and routines getting tossed around like wrapping paper, it’s normal for sleep to wobble a bit. Here are five of the most practical holiday sleep tips for babies and toddlers so you can stay flexible and sane.
Keep What You Can, Flex What You Have to!
Yes, routines matter — even during the holidays. You don’t need perfection, just consistency where it counts.
Try this:
- Keep the bedtime routine predictable (same book, same snuggles, same components of the routine in the same order). Consistency wins.
- Bring the comfort items: lovey, sleep sack, favorite pajamas, white noise.
Anchoring your evenings helps regulate your little one, making all your other holiday sleep tips for babies and toddlers work even better. When routines are all over the place, so are your little one's emotions. Keep as much of the routine the same as possible for everyone's sanity.
When Naps Go Off the Rails
Holiday naps are… sometimes a crap shoot. With all the stimulation, naps are often skipped, shortened, or replaced by five minutes in the car seat.
Here’s how to survive:
- A quick on-the-go catnap is totally acceptable. And often unavoidable.
- Offer an early bedtime — 30 to 60 minutes earlier is your best friend.
- Don’t keep them up “to make them extra tired.” Unfortunately, that’s not how babies work. I always say, "sleep begets sleep," so although this seems logical, it will backfire.
This is one of the most essential holiday sleep tips for babies and toddlers because overtired kids + holiday chaos = mayhem.
As parents, sometimes we don't want to miss out, but trust me on this one- if you let your little one get overtired, you may regret it later when sleep goes sideways for everyone.
Avoiding Overstimulation (Or, “Why Did We Give This Toy Batteries?”)
Babies and toddlers become overstimulated quickly during the holidays. Lights, music, cousins, cookies... it all adds up.
Helpful ways to keep them balanced include:
● Building in calm time between activities. So if your kiddo is just coming off an overstimulating activity, balance that with some calm, like reading a book or engaging in a quiet activity
● Dimming lights and lowering energy levels as bedtime approaches. Remember to turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime
● Keeping flashy toys and screens away from sleep time
A calmer nervous system leads to a smoother bedtime. This is one of the simplest and most effective holiday sleep tips for babies and toddlers.
Traveling? Here’s How to Make It Easier
Travel can throw sleep off — but it doesn’t have to wreck everything.
Before you leave:
- Pack the essentials: sound machine, sleep sack, travel crib sheet that smells like home. Again, aim for consistency. You'll want bedtime away from home to look as close to your usual routine as possible
- Try aligning travel with a nap (if that usually works well for your child)
Once you arrive:
- Set up a sleep space that looks and feels familiar.
- Keep the bedtime routine as identical as possible.
- Expect a small adjustment period — new rooms take some getting used to!
- Use blackout curtains (You can find travel ones online)
These travel-focused holiday sleep tips for babies and toddlers help your little one settle quickly in new environments.
When Routines Fall Apart (Because… Holidays)
Let’s be honest — something will go off schedule. Bedtime will be late. A nap will be skipped. Your toddler may eat only cookies for lunch.
It’s okay.
Expect some imperfection and control what you can. I promise it won't ruin your life.
Just jump back into your normal routine at the next opportunity.
Just jump back into your normal routine at the next opportunity.
Use these reset strategies:
- Aim for the usual bedtime the following night.
- Do the full bedtime routine for reassurance.
- Use early bedtimes to help them catch up.
Kids are resilient. And the season is short.
I remind parents that if they are mostly consistent and their children have established solid sleep habits, they can follow the 80/20 Rule to get back on track.
Getting Back on Track After the Holidays
Once the celebrations wind down, go right back to your normal schedule. Most little ones readjust quickly once life feels predictable again.
A few early bedtimes and consistent routines can undo a whole lot of holiday chaos. Promise.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season doesn’t have to derail your child’s sleep — or your sanity. With flexibility, routines that travel with you, and a handful of practical holiday sleep tips for babies and toddlers, you’ll keep your little one rested enough to enjoy all the fun… and maybe even sneak in a moment of peace for yourself.
Because the real holiday magic?
A kid who sleeps.
A kid who sleeps.
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