6 Essential Items for Better Sleep When Traveling with Kids

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Hello Lovely readers! I hope you had a great week.

I wanted to get a blog post out to you about helping your little ones sleep better while you are on vacation. The past few trips we went on our youngest has had a terrible time sleeping (literally pulling all nighters) and it caused a lot of distress for me and my husband. We have been working hard to find items that comfort our little boy and make it easier for him to adapt to a new environment. After all of our research we finally have had a successful get away weekend where he actually slept pretty good. But before I jump right into the products that help I would like to share a little bit about our whirlwind of a week. It started with an unexpected vet visit and ended with the installation of a new hot water tank.

Last week, my mom noticed that our Doberman's inner thigh was very swollen, and we made him an appointment with the vet. Thankfully, it turned out to be a benign lipoma, and he's not in any pain. Then, just when we thought things were settling down, our trusty old hot water tank finally called it quits after 28 years of service! Luckily, we found a plumber who installed a new one on Friday. It just so happened I had already planned a weekend getaway to my Aunts so I didn't have to care for the kids all day without running water, that was a relief.

While we enjoyed our little trip, we faced a few surprises. The kids got new shoes, and I realized I had unknowingly been squeezing my toddler's feet into shoes that were too small for weeks – mom fail at its finest! But hey, kids' shoes can be tricky to size correctly. Despite this shoe mishap, we had a great time, and my Aunt treated us to a fun night at a hotel with swimming and exploring. And my kids slept great thanks to these items. If you like any particular item click on the image and it will take you straight to amazon!

1. Pack-n-play

A good pack-n-play can make all the difference. Look for one that folds easily and is space-efficient. I love the Graco pack-n-play, but there are other great brands too. The one with extra attachments is perfect for newborns or if you're expecting. It served as a changing station in our living room until our little ones outgrew it, saving our backs from constant bending.

If you have a toddler who has outgrown the attachment pieces of their crib, this product offers an excellent solution. One of the standout features of this pack n play is its convenient side attachment designed for diaper organization when you're on the go or staying elsewhere. It's a practical and versatile option that I personally love.

2. Pack-n play mattress pad

While our first-born was content with the pack-n-play's firm bottom, our second-born needed extra comfort. Investing in a pack-n-play mattress pad was a game-changer for us, ensuring better sleep for our little one. I recommend getting one with a travel bag for convenience.

3. Mattress sheets

Pack-n-play sheets designed for the mattress are a must-have. They fit better, keeping everything clean. I suggest having two sets made of different materials for easy swaps during accidents.

This is a two pack set. They are very soft.

4. Sound machine/ nightlight

"My kids and I both rely on sound machines to aid our sleep, and I completely understand their need for one. Personally, I prefer sound machines that also function as night lights, streamlining my belongings and reducing the things I have to remember to pack. Among the various options, the Hatch light stands as my favorite due to its smart integration with my phone's schedule. By setting a specific time, my four-year-old knows exactly when it's time to wake up, indicated by a color change from orange to purple at 7 am. This fantastic feature helps maintain a consistent morning routine, preventing her from waking up at the earlier, ungodly hour of 6 am. On the other hand, we have a simpler sound machine that we used in the nursery before discovering the Hatch light. Although it has now been retired from travel use, it remains an excellent alternative for anyone seeking a dependable sound machine."

Hatch light

Skip Hop Baby Soother, Moonlight & Melodies, Owl

*This one is currently on sale

5. Monitor

When traveling, I take a video monitor with a microphone. It allows me to keep an eye on my little ones and communicate with them, especially if they stir before 7 am. The Motorola Baby Monitor is a reliable choice with its adjustable cameras and no need for Wi-Fi connection.

Motorola Baby Monitor

Lastly, consider finding ways to make the room darker, such as using black trash bags and painters tape or draping a blanket over a curtain rod.

I hope these tips and product recommendations help you as much as they've helped us. Traveling with little kids can be challenging, but ensuring their comfort and sleep quality can make all the difference. Thank you for taking the time to read my post! I'll have another one ready for you next week!

Happy travels,

Alex

The Whirlwind Mom