I’m a sleep expert – the tricks to help your child sleep anywhere, including on a plane and in a new crib

A child who refuses to take a nap can become the bane of your existence as a parent, especially when you are out in public.

However, one sleep expert has revealed tricks you can use to get your little one to fall asleep no matter where you are, from noisy planes to his buggy.

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Jessica Davis, Founder of seat to sleepa company dedicated to improving the sleep of children on airplanes travel nest product, has lifted the lid on their top picks.

By understanding why your child is not napping, including causes you may not have thought of, and how to overcome these hurdles, you can address your child’s problems more effectively.

Here, Jessica reveals how you can make nightmarish, nonexistent naps a thing of the past (at least in most cases!)…

With cars

Before embarking on a long car journey, you use up a lot of your little one’s energy before the departure.

A family walk or a trip to the local playground, for example, allows them to relax, have fun, and move freely before spending hours in a confined space.

This not only helps to avoid tantrums, but also finishes them off in time.

With that in mind, consider starting your trip at nap time as well—this can be an ideal time.

On trains

When traveling by train, it’s sometimes easier to strategize when to depart.

Consider booking a train that departs at a quieter time of the day. This way there is less hassle to distract your little one.

Also, don’t be afraid to pace the aisles if your child just won’t settle down – they might just need to stretch their legs.

Finally, bring some onboard entertainment.

Airplanes often have built-in TVs (especially if you’re on a long-haul route) – trains don’t.

Books, coloring pages, travel-friendly board games, and puzzles can be great options.

In a new cot

Getting your little one to sleep in their crib isn’t always the easy task we imagine; There are sometimes some carefully thought out steps we need to take to find a consistent, healthy routine that meets our child’s unique needs.

White noise is a great trick to get kids to sleep in cribs – or wherever.

Babies, on the other hand, like to be cozy, so make sure their room is a comfortable temperature.

However, stuffed animals and furnishings in their crib are not included – these can be dangerous. In this case, less really is more.

Nap on the plane

Air travel can be stressful for young children as they don’t fully understand what it means to be on an airplane or why they are being asked to settle into this obscure environment.

All the while, they’re surrounded by strange noises, strangers, and ominous “ear pops,” which often lead to stress-related tantrums. The result? A nap very easily becomes totally nonexistent.

Luckily, getting your kid to take a nap on the plane isn’t an impossible task. Beautiful holiday memories can already begin on the plane.

Pack your child’s favorite story books in your carry-on and try to replicate their typical night/sleep routine as closely as possible; The more familiar and stable they feel, the less likely they are to refuse sleep or be overwhelmed by the prospect of it.

This can include scheduling their meals at the same time or bringing their beloved stuffed animals with them – every little detail makes a big difference.

I would also suggest that you prioritize your little one’s comfort; naturally, when they feel physically comfortable and relaxed, they are more likely to fall asleep.

Our award-winning Travel Nest transforms adult airplane seats into comfortable, safe spaces for children by supporting the head and neck while cushioning hard armrests.

That way, kids won’t find themselves in awkward positions or ask to sleep on your lap throughout a long-haul flight.

In a buggy

Napping in buggies aren’t the easiest things to navigate because your child is literally facing a world of distractions.

With that in mind, one of the most effective pieces of advice I can give is to darken your surroundings and invest in some sort of stroller cover (which you can very easily lift/open to check).

Also, remember that practice makes perfect, and don’t pressure yourself to perfect every nap right away.

Every baby is different, every journey is different and you can only do what you see fit.

You may love naps in the stroller one day and despise them the next, try to be as flexible as possible, sit with them, reflect on the importance of self-soothing and tell yourself that parenting is a journey – you will get there.

Naps are just another bridge to cross.

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