At this time of year many families are coming together and celebrating. Babies and children are often at the centre of the celebrations and whilst this is lovely, it can be also a bit challenging for both child and parent alike. Here are some guidelines to help you through this wonderful but busy season.

If you are travelling to stay with friends or family:

It is worthwhile planning ahead to help your children cope with both the journey and the change of sleeping arrangements. If you are travelling by car, it is a good idea to set off early in the day and to allow them to nap during the journey. Try to avoid them falling asleep too late in the afternoon or you may have problems getting them to sleep at bed time – especially in an unfamiliar environment. If late napping is unavoidable, then you should put them to bed later, when you feel that they are ready to sleep. This is far better than having a crying child or baby, who not only feels upset themselves but may also upset the general household.

Follow your usual bedtime routine, incorporating any familiar songs, stories and phrases that are associated with bedtime for your child. Tempting as it might be, do not allow another family member to settle your baby or child, unless of course your child is older or very familiar with that person.

Another good time to travel is during the night, with your baby already bathed, fed and put into their pyjamas. It is now possible to buy a Grobag which is specially adapted for travelling. This travel sleep bag [available from The Gro company] will keep a child warm and cosy on the journey and once you have arrived, you can then settle them into their bed or travel cot and let them continue to sleep .

If at all possible, after putting them into the cot or bed and kissing them goodnight, you should leave your little ones to settle to sleep alone. They may, however, need a bit of extra reassurance from you, given that they are in a strange place. Be prepared to keep popping back to offer them a bit of comfort. You might even have to stay beside them as they go off to sleep. Although you might not normally do this at home, don’t worry too much about them getting used to it– as soon as you are back in your own place, your baby will understand that its “business as usual!”

Try not to take lots of stuff with you when you’re travelling. You will already be loaded down with gifts, so just take the things that your baby really needs. Leave the cot mobile, the bouncy chair, the nappy disposal system and all the toys at home!

Having guests in your home:

Babies and young children tend to love all the attention that having company brings. It’s great for parents to have extra hands to help out too. House guests can be hard work however and extremely tiring for everyone. You need to be aware that especially if your child is very young, they will find the extra stimulation and handling, very tiring too. You need to make sure that whatever the demands of your guests, your baby has the opportunity to nap properly and to go to bed at the correct time. Good friends and family will understand this.

Sadly, most of us don’t live in huge mansions, and so when family come to stay; many parents will have their guests bed down in the nursery alongside the cot. This can of course be very disruptive indeed to a child’s sleep – especially if the guests are noisy sleepers. Not only that, but your they will be concerned if your child wakes and cries. They may try to comfort your baby in ways that you might not agree with – like offering a feed or bringing baby into bed with them. It is better for everyone if your baby’s cot or bed is moved into your room or YOU move into the nursery. If your child comes in with you, position the cot or little bed at the foot of your bed, rather than at the side. This way, they will be less aware of you during the night.

Party food:

We all eat and drink slightly differently at this time of year. You need to keep an eye on what your little ones are choosing to eat whilst you are out and about socialising – and you also need to watch out for what people offer to your child – especially if they have had a few drinks.

There is no doubt that too much sweet food and rich food can interfere with a baby’s ability to settle and sleep well.

Staying up late:

Older children should definitely be allowed some leeway around bedtime during holiday periods, but bear in mind that they may be especially tired in the evening after a busy day. It’s best not to allow a child to become over tired and fractious, as this may lead to poor settling and sleep. If necessary, encourage them to have a rest during the day.

So during this special season, try not to get too stressed about your child’s sleep. Make sure that you stick to a familiar bedtime routine, even if it is done later or in a different place. If you start now to use “portable” sleep triggers, such as familiar stories or songs as part of their bedtime routine at home, these will be a huge help in settling your child when they are away, in a different room or staying up late.