How to Keep Your Newborn’s Sleep Routine While Traveling This Summer

Traveling with a newborn? Avoid sleep disruptions with these expert tips on creating a portable sleep routine and keeping baby comfortable away from home.

May 28, 2025

Our first trip to Virginia waiting to board

Why Travel Messes with Baby Sleep

Traveling with a baby is an adventure, but it can also be a challenge—especially when it comes to sleep. New environments, different time zones, and unpredictable schedules can throw off even the best sleepers. Babies rely on consistency, so sudden changes can make them fussier, harder to settle, and more prone to waking at odd hours.

The good news? You can travel without completely breaking your baby’s sleep habits. The key is preparation, flexibility, and bringing elements of their home routine on the road.

How to Maintain a Routine on Vacation

The best way to keep your baby’s sleep schedule intact while traveling is to mimic their home routine as much as possible. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Stick to familiar bedtime cues. Whether it’s a warm bath, a bedtime book, or a lullaby, maintaining the same wind-down rituals will signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep, even in a new place.

• Plan activities around sleep. As tempting as it is to maximize vacation time, prioritizing naps and bedtime will help avoid overtired meltdowns.

• Bring comfort items. If your baby sleeps with a certain sleep sack, lovey, or white noise machine, pack it! Familiar smells and sounds can make a big difference.

Personally, I always prioritized our nighttime routine while traveling. My son never used a travel crib—instead, we just booked a king-size bed, and he co-slept with us. While that may not be for everyone, it worked for us, and I believe in doing what you have to do to make it work!

Best Travel Sleep Gear for Babies

Not every baby needs the same sleep setup while traveling, but here are some items that can make sleep easier:

• Portable blackout curtains: These help recreate a dark, sleep-friendly space no matter where you stay.

• White noise machine: Blocks out new, unpredictable sounds that could disturb sleep.

• Travel bassinet or Pack ‘n Play (if your baby will use it): Some babies sleep better in their own designated space.

• Comfort items: Sleep sack, favorite stuffed animal, or anything else your baby associates with bedtime.

How to Handle Time Zone Changes

If you’re crossing time zones, a little planning can prevent major sleep disruptions:

• Gradual adjustments. If possible, shift your baby’s schedule slightly a few days before travel.

• Sunlight exposure. Natural light helps reset the body clock—get outside in the morning to help your baby adjust.

• Stick to bedtime cues. The same routine at a new time helps reinforce when it’s time to sleep.

Helping Baby Nap on the Go

Daytime sleep is just as important as nighttime sleep while traveling. Since your baby might need to nap in different places, having a few strategies can help:

• Stroller naps: A good travel stroller (I loved my YoYo Zen) that reclines and has a sunshade is ideal for naps on the go.

• Carrier naps: Wearing your baby in an infant carrier is great for airport naps or sightseeing naps.

• White noise app: If your baby sleeps with white noise, playing it from your phone can make napping in a stroller or car seat easier.

How to Get Back on Track After a Trip

Once you’re home, it’s normal for sleep to be a little off for a few days. Here’s how to reset quickly:

• Jump back into your normal routine. The faster you return to your usual schedule, the easier it will be for your baby.

• Give it a few days. Some babies bounce back immediately, while others take a few nights to settle. Be patient!

• Early bedtime if needed. If your baby is overtired from travel, an earlier bedtime can help them catch up.

Final Thoughts

Before becoming a mom, I was passionate about traveling the world. When my son was born, I knew I wanted to continue exploring while making sure he felt safe and secure. That meant figuring out how to travel without disrupting his sleep routine completely.

Our first test run was a trip from NYC to Virginia when he was six months old. I scheduled our flights around his nap times, opted for early morning flights (less crowded, less stressful), and took advantage of priority boarding. I also found that keeping my hands free—by using an infant carrier—was a game changer.

One of the biggest lessons I learned? TSA with a baby is no joke! The first time, I didn’t realize I’d have to break down my entire stroller setup. After that, I streamlined my packing, only taking what was necessary and packing items in easy-to-access compartments.

The bottom line? Traveling with a baby is absolutely doable—it just takes some preparation, flexibility, and the right mindset. Keep your routine as consistent as possible, but also remember: sometimes, you just have to go with the flow!

What are your best baby travel sleep tips? Let me know in the comments!

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