Whether you see your next family vacation as a time for relaxation or an opportunity for adventure, you can make the most of your trip by making sure your little ones get quality sleep. Use the following sleep tips for babies and young children on vacation to improve your family’s trip.

1. Add Familiar Elements

It can be difficult for children to sleep in an unfamiliar environment. You might find that your baby or toddler has problems falling or staying asleep. Or your child might be reluctant to sleep without you in the room. Combat the strangeness of your vacation space by bringing things that your child is familiar with. For example, if your baby or toddler usually sleeps in a dark room, recreate that during your vacation. Bring blackout curtains to customize the space. A white noise machine can also create ambient sounds that lull your child to sleep. And if your child sleeps with a comfort object, make sure to have it on hand for naps and bedtime.

2. Follow a Routine

Prioritizing sleep is one of the most important tips for traveling with a little one, so treat quality sleep as a required part of every day of your vacation. Your child can fall asleep more smoothly when they follow a sleep routine. A sleep routine signals to your baby or toddler that it’s almost time to go to sleep.

If you follow a routine at home, follow it on vacation, too. For example, if you kick off wind-down time with a bath, teeth-brushing, and story time at home, then do this on vacation, too. Keep in mind that if you haven’t mastered a routine at home, it’s unrealistic to expect your baby or toddler to follow the new practice while on vacation.

3. Follow a Sleep Schedule

Older kids love being up at unconventional times while on vacation, but little ones benefit from more structure. That’s why following a sleep schedule is our last tip for getting babies and young children to sleep on vacation.

If your child can nap in a stroller or carrier, you’ll have more flexibility in your own schedule. But if your child doesn’t easily nap anywhere, be prepared to head back to your hotel room at naptime. Furthermore, when children stay up too late, they’re often much grumpier the next day. At night, have your young one go to sleep at the same time as usual. And if you want to help your toddler know when to get up for the day, consider using a toddler sleep clock to make it clear so that you don’t get an unintentionally early start.

Use these sleep tips for your family’s health and well-being. You’ll enjoy your vacation more and create memories that will last a lifetime.