• ‘I’m a sleep expert - 6 habits will help you drift off fast every night’

Here are Gem and Eve’s top tips for managing children’s sleep over the festive period:

Babies and young children thrive on familiarity, especially in new or unfamiliar settings. If you’re staying away over the festive period, try to keep their sleep space as close to what they’re used to at home as possible by using a familiar travel cot, bedding (if age-appropriate), and regular sleepwear adapted to the temperature.

Items like a favourite comforter or sheet-style sleeping bag can also act as a gentle cue for sleep, reminding them they can feel safe and familiar even in a new place, whilst consistency in the wind-down routine can also make a big difference to comfort when you’re away from home.

Products like Mamas & Papas’ new Ocarro 2 is brilliant to help bring that familiar environment with you wherever you go. The newly enhanced carrycot and stand are approved for both overnight and daytime sleep, offering a safe and comfortable resting space for baby, anytime, any place.

One of the best, though often most challenging, aspects of the festive season and the time away from home that it brings is that we loosen our grip on routine. Abandoning strict nap times and embracing an altered routine, even letting babies nap later than usual, can be difficult, but it’s all par for the course. In fact, early wakeups, contact naps and late bedtimes all have their place during time spent staying with or hosting family or friends, so make sure not to worry about changes to routine too much and to go with the flow, embracing the naps as and when they come. A week of change over Christmas won’t undo all the good work you’ve done.

Try to also factor in a grace period when travelling to allow your baby to settle in. Consider travelling a day earlier so that you can be settled for the big day itself. Try the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Car Seat for comfort while travelling - and easy removal from the car if they fall asleep en route!

Whilst Christmas Day and the lead up to it can be very busy, make sure to allow time to get your baby ready for bedtime slowly. Blocking out that time in the evening to settle them helps avoid rushing and will give your little one a sense of calm as they wind down for the night. During the time that you’re settling them, give them your full attention and try not to rush them to sleep – it’ll also give you an allotted time of quiet in the evening as well, so try to make the most of the wind down!

Starting from their evening meal and incorporating soothing and soporific (sleepy) foods for toddlers, like bananas, turkey, sweet potatoes or oatmeal, can also encourage a more restful night.

Create moments of calm, a brief chat, a simple puzzle, or quiet play can work wonders. Connection is a really powerful tool when it comes to regulating your little one before sleep. When you’re ready to stop quiet play and move towards bedtime, try giving them a calm indication instead of the phrase “5 more minutes until bedtime”, which is often met with resistance.

Try phrases such as “You’re having such a fun time, let’s play together for 5 minutes – will you show me what to do?” to give them that timeline in a positive light without the added pressure it might bring for them. When it’s nearing bedtime, try to also remove any additional visual distractions like toys, games or presents you’re not playing with to avoid their attention being drawn to those after the current game finishes.

The festive season often comes with unsolicited advice from well-meaning relatives. Try to focus on what works for your family. It’s okay to say, ‘Thanks for sharing! We’ve got our own approach that’s working well, but I’ll keep that in mind.’ Plan in some calm time for you too, even if it means asking a friend or family member to take over and give you 5 minutes of calm to enjoy a cup of tea when you can.

Getting ready for sleep is all about connection and containing big feelings before getting them calm and sorted for sleep. Focus on these things and be patient – prepare for things to take a little longer, and remember to embrace the lovely moments as a family along the way.

*See here for more advice on sleep and parenting

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