Thanksgiving is right around the corner! 🍁 That means family time, traveling, and surely a few tight sleeping arrangements!
If you are getting ready to share a room with your little one during the holidays, we’ve got some smart tips to help everyone get a good night of sleep.
Here’s how to make room sharing with your child smooth and joyful (without sacrificing sleep for everyone!).
1. Create a Cozy, Individual Sleep Space
Even if you're all squeezed into a single room, you can still give everyone a little "me space"! When kids have their own sleep area, they feel cozy and secure. This means that they’re more likely to stay put and get a restful night of sleep. 🙌
So, how to do it?
Think sleeping bags, air mattresses, or even a trusty pack-and-play for younger kiddos. Pop one of these mini beds on the floor or tuck it into a corner to create a snug, personal sleep spot. Not only will it help your little one feel like they have their own space, but it also keeps them from turning your bed into a kickboxing arena! 🥋
Example: You’re at Grandma’s for Thanksgiving, and you’ve brought along an inflatable toddler bed. You set it up near your bed, maybe add a favorite blanket and their lovey, and voilà! Everyone has a comfy spot, and you’re all set for a hopefully peaceful night of sleep!
2. Double Up on Sound Machines
Sound machines are the unsung heroes of shared sleeping! When you’re all in one room, those little creaks, whispers, and middle-of-the-night shuffles can turn into major sleep disruptions. To keep the room as calm as possible, try setting up sound machines for sleep on both sides of the room. These little devices act like magical noise barriers, helping to muffle the sounds and keep everyone snoozing peacefully. (My favorite portable sound machine is made by Yogasleep.)
No sound machine? No problem! White noise apps work just as well in a pinch – just pop one on your phone and place it near your child’s sleep spot, about 4-6 feet away from their ears for safety. I recommend “White Noise Lite” and “Sleep Pillow”.
Example: You’ve got one sound machine near the bed, and another by the door. Together, they create a cozy, soundproof bubble that helps drown out distractions and new environmental noises. You might even get that rare feeling of “Is it really this quiet?!” – and that’s when you know the sound machines are doing their job! 😴
Tip: New to white noise? We have a blog that contains everything you need to know HERE
3. Talk It Out and Set Expectations
Sometimes all your toddler needs is a pep talk with a clear description of your expectations for the trip
Before you even pack the car, sit down with your child and chat about the sleeping setup. Let them know they’ll have their very own cozy sleep space and explain what’s expected – staying in their “sleep zone” and keeping the room calm and quiet.
Help set your little one up for success by inviting them to participate in setting up their space, or packing their comfort item for travel. Children will often rise to occasion if you give them the chance!
Example: When talking about an upcoming trip I’d say something like, “We’re going to have a few special nights away from home where we’ll be sharing a bedroom! Just like at home, it’s important we are quiet and take the time to rest our bodies.” I’d highlight the importance of being good guests in someone else’s home and being considerate of each other when we’re sharing a space.
4. Get Creative with Room Dividers
When space is tight, a little creativity goes a long way! You can create a cozy, semi-private nook for your child by turning a piece of furniture or a closet door into a room divider. Position it between your bed and your child’s sleep spot, like a mini “room within a room.” This tiny barrier can make your child feel like they’ve got their own little hideaway – perfect for a sense of privacy!
Example: You’re at a hotel, and you slide the luggage rack or open a closet door just right to create a separate alcove for their bed. Now they have their “own room,” and you get a bit of breathing room, too!
5. Bring Along the Bedtime Comforts
When you’re away from home, those little bedtime comforts can make all the difference! Bringing along familiar items like your child’s favorite crib sheet, their beloved pillow, or that snuggly lovey they can’t sleep without can help make the space feel safe and cozy. Familiar touches like a night light, a treasured bedtime book, or their trusty sound machine are perfect for keeping a sense of “home” in their sleep space.
Example: You’re setting up your toddler’s travel bed with their favorite sheet and lovey, and it’s almost like you brought a piece of their own bed along with you! These little touches can make your child feel more at ease, and help them recognize sleep cues that your family has established at home!
6. Manage Your Own Expectations
Let’s be real – room-sharing with your little one probably won’t deliver the best night of sleep you’ve ever had. But that’s totally okay! The goal here is to make things feel familiar and cozy, keeping bedtime routines as close to home as possible. A sound machine or a favorite crib sheet can work wonders, but expecting things to go perfectly might set you up for disappointment.
Try to stay flexible, this is all part of the holiday chaos! There may be more excitement at bedtime and a few wake-ups that require reassurance but by keeping things light and relaxed, you’re setting yourself up to enjoy the experience (even if you’re a little sleepy the next day). After all, holiday travel memories are made from these little moments, so embrace them!
A Few Final Tips for Holiday Travel
Sticking to your usual, consistent bedtime routine is key – even when you’re away. A familiar sequence of storytime, brushing teeth, and winding down can help signal to your child that it’s time for sleep, no matter the location. And remember, patience is your best friend! With the excitement of the holidays, bedtime may take a few extra minutes, but small comforts can set everyone up for a cozy night.
Most importantly, Thanksgiving is all about family, fun, and memory-making. Focus on the joys of these moments, even if bedtime is a bit bumpy. With these tips, you’ll make the holiday sleep setup as smooth as a slice of pumpkin pie. 🥧🍁
If your routine at home is more chaos than consistency, we can help get you back on track! Book your complimentary consultation call today, and we’ll help you establish a routine that can adapt to life’s special moments.
Meg O'Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the founder of A Restful Night. Based in Westchester County, NY, she leads a team of certified sleep coaches to provide virtual support to families across the US and around the world.
