Managing children's sleep during the holidays: our gentle and effective advice

Why is children's sleep often disturbed during the holidays?

Vacations are synonymous with discoveries, outings, days without fixed schedules... and it's wonderful. But this change of pace can also disrupt children's sleep : later bedtimes, staggered naps, excitement in the evening, nighttime wakings...

The result? The child is more irritable, sleeps less well, and sometimes… the parents too.

When should you worry about sleep during the holidays?

It's normal for the rhythm to change a little. It's okay if the child goes to bed later for a few days.
But if you observe:

• very early or very late wake-ups,
  
  

• bedtime seizures,
  
  

• or very fragmented sleep,
  
  

...it may be useful to re-establish some guidelines for managing your child's sleep during the holidays .

Our 5 tips to help your child sleep better on vacation

Tip #1: Keep a rhythm (flexible but stable)

Even on vacation, children's bodies need reference points. Try to maintain:

• a fairly regular wake-up time,
  
  

• a little ritual before naptime or bedtime,
  
  

• meals at fixed times.
  
  

Tip : If bedtime is later, maintain a stable ritual to reassure your child: a story, dim lighting, a cuddle. These sensory cues reassure and promote sleep for children on vacation .

Tip #2: Expose yourself to natural light

Daylight regulates the biological clock. First thing in the morning, let your child play outside or eat breakfast in daylight.

Good morning exposure helps reset the sleep-wake rhythm .

Tip #3: Offer quiet times at the end of the day

Excitement, noise, heat... can make bedtime difficult. In the late afternoon, focus on:

• quiet games (reading, drawing, soft music),
  
  

• a warm bath,
  
  

• a moment without a screen.
  
  

These activities promote peaceful sleep and limit nighttime awakenings.

Tip #4: Recreate a familiar cocoon

When traveling, your child may need visual or sensory cues. Don't hesitate to bring:

• his usual comfort blanket or sleeping bag,
  
  

• a sheet that smells "like home",
  
  

• a soft night light.
  
  

This reassures the child and helps them to get back to a peaceful sleep during the holidays .

Tip #5: Monitor nutrition and hydration

Too much sugar or fruit juice in the evening can disrupt sleep. Similarly, a dehydrated child will have more trouble sleeping, especially in hot weather.

Offer water regularly, and opt for a light dinner, rich in vegetables and slow-release carbohydrates.

Can you reschedule a child's sleep after the holidays?

Yes, fortunately! Generally, 3 to 5 days are enough to re-establish a more regular sleep rhythm , provided you go about it gradually:

• Delay bedtime by 15 to 20 minutes each evening,
  
  

• Restore reassuring rituals,

• Be patient: adaptation is often quick.
  
  

In summary

Children's sleep during the holidays can be a little disturbed... but with a few gentle and caring guidelines, it is entirely possible to find peaceful nights.
Ritual, natural light, suitable diet, reassuring cocoon... all this contributes to a more relaxing vacation for the whole family.

And at Monjour, we love to accompany you through the seasons of life.

Find other well-being tips on maternity, postpartum, toddler sleep, and managing daily life with a baby in our My Journal section.

👉 Explore our articles on monjour.com

💌 Do you have a tip or sleep ritual to share?
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