Plan Ahead to Beat Jet Lag
Traveling with toddlers is always an adventure. But throw jet lag into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for parental exhaustion. Planning ahead can save your sanity.
Adjusting Sleep Schedules
First things first, adjust your child’s sleep schedule before you leave. If you’re traveling east, put them to bed an hour earlier each night before your trip. Going west? Try an hour later. It’s like tricking their little body clocks without them ever knowing.
Pack Familiar Items
Before you fly, pack familiar bedtime items in your carry-on. A favorite toy or blanket does wonders for bedtime comfort in unfamiliar places. Don’t forget snacks and drinks during the flight – a well-fed toddler is a happier traveler.
Entertainment Options
Headphones with fun podcasts can also be lifesavers for longer flights. An ounce of preparation is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to toddler jet lag.
Keep A Routine That’s Flexible
When fighting jet lag, a well-established routine works miracles. But again, flexibility is your ally. Upon arrival, follow your regular bedtime rituals to provide comforting signals to your child’s body clock. The sequence of Bath, Book, Bed – keep it short and sweet. Trust me, we once switched bath and book time and ended up with an hour of tears!
Of course, explore new places with your toddler, but stick to meal times as closely as possible. Breakfast time in the new time zone should happen as soon as everyone’s awake, even if that means pancakes at 4 AM. A predictable routine within the new time context will help toddlers adjust quicker.
Oh, and don’t stress the fallbacks; switching time zones can make everyone goofy.
Hydrate Like A Pro
It’s not just adults who suffer from travel dehydration. Little ones can get thrown off balance fast. Make sure your toddler drinks plenty before and during the flight. Adequate hydration is linked to better sleep quality, helping lessen jet lag effects.
Hydration Tips for Toddlers
Water is your best option, but if you’re desperate to keep them sipping, consider the following:
- Add a splash of juice to water.
- Opt for milk.
- Try fun straw bottles or cups that make drinking an amusing game.
A favorite of ours is the “who can make the most bubbles” contest. Enthusiastically stay hydrated yourself as well – it’s easier to remember to top them up if you’re doing it too.
Healthy Snack Alternatives
Besides beverages, juicy snacks like oranges or strawberries help keep fluids high. Transport these in easy-access, spill-proof containers for zero airport mess ups.
Embrace Nap Time
Fighting jet lag might make you feel you’re in a constant battle with your watch, but in this case, nap time is your ally, not the enemy. A restorative nap upon arrival can work wonders, but aim for no longer than 30-60 minutes. Resist the urge for longer snoozes, or they might power through bedtime wide awake.
Get outdoors to soak in natural daylight and adjust their internal clocks. One time, my little one ended up on a sun-lounge chair, hopelessly asleep with ice cream in hand.
Stick to outdoor activities involving lots of exercise to:
- Burn off energy
- Promote healthy naps
The trick is to plan those naps strategically. Remember, naps are friends, not foes in this jet-setting journey.
Go Easy on Screen Time
Tablets and screens can seem a quick fix for keeping toddlers entertained, but overuse can add fuel to the jet lag fire. Choose less stimulating activities before bedtime to help your child wind down.
A familiar bedtime story or some soothing music on the plane is much more beneficial than watching the latest episode of Paw Patrol.
My little one’s screen time antics had her chasing not just dreams but characters in her sleep. Try:
- Books
- Building blocks
- Coloring
Anything that builds calm, not chaos. Screens are a blessing during traveling, no doubt, but in moderation. You’d be surprised how many times a coloring book saved the day (and night!). Trust us, your future self will thank you!
Patience is Your Best Friend
The best parenting tool when dealing with toddler jet lag is patience. After a long-haul flight, everyone’s anxieties are heightened, including your toddler’s. Expect meltdowns, and take them in stride. Sometimes, it feels like raising tiny drama queens, right?
Adjusting takes time; both for you and your little one. So be gentle with each other. Be prepared for temporary chaos but remember, this too shall pass.
Involving Your Child
Try to involve the child in settling in, like:
- Unpacking their toys
- Selecting which pajamas to wear
Celebrate small victories, like the impossible bid to make it through a whole night’s sleep! Engage in conversations about your trip, listen to their ideas, even if it’s about flying with unicorns. This can be a journey of understanding not just new time zones, but each other, too.
