Jenn Kelner, CPA CA

Written By: Jenn Kelner, CPA CA

Jenn Kelner is a mother of three children, including twins, and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant at BabyZzz. Just as every family is unique, Jenn supports many different sleep methods and works directly with families to design a solution that will help them become well-rested, happy families.

Read my latest newsletter →

To Grandma’s House We Go! – Sleep Techniques To Maintain Healthy Sleep

Healthy Sleep

To Grandma’s House We Go! – Sleep Techniques To Maintain Healthy Sleep 

The car is packed, the kids are buckled in and you’re on your way to the grandparent’s house! Whether they live close by or further away, there will be some changes that your kids have to adjust to. This applies to their sleep as well. It’s hard for kids to sleep in strange places, especially when there is lots of excitement going on, but there are sleep techniques and things to bring to help them adjust to their unfamiliar environment. Here are some tips to help your child sleep well at the grandparent’s house.

It’s hard for kids to sleep in strange places, especially when there is lots of excitement going on, but there are sleep techniques and things to bring to help them adjust to their unfamiliar environment.

Pack their comfort items

This could be their stuffie, their favourite blankie, their white noise machine or even their unwashed crib sheet. If they use a sleep sack or special night light, bring those as well. You want to re-create their sleeping environment as best as you can so that the space feels familiar and comfortable.

Pick a consistent sleeping place

If you visit Grandma and Grandpa’s house frequently, pick a spot in the house where your children can sleep the majority of the time you are visiting. Putting baby to sleep in a consistent spot will help them get familiar with the alternative sleeping arrangements when you’re not at home.

Make the room dark

When picking a space for your children to sleep, consider how dark it is going to be. If it is too bright your child may have trouble staying asleep. The darker it is, the better they will sleep, and the less strange it will feel. If a super dark room isn’t possible, bring garbage bags and painter’s tape to temporarily cover the windows and block the light.

Mimic the sleeping arrangements

Sometimes it’s hard for parents and their kids to have separate rooms when staying with family, and sharing a room can make it difficult for kids to sleep if you are readily available! If you are all in one room and don’t normally share a room at home, use a walk in closet or bathroom as a temporary nursery, or hang a room divider so they can’t see you.

Beware of extra treats!

If your kids are anything like my kids, sugar makes my children temporarily crazy, followed by extremely upset. They scream more, cry more and it also wreaks havoc on their sleep! Keep an eye on how much sugar your kids on getting from well-meaning family members, as it can result in some very cranky kids who have trouble going to sleep. And guess who has to deal with them! Hint: It’s not Grandma.

Sleep on route

Sleep in motion is not the most restorative sleep, but if you think your child might have trouble with daytime naps once you arrive at the grandparent’s house, then sleeping in the car might be the better option. Use a sleep shade for the windows and even put on some white noise if you think it will help. You should plan to put your child to bed slightly earlier that night to make up for the lighter nap in the car.

Read more on sleep training techniques, how to foster healthy sleep and how much sleep kids need.

Jenn Kelner, CPA CA

Written By: Jenn Kelner, CPA CA

Jenn Kelner is a mother of three children, including twins, and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant at BabyZzz. Just as every family is unique, Jenn supports many different sleep methods and works directly with families to design a solution that will help them become well-rested, happy families.

You might also enjoy

5 Back to School Plan Tips for Your Child’s Sleep Schedule

School is fast approaching once again, which means relaxed summertime schedules are coming to an end. So now is a great time to start getting your child back on a regular sleep schedule and routine so that they are ready to start the first day with a smile on their face.

5 Tips to Get Your Child’s Sleep Schedule Back on Track for School

5 Tips to Get Your Child’s Sleep Schedule Back on Track for School

5 Tips to Get Your Child’s Sleep Schedule Back on Track for School School is fast approaching once again, which means relaxed summer time schedules are coming to an end. Now is a great time to start getting your child back on a regular sleep schedule and routine so...

‘Why Cant I Sleep?’ – Electronic Devices May Be To Blame

‘Why Cant I Sleep?’ – Electronic Devices May Be To Blame

‘Why Cant I Sleep?’ – Electronic Devices May Be To Blame Routines are an excellent way to help make the transition from being awake, to falling asleep. For infants and children, a typical bedtime routine should last approximately 20-30 minutes. Don’t be afraid to...

Dr. Dina Kulik - Subscribe to my Blog
Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Do NOT use this Website for medical emergencies.

If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

COVID Toolbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health - Constipation Management

Success! Check Your Inbox