1. Re-introduce the bedtime routine
Seems obvious, but that’s because it is! Once the partying and celebrations have come to an end it’s important that you get right back into your baby’s familiar sleep routine, pre-holiday chaos. Getting back into your little one’s regular sleep routine will help bub identify their sleep cues and aiding in the wind down process. 

 

2. Pay back sleep debt
A few weeks of late bedtimes and missed naps can lead to an accumulation of sleep dept. Sleep debt causes your little one to produce high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) making puting them to sleep quite the challenge. To overcome this in essence you need ‘pay back’ the sleep dept gained during the holidays. For the first few days try putting bub down to bed 30 – 60 minutes before their typical bedtime in order to get their sleep cycle back on track and eliminate the accrued sleep dept. 

3. Give extra attention
Once we return home, to our jobs and our daily lives we may not be spending as much quality time with the little ones as we did while on holidays. So, when it comes to bedtime your little ones may be craving that extra time with you and use their bedtime as an opportunity to get their fix. To avoid a needy bedtime bub try giving them a little extra attention in the daytime for the first few days’ post-holiday to combat these feelings.   

4.Expect setbacks
It’s important that you manage your own expectations. Our little ones aren’t as quick to bounce back as we are, sleep disruptions post-holiday rush is normal and may take a few days to a couple of weeks to get back on track. Don't rush it and try not to get frustrated if bub is taking longer than expected to adjust. You’ve got this!