😴 Sleep · 0 to 18 months
😴 On arrival: safe accommodation and the first night
Before unpacking everything, check where your baby will sleep and any hazards within reach. The first night may be unsettled: no routine can promise otherwise.
What you’ll need
- A suitable sleep space with its instructions and designated mattress.
- A correctly fitting fitted sheet and suitable sleepwear.
- Local healthcare contact details and a few familiar things from home.
Before and during the journey
1. Check at baby level
- Check windows, balconies, stairs, pool access and unstable furniture.
- Move medicines, cleaning products, small objects and cords out of reach. Report hazards to your accommodation provider; don’t rely on makeshift fixes that could introduce another risk.
2. Assemble and check the cot
- Follow the travel cot instructions and check the locking mechanisms. Use only the designated mattress and a suitable sheet.
- Don’t add a mattress, topper or padding that the manufacturer hasn’t approved: this could create a gap where your baby could become trapped.
3. Keep the sleep space clear
- Place your baby on their back on a firm, flat, level surface suitable for infant sleep.
- No pillow, comfort toy, muslin, loose blanket or sleep positioner in the cot. Opt for a separate sleep space in your room, particularly during the first few months.
4. Keep familiar routines without forcing them
- Keep a few familiar habits: feeds, quiet time, a song and suitable nightwear.
- For jet lag, shift gradually towards local times, with natural light but no direct sun or overheating. Don’t use medicine to make your baby sleep without medical advice.
5. Between us
You don’t need to see everything on the first day. A calm arrival and taking turns as parents are already a good plan. If your baby seems unwell, don’t put it all down to travelling.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Adding a mattress for comfort The sleep space must follow the instructions, not your impression of softness.
- ❌ Putting a comfort toy in an infant’s cot Soft objects don’t belong in their sleep space.
- ❌ Falling asleep with your baby on the sofa Being tired doesn’t make this safe; put your baby in their cot and hand over to another caregiver.
Questions dads ask
Can my baby finish the night in the car seat?
No. At your destination, move them to a suitable sleep space.
Does a bedtime routine guarantee a peaceful night?
No. It may help things feel familiar, but give your baby time and share the night wakings.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
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Read next
- 🛂 Travelling with your baby: documents and health
- 🩺 Your baby’s travel first aid and medicines kit
- 🚆 Taking the train with a little one
- 🚗 In the car with your baby: seats, breaks and safety
- 🧳 Packing for your baby: the essentials, not the whole house
- 👶 Baby carrier or pushchair: choosing for your journey
- 🍼 Feeding your baby while travelling: breastfeeds, bottles and meals
When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 995 for a medical emergency.