Travelling with a newborn is such an individual decision. For some families, travelling in the early weeks feels right and manageable, while for others, staying close to home and settling into life with their new baby is their preference. Across the world, families approach the early weeks differently. In some Scandinavian countries, for example, babies sleep outdoors in prams for naps, wrapped up warm against the cold. In many Asian cultures, newborns sleep close to their parents on floor beds or mats. In southern European families, it is common to keep newborns up later in the evening to be part of family life before settling them to sleep when parents go to bed. Each of these approaches works within their cultural context and family values, showing there is no single ‘right way’, only what feels right for you, your baby, and your recovery after birth.
Listening to your instincts after birth
In my experience, how you feel after birth may be very different from what you imagined beforehand. Be flexible with your plans, as things may feel different day to day. Listen to your body and your instincts. Try to block out the noise of social media and even well-meaning relatives and do what feels right for your family in those first precious weeks. As I share in my blog Parenting: You Do You, it is important to trust yourself, focusing on what feels right for you and your baby.
Understanding newborn sleep
Newborn sleep can feel unpredictable and knowing what it looks like can really help you to feel prepared and reassured. In the first few months, newborn babies sleep on average 15 to 18 hours over 24 hours. Before 4 months, their sleep cycles are not yet developed into a regular pattern. Before 4 months, babies sleep cycles are not yet developed into a regular pattern and this is split between 50 % deep sleep and 50 % REM (dream) sleep and is fairly inconsistent
Day and night differences
Newborns have no concept of day and night yet. You can help their body clock develop by keeping the day bright, busy and full of interaction while making nights calm, quiet and dimly lit.
Awake windows for newborns
Those first few months can feel like they are always sleeping, with awake windows often just 45 to 60 minutes up to 6 weeks old and around 60 to 90 minutes from 6 to 12 weeks old. It is a myth that keeping them awake during the day will help them sleep better at night.
Tips for travelling with a newborn
Here are some gentle tips if you choose to travel with a newborn:
- check with your midwife or health visitor before planning a trip, especially if your baby was premature or you had complications during birth
- keep journeys short where possible because newborns need frequent feeds and nappy changes, and to avoid long periods in a car seat
- ensure safe sleep arrangements wherever you stay, following the Lullaby Trust safer sleep advice
- bring familiar smells or items such as a muslin cloth used at home to help your baby feel settled
- offer feeds as you have been doing at home and try and create you babies sleep spaces the same whilst away.
- keep your expectations realistic because some babies sleep better on the move while others find travel unsettling. Both are okay
- prioritise your own rest and recovery alongside your baby’s needs
Final thoughts
If you would like personalised advice about newborn sleep at home or when travelling, please do get in touch with me at Little Dreams Solihull and South Warwickshire.
