Newborn Sleep on the Go: Travel Tips for Summer Adventures
Traveling with a newborn during the summer months can be so full of beauty—introducing your baby to new places, visiting family and soaking in those golden sunsets together. But let’s be real: nothing can throw off those sweet newborn rhythms quite like a packed suitcase and a different time zone.
One of the biggest concerns I hear from new mamas (and definitely felt myself!) is how to protect baby’s sleep while traveling—especially when everything’s new, noisy, or a little chaotic.
Here are my favorite tips to help you and your little one stay rested and regulated while traveling this summer.
1. Recreate Home Sleep Cues, Wherever You Are
Babies thrive on familiarity and consistency. Even if your sleep setup changes, your routines can come along for the ride.
Bring a few cozy “sleep signals” from home:
A portable white noise machine
Your usual swaddle or sleep sack (bring 2-3 with you)
Baby’s preferred pacifier (bring 3-4 with you)
A muslin blanket that smells like you (or like home)
Portable or travel diffuser with lavender essential oil
Same snuggles, same wind-down rhythm as home
These little cues tell baby, you’re safe—it’s time to rest. (Check out some of my favorite items here!)
2. Manage Light + Stimulation
Bright summer light and longer days can disrupt newborn sleep. I recommend:
Using a breathable muslin blanket can dim the world for naps in strollers or car seats. A portable fan is crucial to keep your baby cool while sleeping in warmer months.
Bringing blackout shades or travel-friendly blackout film for hotel rooms or guest rooms. The Slumberpod can be an easy option as well - just be sure to have a fan circulating the air under the tent for baby.
Keeping nighttime diaper changes and feedings low-stimulation: no talking, no lights, just soft touch and quiet energy
3. Watch Baby, Not the Clock
Travel can mess with nap schedules—and that’s okay. Instead of sticking rigidly to the clock, watch for baby’s sleepy cues: rubbing eyes, zoning out, fussiness. Try sticking to baby’s typical wake window rhythm. You have the option of keeping baby on your local time zone, if that works for you. Or you can gradually align with your destination time zone (it may take several days to adjust).
Remember: consistency helps, but flexibility keeps everyone sane.
4. Soothing Support from Nature
If your little one is extra fussy with the changes in environment and time zone, I turn to gentle, natural support:
A drop of doTERRA Lavender in the diffuser during wind-down
Roman Chamomile diluted in a carrier oil for a foot massage
A calming mist (lavender + water) lightly sprayed on baby’s blanket or in the room
Always be mindful with essential oils and babies—dilute well, and avoid strong scents directly on their skin or near their face.
5. Trust Your Intuition
(and Give Yourself Grace)
Not every nap will be perfect. Not every bedtime will go smoothly. And that’s okay. You’re not “ruining” sleep habits by holding your baby more, nursing more, or doing what works in the moment.
Travel is temporary. Love is lasting. And those snuggly midnight feeds while away from home? Someday you might miss them.
Wherever your summer takes you, may your days be soft, your nights peaceful, and your arms full of sweet, sleeping baby. You’ve got this.
I support parents in Lexington, KY, and nationwide. If you’re seeking help for your family, please book a call with me so we can discuss how I may serve your family.
