Sleeping away from home (newborns)

Sometimes your baby will need to sleep away from home for the night.  

This can be due to: 

  • going on holiday
  • visiting a family member
  • a hospital stay  

It may not happen often but can impact routine and be a barrier for your baby’s sleep.  

Plan ahead

Try to prepare as much as possible before you go. Thinking ahead can help you feel more relaxed and make the change smoother for your baby. 

Stay flexible

It’s normal for routines to change a little in a new environment. Be patient with your baby (and yourself) as they adjust. 

Pack the essentials

Bring the things your baby usually needs for sleep - like nappies, blankets, swaddles, or a favourite toy. Familiar items can help them feel more secure. 

Create a safe sleep space

Check if your accommodation or family member has a cot available. If not, you could bring a portable cot or look into hiring one for your stay. Even in a new place, safety comes first. Make sure safety is still number one when putting your child to sleep 

Create a calm, dark environment

A darker room can help your baby settle more easily. If needed, try blackout blinds or cover windows to block out bright light. 

Stick to a bedtime routine

Even though the environment may be foreign for your child, you can replicate the habits you do at home with a similar bedtime routine.

See Creating a health sleep environment for more information.