Where should my baby sleep on vacation?

[cs_content][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][cs_text][x_pullquote type="right"]Even the best sleepers can veer off track when on vacation.[/x_pullquote]It can be tough for kids to travel to a new place and sleep in an unfamiliar environment. Even the best sleepers can veer off track when on vacation. Problem is, vacation is supposed to be relaxing for the parents. And a 5am wakeup = the opposite of relaxing.How can we maximize sleeping arrangements to encourage better sleep?Ideally your sleeping arrangements should mirror what your child is used to at home. If you're still room-sharing with your small baby, it's probably best to keep her close by. If your toddler sleeps in his own room, try your best to find a hotel room or apartment with enough space that there's some separation.Of course, it's not always possible (or financially feasible) to book a huge suite or a two-bedroom apartment. In this case, place the crib as far away as possible from the parents' bed. Bonus points if you can create a visual barrier between the two. (We've been known to strategically position furniture so our toddler's prying eyes can't see that we're right next to him first thing in the morning). If you're sharing a space, definitely consider using a white noise app on your smartphone or tablet to help everyone sleep more soundly.Regardless of where the child is sleeping, the most important things you can do is to make his sleeping environment as dark as possible. Most hotels have very dark curtains, but many rented apartments don't. Consider bringing your own solution: I like the Gro Company's Anywhere Blackout Blind to make the room really dark. Or you can choose to darken just the crib itself with the Snooze Shade or Sleepaway Baby's Traveling Nursery. In a pinch, black garbage bags and masking tape will also do the job.Many of my clients ask if they should do a trial run at home with their travel crib. Depends on the child: if your baby will sleep anywhere, it's probably not worth the trouble. But if he's easily thrown off by new sleep environments, then it might help to use the travel crib at home for naps for a few days--just so he knows the score once you arrive.Do you travel often with your child? What tips can you share to help them sleep better?[x_line][x_custom_headline type="left" level="h5" looks_like="h5"]Related articles: [/x_custom_headline] How to Get Your Kid to Sleep on VacationSimple Solutions to Conquer Your Baby's JetlagGet Sleep Back on Track After Travel or IllnessToddler-Friendly Greece[x_share title="Share this Post" facebook="true" twitter="true" pinterest="true" email="true"][/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]