What to Pack for Baby Sleep on Holiday: A Practical Guide

Charlotte Evans
May 19
3 min read

Holiday season is nearly here! Whether you’re heading abroad or opting for a ‘staycation’, getting away with your little one can be such a special time. But as any parent knows, when it comes to holidays with a baby, sleep can have a massive impact on your ability to relax and enjoy yourself.

One of the most common questions I get asked at this time of year is: “What should I take to help my baby sleep well while we’re away?”

While I know there are hundreds of products out there for travelling with a baby, I want to focus on the essentials—the things that really matter when it comes to helping your baby sleep well in a new environment.

1. A Reliable Travel Cot

Many hotels, villas, and Airbnbs offer travel cots, but it’s always worth checking in advance. Some cots can be quite compact or shallow, which could be an issue if your baby is on the move or starting to climb. Ask about the dimensions, age suitability, and firmness of the mattress—and if in doubt, bring your own travel cot.

2. Your Own Cot Bedding

Even if your accommodation provides bedding, I highly recommend taking your baby’s slept-in bed sheets - nothing smells like home quite like home. Using your baby’s usual sheets will bring them comfort and familiarity in a strange room—and that can be priceless when settling them for sleep.

3. Portable White Noise Machine

Even if you don’t typically use white noise at home, I suggest packing a small travel white noise machine. Holiday accommodation can come with unexpected noises—people in the corridors, noisy aircon, creaky beds, or even early-morning birdsong! White noise helps create a consistent sound environment and masks unfamiliar sounds that might disturb your baby’s sleep.

4. Blackout Blinds and Frog Tape

Never underestimate the power of a dark room! Many holiday rentals say they have blackout curtains, but often they still let in quite a bit of light.

Bring your own portable blackout blinds and a roll of frog tape. It’s gentle on paintwork but strong enough to help you stick blinds around the edges of the window or secure them at the top. Darkness will make a huge difference in helping your little one wind down for sleep—even when the sun is still blazing outside.

5. Bedtime Comforts from Home

Bring your baby’s familiar bedtime items—whatever helps signal that it’s sleep time. This might include:

Their favourite cuddly toy or comforter
A well-loved bedtime book
Their usual pyjamas (just keep the weather in mind—opt for lighter fabrics or footless sleepsuits if it is warm)

The aim is to make their bedroom and their bedtime routine as familiar and comforting as possible. These little touches can help your baby feel safe and secure, even in a new environment.

6. A Baby Monitor

Even if you don’t use one at home, a monitor can be really helpful on holiday. You may not realise until you arrive that the bedroom is further away from the living space than expected. A simple audio or video monitor can give you peace of mind while you’re relaxing or having dinner nearby.

Bonus Tips:

Try to keep their bedtime routine as close to normal as possible. Familiarity will help them settle more quickly.

Give them time to explore the room during the day. Letting your baby play in the sleep space before bedtime helps reduce anxiety and makes it feel more familiar when it’s time to sleep.