Messing up baby's routine

cookiecrumbs

Hi

I have an 18 month old daughter who is a very good sleeper (touch wood!) We are thinking of a family trip to Florida in March and I am super worried about her routine being messed up because of the time difference - both on the way there and when we get home.

Does anyone have any experience of this? Was wondering whether anybody had major trouble with their LO's when going abroad and how long it took them to settle when they got home again?

I am putting off booking this holiday because of this - just need someone to put my mind at rest!

Thanks x

trailingspouse

We took our 3 year old to Canada. I found that the night immediately after arrival wasn't a problem - tired from travelling etc.

However, the following day he needed an afternoon sleep (at 3 he wasn't needing them every day, but would kind of store them up and have a snooze a couple of times a week). He dropped off at 3pm, and was still asleep at 5. I tried to wake him, but he was sound asleep. At 7 (when it was time to eat) I tried to wake him again - still not having it.

He finally woke up at 4am!! He obviously just needed the sleep. He'd had 13 hours sleep and was a) starving hungry and b) wanting to play!! I, on the other hand, had stayed up late with relatives I hadn't seen in years... I remember bumbling round the kitchen trying to find something that looked like breakfast, and then desperately trying to get him to play quietly while I lay on the sofa and the rest of the house slumbered.

Don't let your worries about routine put you off. It doesn't do them any harm now and again. Don't attempt to put her to bed until she's actually tired (don't worry about what time it actually is), and when you do, try to keep the rest of the bedtime routine as normal as possible - favourite story, cuddly etc.

onlyroz

It is to be expected that all of your "routines" will be a little off kilter after experiencing a significant time shift - however I think it would be bonkers to use this as an excuse to avoid going on holiday. The pros far outweigh the cons - I hope you all enjoy yourself.

AngelOfTheNorth

I'd be more worried about the plane journey. Took mine on a 5 hour one when she was similarly aged... never again.

Hedgehog99

Either leave your daughter here (with a grandparent etc.), or wait until she's older and can share the holiday with you and have happy memories of it. The flight will hurt her ears more than an adult's, so it's not fair to inflict a long flight on her (or your fellow passengers) unless it's unavoidable.

meer53

I've taken both mine abroad since they were babies. Australia was the worst. Closely folllowed by Florida. I would never let any worries about routines affect my holiday decisions, if it takes a few days to get back to normal what does it matter really ?

Personally, i would put Florida off until your little one is old enough to appreciate it. Unless you really want to go yourself. We started going to Florida when my youngest was 3, we've been 5 times since then, the jet lag is horrendous for me but the kids just cope with it !

goingsenile

We did Florida with my daughter at 16 months and 22 months and she was better than us!Fell asleep on the floor the day after we arrived but apart from that was fine. Their routine will be all out anyway while you are away unless you are planning on being back in your villa/hotel every night!
AJ

j.e.j.

My little niece didn't cope well with the time difference and was tired and grumpy for a lot of the time while they were there. I think she was about 2 at the time.

Make-it-3

If you want to enjoy your holiday (and future ones) I think you need to book and go with the flow rather than try and stick to a routine. After all your routine is unlikely to be the same as at home either.

If you have a pushchair with a reclining seat you can pretty much let her sleep when she wants if you are out and about. This is especially good in the evening if you want to have a drink or dinner out. My DD has slept through some pretty noisy nights this way.

I think kids adapt better to time changes than adults anyway (probably because they nap and snack more than us anyway).

We took our 3 month old daughter to Miami and found she took longer to adapt to the change in humidity rather than time zone.

wendz86

We took our 2 year old to st Lucia. She would have an afternoon nap and go to bed later than normal. The time difference didn't seem to bother her.

Person_one

I think 18 months is a bit too young to get the most benefit out of Florida/Disney. If you wait a few years it'll be easier to keep her entertained on the plane and she'll get a lot more out of the experience, and remember it for longer!