The planning, the packing, the torturously long line at airport security — you’ve made it through the not-so-epic parts of traveling with a newborn — yay! Now you’re at the hotel, and everyone’s had their fair share of splashing around the pool, but now it’s bedtime. And bonus: It’s on an absolutely huge bed, covered in the fluffiest comforter you’ve ever felt. But, wait! The baby’s crying, and you’re realizing that bedtime in a hotel isn’t as easy for your baby as it is for you. Before giving up on your hopes for rest and relaxation, check out these tips for getting baby to sleep through the night while on vacation.
1. Same Old, Same Old: You’ve got the night-night routine down at home: Scrub in the tub, a book, a song and a steady stream of back pats, and your little one is out. There’s no need to completely change your routine just because you’ve crossed state lines. Stick to your script and make the bedtime routine as close to the at-home version as possible. This may mean bringing your own frog princess hooded towel and toting along bedtime books from home.
2. Lovely Linens: Baby’s sensitive skin perks up when she feels a crib sheet that isn’t the soft, cuddly one she’s used to at home. Even though the difference is almost imperceptible, she knows it, and pretty soon (through her cries) everyone else on your floor will know it. Pack a few crib sheets from home (just in case of middle-of-the-night diaper leaks) to use at the hotel.
3. Chill Out… Or Not: The AC’s on blast, and you’re comfy under a thick down comforter. But for safe sleeping’s sake, your baby isn’t quite as bundled up, and her summer jammies are nothing more than a onesie. When you’re packing, think ahead to every temperature eventuality. Bring along an array of sleepwear options to give you enough choices to keep your baby snuggly, like a long-sleeved sleepsack.
4. Elevator Avoidance: It’s 2am and three tipsy bridesmaids from the wedding downstairs come stumbling off the elevator. While you might sleep through their loud chatter, baby most likely won’t. Pick a room that’s far from the elevator, the stairs or any shared space (such as a gym or an ice machine) to avoid extra noise.
5. Walk It Out: When you’re at home, a quick drive around the block gets baby right to sleep. But now you’re on vacation and don’t have a car (or you have a car, but don’t know the area well enough to drive around). Put baby in a stroller or strap her into a carrier, then walk her around the floor (or do laps in your room) until she starts snoozing.
What’s the number one baby item you need on vacation to help your baby sleep? Share with us on Twitter @BritandCo!
(Photos via Getty)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.