Travel can be tricky for families, especially if you are traveling into different time zones, because everyone will react differently to that time change. Of course, the jet lag children experience is much worse than the jet lag adults will experience, simply because children do not really know how to handle it!
There are many things that you can do to try to alleviate some of the jet lag children experience, but it will take some work on your part and may disrupt your current routine. The week before your trip, you can always slowly change your child’s schedule to the one that they will be on when you are on vacation. This, however, may result in your keeping them up later, making them go to bed earlier, waking them up earlier, or even waking them up later, depending on what your new schedule will look like. And if you are going on an international trip, a few of these other tips will help as well.
While doing that sounds wonderful, because you wouldn’t need to worry as much about jet lag, it can be next to impossible to do if you are working. Of course, it can also backfire, and you can have really cranky kids when you arrive at your destination!
How to get rid of jet lag in toddlers
One of the best things that you can do is simply get back into a normal routine once you arrive and never look back. Jet lag toddlers is common and while you may feel like having a mental breakdown yourself, patience is going to be required to get through it with your sanity.
We recommend that if you land at your destination in the morning, that you simply go through your day as normal, and then have everyone go to bed on time that evening. You may find that you all need a quick nap in the afternoon but keep it short to ensure that everyone doesn’t sleep the day away. The more you sleep that first day, the worse your jet lag will be.
You may find yourself feeding your children a little more often that first day as well, which is fine, because a full belly will keep them happier.
One other thing that you can do to wake everyone up during the day, and avoid jet leg children and adults, is to plan outside activities. The sun will naturally keep everyone awake and will allow you all to adjust your circadian rhythm to your new time zone.
Jet lag babies’ remedies
The remedies for jet lag in a baby are slightly easier, most of the time, because they can simply sleep whenever they are tired. However, this can and will backfire for you, as they may keep you up for quite a bit of the night the first night or two.
If your baby does wake up in the middle of the night, or your toddler or older child for that matter, do not turn on the lights and try not to interact with them too much. Allow them to babble, sing, talk, or play quietly, and hope that they drift off on their own.
There are no perfect jet lag solutions, as what works for one child may not work for another. However, with a little trial and error, you should be able to determine which ones work best for you and your family. And remember that following guidelines and tips to keep the family healthy as well as making travel easier with your toddler will help minimize the impact of jet lag on your little ones.
