Since Laurie was born 4 and half years ago, we haven’t been on holiday abroad. I don’t know why but I don’t imagine flying with small children and then holidaying in all that sun would be very family friendly. Am I wrong?

Whenever we’ve thought about holidaying, it seems somehow easier and more family friendly to stay in the UK. We can pile everything into the car (dog as well), drive a few hours down the road, and visit a part of England that we haven’t visited before. And we can stop the car as many times as we need to on the way. No screaming babies on the plane or preschoolers getting bored after sitting still for an hour! 

And then there’s sleep to think about. I know that a good night’s sleep for all of us will mean we can make the most of our holiday. So a holiday cottage in the UK, where I can plan the children’s naps and make sure they’re in bed early each night will mean hubby and I also get some time to relax. It’s much easier to stick a blackout blind, sleeping bags, nightlights, and all the other bits and bobs that make for a sound night’s sleep in the car than it is to drag them all the way to Europe!

Living down here in North Devon, we’re already spoiled with the beautiful beaches and really spectacular countryside. The only thing we can’t rely on is the weather. But if I’m honest, I’m so worried about the kids getting burned or sun stroke when they’re in the sun day after day, that I don’t mind an overcast day.

Throughout the summer holidays, we spend rainy days at local attractions like The Big Sheep or make the most of an excuse to stay indoors and watch a family DVD. And when the sun’s shining, we can nip out to the beach, build a sandcastle, splash in the sea and eat an ice cream.

Still, even with all of this on our doorstep, we do need to get away from it all once in awhile. And as they say, a change is as good as a rest. So we often visit somewhere like Dorset or Cornwall and stay in a holiday cottage that has all the things we need – stair gates, high chairs and cots. With two children, I tend to need a fair amount of stuff. Here’s what I bring to make sure the nights go smoothly:

 1 – Travel Blackout Blind

 If your little ones find it hard to fall asleep when it’s light outside, or wake up early as the sun rises, then this is a must. Blackout the bedrooms and get the kids to bed early so you can have a relaxing evening!

 2 – Nightlight

 My pre-schooler, Laurie has slept with a nightlight since he was about 2. It is especially comforting for him if we are away as strange rooms can be alarming for children. Laurie has a Barbapapa night light which is safe for him to cuddle up with in bed.

 3 – Sleeping bag or blanket

Frankie’s sleeping bag is a really powerful sleep association for him. He feels safe and secure snuggled up in his sleepsac and I don’t have to worry about him not liking the feel of the bedding wherever we go.

If you have an older child, bring their blanket or duvet cover with you. The familiar feel and smell of his bedding will help him to relax and sleep soundly through the night.

 4 – iPod and docking station.

 Unfamiliar places can really upset sleep routines but if you follow the same bedtime routine when you’re away as you do at home, you should your little ones settle easily and sleep well. Lullabies or white noise that you play at home can be played while away on our iPod. Or ask the holiday home provider if a CD player will be available.  

Soothing sleep sounds like the sound of the sea that you can play through the night will also help to mask unfamiliar noises.

5 – Snoozeshade

If you’re planning on long days out, then a buggy blackout blind like the Snoozeshade will help little ones get the sleep they need. Once they’ve dosed off, pop the blind on your buggy or pram and you’re guaranteed a good long nap while you enjoy a cool drink in the sun!

6 – Comforter

If your little one sleeps with a baby comforter, or, as in the case of my pre-schooler, 5 comforters! – then don’t forget to pack it! Comforters are excellent transitional objects, helping babies and children to self soothe when they are in strange environments.

If your baby doesn’t have a comforter, why not introduce one now. Pop it in her cot with her at night and it will be a familiar friend when she’s sleeping in a different room.

And finally, a recommendation for you.  If you’re planning a holiday down here in the South West, check out Farm and Cottage Holidays. They have a really excellent range of family friendly cottages to suit your needs and you can just call them up to check what’s available in the cottage of your choice.

Tags: family friendly cottages, family holidays, holiday cottages, holiday sleep, UK holiday cottage

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 at 10:58 am and is filed under Baby comforter, Child Sleep, Holidays, baby sleep. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.