How I handle baby jet lag
Judging from my other baby-related posts (surviving long-haul flights, traveling with a toddler by yourself) it’s inevitable that a post about baby jet lag will surface.
If you’re traveling more than 2 timezones, you should accept that your kid’s routine will be messed up. You’ll need to decide if you’re ready to handle a cranky, sleep-deprived baby on vacation.
Though it’s very painful for the first few days, baby will get over it. You’ll also be happy for the memories made!
A lot of the advice given on coping with baby jet lag sounds easier said than done. The tips are very similar to how adults should handle jet lag: stay active during the day time, try not to sleep in, don’t take too many naps.
With 12+ hour time differences, how do I handle baby jet lag? Well… I simply don’t.
I just let my baby sleep whenever, because he just becomes cranky and irritable if I don’t. Also, he’s just a one year old – it’s hard to negotiate at this age!
I’m also lucky to have family at these destinations, so they come to the rescue when I need sleep.
After doing this method with my babe 3 times, I’ve noticed:
-It takes him about a week to adjust to local time.
-It’s harder for him to adjust at the destination because of new surroundings. He gets curious and wants to explore… at 2 AM. 😒 But, it’s a bit easier once we’re back home due to familiar surroundings.
This means:
-We don’t do trips halfway around the world unless it’s at least 2 weeks.
-My sleep schedule reverts back to those newborn days – sleep when the baby sleeps! As a person who is a master at getting over jet lag, it pains me but I deal with it.
-I manage expectations with visitors. I can’t guarantee that we’ll be happy and well-rested if you visit us during the first week of our arrival.
Though I usually hate life for the first 3-4 days of jet lag, once we’re adjusted all is well again. Living abroad means time with family is scarce, so the photos and memories definitely make up for the travel stress and temporary lack of sleep!