Summer holidays can be full of sunshine, memory-making, and... meltdowns. If you’ve got a toddler in tow, you already know that travel, late nights, and changes in routine can easily unravel all the sleep progress you’ve made.

As an infant sleep consultant, I often hear from families who just want to enjoy summer without losing their minds - or their child’s sleep routine. The good news? It is possible. Here’s how to survive (and even enjoy!) the summer holidays with your toddler.

1. Prioritise Sleep — But Stay Flexible

It’s all about balance. Try to keep nap and bedtime routines as consistent as possible, especially on days when you're not out and about. But it’s also okay to flex occasionally for special outings.

Tips:

Bring familiar sleep cues: their sleep sack, white noise, a favourite book.
Try to keep naps within 30-60 minutes of usual time, even if it’s in the pram or car.
Aim for bedtime consistency 70-80% of the time. One late night won’t undo everything.

2. Protect Sleep on the Go

If you're travelling or staying with family, create a familiar sleep environment to help your toddler settle.

Quick wins:

Use portable blackout blinds (the Tommee Tippee blinds are great!)
Bring white noise to block out unfamiliar sounds
Keep your bedtime routine the same - even if it’s shorter

3. Watch for Overtiredness

Busy summer days can mean skipped naps and late bedtimes. Overtired toddlers can become cranky, hyper, or struggle to fall asleep.

Watch for signs like:

Sudden bursts of energy close to bedtime
Difficulty settling
Early wake-ups after a busy day

If this happens, try an earlier bedtime the next night to help them catch up.

4. Don’t Stress About One Off-Schedule Day

Sleep routines are important, but so is making memories. If you’re out at a BBQ, beach day, or fireworks show - enjoy it! The key is to get back on track the next day.

What to do:

Offer a slightly longer nap or quiet time the following day
Use an earlier bedtime to make up for lost sleep
Avoid stacking multiple late nights in a row

5. Re-Establish Routines After Holidays

Once you’re home or the busy period has passed, gently guide your toddler back into their usual rhythm.

Try:

A consistent wake-up and bedtime again
Reintroducing the full bedtime routine if it was shortened during travel
A calm wind-down in the evening to help re-settle their body clock

Final Thoughts

Summer with a toddler doesn’t have to mean chaos. With a bit of planning, flexibility, and grace (for both of you!), you can enjoy your time together and protect their sleep.

And remember: regressions don’t have to be permanent. If sleep feels a bit off after the holidays, that’s completely normal - and it can be gently guided back on track. If you’re struggling to get things back on track, my Absolute Serenity plan could be the guiding light you need.

Surviving Summer Holidays with a Toddler: Sleep, Sanity, and Simple Wins