Traveling with your little one can be very challenging—particularly when it comes to keeping his or her naptime and bedtime on schedule. Trust us when we say that the vacation will be a lot more enjoyable for everyone if your baby’s sleep is disrupted as little as possible.

How can you keep your baby in a good mood and well rested while traveling? Here are some tips to remember before your next trip.

Be consistent in terms of time

Try to put your baby down for a nap or for the night as close to their real sleep schedules as possible. While occasionally putting them to bed an hour late or so is perfectly acceptable, keep in mind that consistency in their schedule will prevent them from being cranky and overtired.

Keep the same routine when possible

If your baby sleeps in a crib, it may be best to invest in a travel crib. You may also need to bring a nightlight, a white noise machine, or your nighttime CDs. While it may mean bringing along more blankets, swaddles, toys and books than you’d like, it will definitely keep your baby feeling more safe and secure to have items associated with both naptime and bedtime. If you give your baby a bath before each bedtime, then do that to!

Plan activities around your baby’s sleeping schedule

Packing your day with activities will make it very difficult for your baby to get some rest. The reality is that you need to set aside some quiet time to allow your little one to get the sleep he or she needs. If your baby tends to fall asleep while in transit, schedule your road trip or plane ride just before naptime. Also try to be near your hotel or vacation home at the end of the day, so that you can easily put your baby to sleep at the first signs of sleepiness.

Practice

Test our your travel items if possible. If this is the first time that you will be traveling with your baby and the first time you’ll be using the travel crib or stroller, practice a few days before your big trip by putting your baby to sleep in the travel crib or stroller during naptime.