Tips for crossing time zones

Crossing time zones with little ones can be daunting. Here are some tips that are guaranteed to help:

• Don’t stray from regular routines — babies are creatures of habit and are comforted by routine. They like to know what’s coming next. If you normally read them “Goodnight Moon” before bed, continue to do so on your trip.
• Try to fly at night for long flights. This way your baby can sleep on the plane, and when you arrive in the morning he will be somewhat rested to start a new day in a new time zone.
• When you arrive at your location expose your baby to sunlight and fresh air. This will help to reset your baby’s circadian clock — sunlight means awake time and darkness means sleep time.
• Stick to regular nap and sleep times — on local time. If you arrive at 7 a.m. and your baby usually has a nap at 9 a.m. stick to it even though you’re in a different time zone and you may have just lost five hours of your day.

I have found that my kids adapt to different time zones and cope with jet lag a lot easier than I do. Try not to stress! Be satisfied with the fact that your baby will be happy to be on holiday with you and will enjoy your undivided attention.

Did you know?

1. Every hour of time change, takes one day to fully adjust!
2. Jet lag is often worse when traveling east to west rather than west to east.