Getting children to sleep in a hotel room can be a challenge, but a few simple tricks can make all the difference. The Sleep Charity, in partnership with Premier Inn, has shared expert advice to help little ones settle in unfamiliar surroundings this half term.
Familiar Comforts and Routine
Packing a favourite teddy or blanket is recommended, as children will always want something familiar in a new environment. The familiar smell can also help them feel comfortable and at home.
While it may not be possible to replicate the entire bedtime routine, including an element such as reading a bedtime story can help maintain a sense of normalcy. Fine motor skill activities like colouring in can also help kids relax, and hotel restaurants often provide colouring packs that can be used to get a head-start on bedtime.
Limiting Screens and Winding Down
Screens interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes us sleepy. Switching off the TV an hour before bedtime can significantly help little ones nod off.
A warm bath 30 minutes before bedtime can be very effective in helping kids wind down. Dimming the lights and using blackout curtains can also support melatonin production. Parents are advised to be clear and firm when it's time for bed, using a calming phrase like 'It's night-time, go to sleep' and repeating it.
Mealtimes and Avoiding Stimulants
Planning dinner time is important, as eating too early can leave kids hungry by bedtime, while eating too late can make them uncomfortably full. Caffeine and sugar can disrupt sleep, so it's best to steer little ones away from sugary desserts in the evening, opting for fruit and water instead.
Premier Inn is currently offering kids-eat-free deals this autumn, with a paying adult, at over 600 hotel locations across the UK. The offer is valid at selected restaurants until 1st November, with dishes including 10-Veg Tomato Pasta and Oven Baked Poppin' Chicken.
