Heading out to visit friends or family? Take it from it from Marley, vlogger, mom of two, and Nested Bean fan: a little pre-planning can make a big difference. Check out her top five sleep tips for traveling with baby.

Tip #1: Pack the essentials

Babies become accustomed to certain smells and items just like they do with routines. Make sure to pack all the things your baby is used to. This will help ease them into a new environment, especially when it can impact bedtime.

Mom says... Pack the essentials - and pack extras of them in case things get lost during travel time. Pacifiers, lovies, extra clothes, baby's usual shampoo or soap, and a white noise machine will help your little one feel more at home while you're away.

Paci or soother

Because of the hectic travel schedule, your baby will need their paci or soother even more than usual. Make sure to bring multiples in case things get lost along the way.

Extra changes of clothes

A baby will not sleep if they’re wet, and accidents can happen. You may not always have access to a washer or dryer, so be sure to bring double the clothes for your little one.

Bath soap or shampoo

Traveling is already so new for your baby, so make sure to bring the things that they are used to. Now is not the time to introduce new soaps or shampoos which can end up causing irritation to their skin or messing up their bedtime routine.

White noise machine

In a new environment, new sounds will keep your baby up and stop them from settling. If they are used to sleeping with a white noise machine, be sure to bring that along.

Tip #2: Practice at home

One tip that can be a lifesaver is practicing at home. If your baby won't be able to sleep in their normal environment and you’ll be bringing a travel crib, have them sleep in it for a few nights at home. This way, when your first night away comes it won’t be such a foreign space for your little one.

Mom says... Practice makes perfect! Getting your baby used to any changes they'll experience while travelling before you leave will help make these changes less disruptive on your trip!

Tip #3: Don’t ditch the routine

You’ll be around family and friends and may have a lot of activities planned, but always remember to stick to your normal routine as much as possible. Nap time and feeding schedules are super important to your little one.

Find a quiet room away

Have a space in the house while you’re away that your baby will be able to take a nap in.

Plan activities around your at-home routine

If your baby usually naps and feeds around 1:00PM, make sure you can schedule things around this time.

Follow a bedtime routine every night

If bed time consists of a bath, change, bottle and rocking, make sure to follow this to a T. This will make for much smoother nights while away.

Tip #4: Learn to nap on the go

When traveling, you may not always find time for a quiet space away. Teaching your little one to nap on the go is super important, whether in the car, plane or stroller.

Pack your Zen Footie or Zen Bodysuit for naps on the go

Make sure to look up car seat laws in your new state or country

Rent or borrow a car seat or stroller ahead of time if you can’t bring your own

Tip #5: Additional mom hacks

Order things in bulk beforehand and have them shipped to your destination.

Diapers

Wipes

Formula

Traveling by air? To ease ear irritation during takeoff and landing if flying, give your baby a paci or nurse them during. The sucking motion unblocks ears and alleviates the pain, making for a much more comfortable flight.