It's a funny thing, isn't it? Having kids less than two years apart and being #blessed with terrible sleepers has me thinking that a full night's sleep won't ever happen. Never would I have imagined that sleeping in 3 hour increments would allow me to function as a human being but that's what parenting does to us, right? It keeps us on our toes and stretches us in ways we never knew were possible. I'm always in the mindset that if my kids are going to be crappy sleepers at home, I might as well travel with them since either way we aren't getting sleep ;) BUT, if you're one of the lucky ones that have one of those kiddos that sleep great at home, the consultants at Let Mommy Sleep have some tips on how you can prepare your young children for traveling.

1. Practice at home! Many times babies are not used to sleeping in a travel bed or pack-n-play. Put baby in travel bed or pack-n-play for naptime at home in weeks leading up to the trip.
2. Keep sleep routine as close to home as possible to help baby feel safe and secure.  If weather permits, dress baby in pajamas/sleepsack/swaddle blanket that he/she is accustomed to.  If renting a full-sized travel crib from a hotel, bring bed sheets and breathable bumper from baby’s crib at home to recreate familiar sleepenvironment. Sing the same bedtime songs you sing at home and read favorite books.
3. Try to stay on baby’s time. If possible, try to keep naptimes and bedtimes as close to the same schedule as at home.  When traveling across time zones, gradually adjust baby’s bedtime. Some parents like to travel at night so baby can sleep and wake up in destination refreshed. This can lead to an exhausting first day of the trip. If you can “tag-team” with your partner by alternating napping and caring for baby during the first day, then traveling at night could be a possibility.
4. Once at the destination, do not rely on carseats for safe sleep. While it is tempting to let a sleeping baby spend the night in a carseat or stroller, carseats can sometimes cause breathing problems in babies. Follow the recommendations of the American Association of Pediatrics and the “Back to Sleep” campaign by creating a safe sleep environment and putting baby on back for sleeping.
5. Slow it down – You’re on Baby’s Time! Don’t expect to have a jam-packed site seeing schedule. All the new sights, sounds, and experiences are very stimulating and exciting for baby. Baby could get fussy if over stimulated and too exhausted.  Remember that sleep begets sleep. Keeping baby awake longer than his/her bodies need may work for one night or one nap, but fighting against baby’s natural rhythms leads to meltdown. While it is nice to have alone time with your partner, caring for a baby can be even more exhausting than usual when traveling. We like to remind parents to not stay up too late too!

Let Mommy Sleep is the country's leading Baby Nurse and Postpartum Care service based in Washington DC. Because of the company’s unparalleled dedication to customer service and the overwhelming need for qualified postpartum care, LMS continues to grow with franchise locations now in Philadelphia, Northern New Jersey, South Florida and Las Vegas with more on the way. Let Mommy Sleep is a simple service; licensed nurses and caregivers are paired with brand new parents to provide nurturing overnight care to newborns, and evidence based education to families.  This postpartum care is crucial to parents' health and well-being especially in these days where families are spread out and there is little to no social support. For more information, visit their website, letmommysleep.com.

Cecilia Grace turned one yesterday and what a year it has been. It has truly been a year of the highest highs as well as the lowest lows but I can't imagine this year without her. She has been such a blessing to our family and I have so enjoyed watching her grow as well as watching her and Kennedy become the best of friends. Each year I write the girls a birthday note to their own email addresses as well as encourage our family and friends to do the same. My hope is that one day when the girls read these letters it gives them a small snippet into what our lives were like when they were that age and that they appreciate all of the love and sentiment that we have for them.

In light of Cecilia turning one, I thought I would share my letter to her.

Dear Cecilia,
Happy first birthday to the beautiful little girl who has been the perfect addition to our family. Your big blue eyes and huge smile light up a room while your spunk and perseverance are unmatched.  My wish for you is to stay strong, wild and full of life. May all the stars in the sky be only a small sampling of the dreams in your heart.  You are loved beyond belief.  I’m so very lucky to be your mama. 
In one short year you have traveled across the country and across the world taking each trip in stride and being the perfect travel companion. You have been to four weddings and sadly, your grandfather’s funeral. You have learned to stand, to dance, to clap, to crawl and to fight back to your big sister :) You are strong, you are beautiful and you make me so proud. 
I love you. 
Mom