HOLIDAY WITH 13 wo?

[chasmore]

We want to go away to the in-laws' flat in Switzerland with our 13 week old.

Current routine (give or take)

7 wake and feed
7.45 activity
8.15/8.30 sleep
10 repeat cycle
1 repeat cycle
4 feed
4.45 activity
5.30 nap
6 feed
6.45 bath and bed routine
7.30 sleep
11 dream feed
4 wake for food

The holiday would involve driving over 2 days whilst maintaining these timings, with sleep taking place in the car (total driving time 11 hours.

What is the danger of ruining the existing routine and having to start from scratch when we get back?  Any ideas?

[Tweakster]

Hi there, it's hard to say what will happen on holiday, it's one of those things you have to take as it comes.  Does she sleep well in the car?  Where will she be sleeping when you arrive and how long will you be there?  They are growing so quick at this age that when you get back she likely wouldn't be on same routine anyway, she would probably be at a point where she is doing some kind of transition, either more A time or into a growth spurt. 

[kitcat]

I'm heading out with my 13 week old for a couple of days this week (5h drive each way). She is transitioning from 3h to 4h EASY and things are getting back on track so I am hoping the couple days away won't be to harmful. I can keep you posted later this week if you like.

Catherine

[Jenn+Ethan+Emily]

I went on a big trip with my LO when he was 12 weeks old. We were on EASY before which was working really well. The trip consisted for two days of driving the full days. The whole routine was thrown out the window as DS napped for the WHOLE day. Then to my suprise, he slept through the night for the first time. He slept through the night consistently while we were gone and then when we got home, we put him back to the routine as quickly as possible. His sleeping went down hill because *I think* of him being used to falling asleep in the car. Anyways, it took us a while to get back on track but it is hard to tell if that was developmental or from the trip. Either way, if you are going to travel, I would highly recommend doing it while your LO is that small!

[kitcat]

Well we only had 5 hours worth of driving but we are back now and after a couple days we are getting back on track. Based on my experience I would say you may need to reinvest another 3 days to get your lo back on track.