1. Key Findings
- 89% of parents have changed their travel habits since having a baby.
- 31% of parents have skipped a vacation because their baby slept poorly.
- Over 60% of parents with a baby or toddler prefer a vacation apartment.
- 62% of parents have experienced noticeably worse sleep for their baby on at least one vacation.
- 80% report normal or even improved sleep behavior after returning from vacation.
- 6% of parents have cut a vacation short because of their baby's sleep.
Skipping Vacations Because of Baby’s Sleep
Nearly one third of parents have skipped a vacation entirely because of their baby’s sleep. Parents are genuinely concerned about how a new environment might disrupt their baby’s sleep routine — and what that would mean for the whole family.
Have you ever skipped a vacation because your baby slept so poorly?
- → Parents have great respect for changed sleep environments and their potential impact on their baby’s sleep.
- → Parents prioritize their baby’s wellbeing and sleep routines highly.
- → The fear: if their baby doesn’t sleep, they don’t either — making it hard to enjoy the vacation at all.
Baby Sleep Influences Whether Families Even Take a Vacation
Almost half of parents factor their baby’s sleep into the decision of whether to travel at all. Good sleep is central to the whole family’s wellbeing — and a disrupted sleep routine can make even an expensive vacation feel not worth it.
Does your baby’s sleep influence whether you go on vacation at all?
Most Families Experience Worse Sleep on Vacation
Over 60% of parents have experienced at least one vacation where their baby’s sleep was noticeably worse than at home. Changes to the environment and routine are the most common culprits.
Have you ever been on a vacation where your baby slept noticeably worse than at home?
The good news: as the next questions show, the vast majority of families recover quickly after returning home — and some even see an improvement.
A Small but Notable Number Cut Their Vacation Short
While only 6% of parents have cut a vacation short due to their baby’s sleep, this number is still striking. For these families, the impact of sleep disruption was severe enough to outweigh everything else.
Have you ever cut a vacation short because your baby slept so poorly?
After the Vacation: Most Sleep Returns to Normal — or Gets Better
The majority of parents see no change in sleep behavior after returning from vacation. But notably, about 1 in 4 families reports an improvement after the trip.
How did your baby’s sleep change after your last vacation compared to before?
“A common misconception is that vacations with a baby will always be exhausting or worsen their sleep. With the right preparation, a well-chosen destination, and realistic expectations, young families can also have a genuinely relaxing time. And sometimes, sleep is actually better after the vacation than it was before!”
How Long Does Recovery Take After Vacation?
For the 17% of parents whose baby’s sleep was temporarily worse after a vacation: the majority recovered within a week. However, over 40% needed significantly longer.
How long did it take for your baby to return to their normal sleep pattern after the vacation?
Having a Baby Changes Almost Everything About How You Travel
An overwhelming 89% of parents have changed their travel habits to meet their baby’s needs. Destinations, timing, accommodation and travel pace all get reconsidered.
Have your travel habits changed since having a baby?
Vacation Apartments Are the Clear Favorite
Over 60% of parents prefer a vacation apartment when traveling with a baby. The extra space, flexibility and the ability to maintain familiar sleep routines make them the obvious choice.
What type of accommodation do you prefer for a vacation with your baby?
Practical Tips for a Restful Vacation with Your Baby
Keep the routine
Try to maintain your baby’s sleep habits as consistently as possible. Familiar routines help regulate the sleep rhythm.
Choose your accommodation wisely
Vacation apartments offer more flexibility and space — ideal for families with babies who need a separate sleep environment.
Plan travel around sleep
Choose travel times that don’t interfere with nap times. Night flights or drives during sleep windows can ease the transition.
Bring familiar sleep aids
A beloved stuffed animal, a familiar sleep sack, or even a small white-noise machine can make an unfamiliar place feel safer.
Allow adjustment time
Babies often need a day or two to settle into a new environment. Keep familiar rituals and be patient.
Prioritize safe sleep
Always check that your accommodation has a safe travel cot, or bring your own. Never compromise on sleep safety.
Build in rest days
Alternate activity-filled days with quieter ones. Overtired babies sleep even worse — so plan for downtime.
Protect the first nap
Especially for babies under ten months: a good morning nap at the accommodation sets up the rest of the day for success.
Conclusions
The survey clearly shows that a baby’s sleep doesn’t just affect whether a family goes on vacation — it shapes the entire quality of the experience. But the data also offers reassurance: most families recover quickly, and for many, the vacation actually helps.
“Vacations can be a stressful time for parents and babies. But with good planning, flexibility and keeping as much routine as possible, they absolutely don’t have to be. The data proves it: most families come home just fine.”
About the survey
The survey was conducted in May 2024 online on the Land of Little Dreamers (Babyschlummerland) website with 450 parents. Participants had at least one baby or toddler between 6 months and 2.5 years of age. The term “baby” is used throughout to refer to children in this age range.
Journalists are welcome to cite the statistics and quotes from this survey. Please link to Land of Little Dreamers when using this data. Published by Sarah Mann, certified gentle sleep consultant.