Restoring Your Family’s Sleep for the New Year
Can you believe 2025 is here already? The holiday season always seems to fly by in a blur of festive activities, family gatherings, and delicious treats. It’s such a special time of year, but let’s be honest—it’s not exactly a recipe for great sleep!
Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s time to settle back into a routine, set some fresh goals, and start the year feeling recharged. A good night’s sleep is at the heart of it all, and I’ve got some tips to help your entire family reset and feel rested for the adventures ahead.
Sleep Tips for Infants
Whether you’re figuring out newborn sleep or helping a 10-month-old, these gentle tweaks can set your baby up for better rest as you kick off the new year.
Refresh Your Baby’s Sleep Space
Let’s start with the basics: your baby’s sleep environment. This is the perfect time to take a closer look and make sure their space is as restful as it can be! Keep the room super dark—especially during naps. If the holidays left their sleep area a little cluttered, clear it out to create a calm and serene space.
With colder winter nights, it’s also a good idea to check the room’s temperature. While a cooler room is ideal, we want to make sure your baby isn’t waking up chilly. Dressing them in layers or a cozy sleep sack can help keep them snug and sleeping soundly.
Ease Back Into a Routine
The holidays are wonderful, but they can turn routines upside down. To help your baby settle back into restful sleep, start by bringing back their typical schedule. Focus on consistent wake times, naps, and bedtimes.
Pay close attention to their cues—if they seem extra tired or cranky, it might be a sign they need shorter wake windows or an earlier bedtime to recover from all the holiday excitement. If you’re unsure about what schedule works best, check out my wake windows blog for a helpful guide!
Sleep Tips for Toddlers (and Beyond)
Toddlers and older kids feel the effects of holiday overstimulation, too. Here’s how to help them get back to their regular sleep groove:
Ease Into an Earlier Bedtime
If the holidays meant late nights and busy days, your toddler might be running on fumes. Gradually move their bedtime earlier to help them catch up on rest and feel more like themselves. A well-rested toddler is a happier toddler (and let’s be honest, it makes life easier for you, too!).
Reintroduce Your Bedtime Routine with a Fun Chart
If your usual bedtime routine took a holiday break, now’s the time to bring it back! Create a simple visual chart to remind your child of the steps—like brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, reading a story, or enjoying a cuddle. A routine they can follow helps bedtime feel familiar and comforting again.
Sleep Tips for Adults
Let’s not forget about you. Parents need good sleep, too! When you’re well-rested, you’re better equipped to tackle everything the new year brings.
Find Your Sleep Rhythm Again
If late nights or holiday gatherings threw off your schedule, don’t worry—it happens to all of us. Start by choosing a consistent bedtime and wake-up time that feels realistic, and give your body a few days to adjust. You’ll feel so much better once your rhythm is back on track!
Unplug Before Bed
Did the holiday hustle leave you glued to your phone or streaming late into the night? Try winding down with at least 30 minutes of tech-free time before bed. Swap screens for a good book, a relaxing bath, or a quick mindfulness exercise to help you ease into sleep more naturally.
This new year is all about fresh starts, and refreshing your family’s sleep habits is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success. Whether you’re reclaiming routines, creating a cozy sleep environment, or prioritizing your own rest, every small step makes a big difference.
Wishing you restful nights, happy mornings, and a wonderful 2025! If you have questions or need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to help your family sleep better
