When babies struggle to sleep away from home, it can leave parents feeling exhausted, uncertain, and worried they’re doing something wrong. To share reassurance shaped by real, hands-on experience, we spoke with Melanie Hastings, (@sleepnannymelaniehastings) a Norland-trained nanny and certified sleep consultant with over 18 years of experience supporting families worldwide.
Having worked closely with babies through travel, house moves, and unfamiliar sleep environments, Melanie offers practical, experience-led guidance to help parents understand why sleep can feel harder away from home, and how to support their baby gently and confidently through those changes. You can learn more about her background and services on her website here.
What makes new environments challenging for a baby’s sleep, and how can parents help them feel settled when they’re away from home?
"From a baby’s point of view, a new environment can feel very big and unfamiliar. Everything they rely on to feel safe smells different, sounds different and looks different. After 18 years as a Norland nanny and baby sleep consultant, I see this all the time when families travel or stay with relatives.
Babies aren’t being “difficult” their nervous system is simply working harder. The most helpful thing parents can do is keep their response calm and familiar. When the routine, the tone, and the way you support your baby stays the same, it helps them feel safe enough to let go and sleep, even somewhere new."
Which routines or cues do you find most helpful for keeping sleep consistent when travelling or sleeping somewhere new?
"I always say it’s the order and feel of the routine that matters, not the location. A simple, familiar sequence bath, pyjamas, milk, story, cuddle, then bed gives a baby very clear signals that sleep is coming. Repeating the same words, the same bedtime phrase, and the same wind-down steps helps anchor them. Babies don’t need rigid rules; they need reassurance through repetition."
How can parents maintain good sleep habits during transitions like holidays, house moves, or visits with family?
"During big transitions, I encourage parents to protect their sleep foundations rather than aiming for perfection. Keep the bedtime routine, keep wake windows roughly age-appropriate, and respond to night waking in the same way you would at home. It’s completely normal for babies to need a bit more comfort during change. That doesn’t undo good sleep habits it supports them. Once things settle, you gently return to your usual rhythm."
What comfort items or sleep essentials should families bring to help recreate a familiar bedtime setup in a new place?
"I focus less on bringing lots and more on bringing what your baby recognises. Familiar sleepwear, the same bedtime book, the same lullaby or white noise, and your usual bedtime words can all make a big difference. These cues tell your baby, “This is still sleep, even though we’re somewhere different.” It’s about recreating the feeling of bedtime, not copying the room."
What gentle strategies do you recommend for soothing a baby who becomes unsettled or overtired in an unfamiliar environment?
"My approach is always to slow everything down. Reduce stimulation, lower lights, and prioritise calm connection. Extra cuddles, holding your baby a little longer before bed, or offering reassurance through your voice and touch can help their nervous system settle. Needing more support during change isn’t a regression it’s a baby asking for reassurance, and responding to that builds trust."
After 18 years in childcare as a baby sleep consultant, what key reassurance would you give parents worried about disruptions to their baby’s sleep?
"This is the reassurance I give every family I work with: sleep is not fragile. A holiday, a house move, or a few unsettled nights will not undo everything you’ve worked so hard to build. Babies are adaptable when they are supported calmly and consistently. You haven’t broken anything, and your baby hasn’t forgotten how to sleep they just need a little help finding their rhythm again."
A Gentle Reminder: Baby Sleep Is Not Fragile
Sleeping away from home can feel challenging for both babies and parents, but unsettled nights during change are a normal part of early life. Drawing on over 18 years of hands-on experience, Norland-trained nanny and certified baby sleep consultant Melanie Hastings reminds parents that babies aren’t being difficult, their nervous systems are simply adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings.
By keeping responses calm, protecting familiar routines, and leaning on recognised sleep cues, families can help their baby feel safe enough to settle, even in new environments. As Melanie reassures, sleep is not fragile. With consistent support and gentle reassurance, babies adapt, and parents can approach nights away from home with confidence rather than worry. Browse our full range of travel cots below.
