on October 01, 2025
Nothing tests a parent’s patience like a toddler who thinks 3 a.m. is breakfast time. The travel experts at Four Flights Travel have been schlepping kids across the Atlantic since their first was 10 weeks old, and they swear by a few simple rules. First, get everyone outside as soon as possible after arrival—natural sunlight resets circadian rhythms and fresh air burns off pent‑up energy. Let the kids kick off their shoes and touch grass (literally); grounding helps them register that they’re in a new place.
Next, eat on the local schedule even if nobody is hungry. Structured meals help internal clocks adjust faster and prevent random midnight snacking that confuses bodies.
Limit naps to under 45 minutes—exhausted children might beg for longer, but marathon daytime sleeps only prolong jet lag. Likewise, resist the temptation to put them to bed at 4 p.m.; keeping kids awake until at least 7 p.m. local time means they’re more likely to sleep through the night. Wake them at a normal morning hour (8 a.m. at the latest), even if the night was rough. Fuel their bodies with real meals—fruit, vegetables, protein and whole grains—and keep everyone hydrated. Dehydration exacerbates jet lag, so pack refillable water bottles and encourage sipping throughout the day.
Finally, keep your itinerary light for the first 48 hours. A park visit or short walk is perfect; avoid all‑day museum marathons. Prepare a “jet‑lag kit” with quiet nighttime activities—coloring books, stories, a downloaded movie—and agree in advance which adult is on night duty. With these strategies, your family can cross oceans without losing sleep—or your sense of humor.
