Traveling with toddlers is an adventure — but when it comes to bedtime, it can quickly feel like a challenge. New surroundings, unfamiliar sounds, and the excitement of the day can make winding down at night especially tricky.
At Oolie, we’re all about making sleep easier — even when you’re far from home. Whether you're staying in a hotel, at a relative’s house, or a cozy vacation rental, here are our favorite travel hacks to help your little ones (and you!) sleep better on the go.
Bring Your Own Bolster Pillow (and Fill It Yourself!)
One of our top travel essentials? Our organic bolster pillow covers. These are lightweight, easy to pack, and so versatile. Simply toss the empty cover in your suitcase and fill it when you arrive using what you have on-hand — rolled-up towels, extra clothes, or even dirty laundry.
This DIY hack gives you a soft, supportive, and familiar pillow that’s completely yours. Plus, it's organic, so you don’t have to worry about questionable hotel bedding materials coming into contact with your child’s sensitive skin.
Create a Cozy Sleep Space Anywhere
Sharing a hotel room or guest room with toddlers can be tough — especially when you’re trying to avoid the dreaded "bedtime bounce" that happens in new environments.
Using our bolster pillows along the edge of the bed can help prevent little ones from rolling off, while also creating a cozy “nest” that feels safe and comforting.
Start by laying the bolster pillow cover out flat.
Say Goodbye to Hotel Sheets
Let’s face it: Hotel bedding isn’t always the cleanest, greenest, or most skin-friendly. By using your own organic bolster covers (and even bringing one of our organic flat sheets) you can give your child a familiar touchpoint that smells and feels like home.
This simple swap can make a huge difference in helping your child settle in and drift off to sleep more easily.
Pack a Portable Sleep Toolkit
Besides our bolster pillow covers, consider packing a small “sleep toolkit” that includes:
- Your child’s favorite stuffed animal or comfort item
- A lightweight organic blanket or sleep sack
- A white noise machine or white noise app on your phone
- Blackout shades or a travel-friendly blackout curtain
A familiar bedtime setup can help minimize resistance and make your travel nights smoother.
Help Them Wind Down with Relaxation Techniques
Even the best bedding in the world can’t fully replace a good wind-down routine. When you're traveling, it’s easy to let bedtime slide — but sticking to calming rituals is key.
Final Tips for Sleeping Well on the Go
- Stick to your home bedtime schedule as closely as possible.
- Make the new sleep space feel familiar and safe.
- Avoid sugary snacks or stimulating activities right before bed.
- Keep the room as dark and quiet as possible.
Sleep Better, Anywhere
Traveling with toddlers doesn't have to mean sleepless nights. With a few smart hacks and a little preparation, you can create a cozy, secure, and organic sleep space wherever you go.
Ready to make your next trip easier? Check out our organic bolster pillow covers and explore our Sleep Course Relaxation Audio to keep bedtime smooth on the road.
Top photo by bady abbas on Unsplash
