How to Keep a Consistent Sleep Routine During Summer Chaos

Tips for managing late sunsets, travel, and unpredictable schedules

Summer brings so many beautiful things: long evenings, backyard playdates, popsicles on the porch, and family vacations. But if you’re a parent, it can also bring sleep disruption in a big way. Between the later sunsets, ever-changing plans, and all the fun that spills into bedtime, it’s easy for routines to go off track.

And I get it. As a mom of two, I want my kids to soak up the magic of summer too. But I also know how hard it is when that late-night magic turns into overtired meltdowns, middle-of-the-night wakeups, and early morning risers. The good news is that you can enjoy summer without sacrificing your child’s sleep.

Here’s how to keep a consistent sleep routine even when summer gets chaotic.

1. Stick to a Consistent Bedtime (Even If It’s Not Perfect)

It’s tempting to slide bedtime later during the summer, especially when it’s still bright out at 8:30 p.m. But our kids’ internal clocks don’t adjust just because the sun is up. Sticking to a consistent bedtime helps maintain their circadian rhythm and reduces the chances of bedtime battles and night wakings.

That said, don’t aim for perfection. Life happens. If bedtime shifts a bit later for a special event or you’re traveling in a different time zone, that’s okay. Just return to your usual rhythm as soon as you can.

Tip: Try to keep bedtime and wake-up time within 30 minutes of their normal window, even on weekends.

2. Use Blackout Curtains Like a Boss

Our bodies are wired to sleep in darkness, and kids are no exception. If the sun is still streaming in during your child’s bedtime routine, their brain might not be getting the melatonin boost it needs to wind down.

Investing in blackout curtains can make a huge difference. They create a dark, cozy environment that signals to your child that it’s time to sleep. This is especially helpful for early risers and during travel when light pollution in hotel rooms can be disruptive.

Bonus tip: If you’re staying somewhere unfamiliar, bring travel blackout covers or use painter’s tape and black trash bags in a pinch. I’ve done it, and it works.

3. Make the Bedtime Routine Your Anchor

When everything else feels unpredictable, a consistent bedtime routine is your secret weapon. Whether you’re home or away, doing your familiar steps—bath, pajamas, storytime, snuggles—can help your child feel safe and ready for sleep.

Routines don’t have to be long or complicated. Even a 10–15 minute sequence of calming, predictable activities makes a big difference. If you’re staying with family or in a hotel, just do your best to keep things as close to your home routine as possible.

4. Plan Around Naps (When You Can)

I know how hard this can be. Summer is full of splash pads, zoo trips, playdates, and outings that don’t always align with nap schedules. And while it’s totally okay to have the occasional on-the-go nap, consistently missing naps can lead to cranky, overtired kids. That usually means rough nights.

Try to protect naps at least 4 or 5 days a week. On days when naps happen in the car or are skipped altogether, consider an earlier bedtime to help your child catch up on rest.

Real life: On long car rides, I’ve planned a midday drive just to make sure my toddler got a solid nap in the car. It wasn’t ideal, but it worked and made bedtime so much smoother.

5. Create a Portable Sleep Space for Travel

If you’re traveling this summer, you can still prioritize good sleep. The trick is to make your child’s sleep space feel familiar and safe. Here’s what I recommend packing:

• A portable sound machine

• Their usual sleep sack or blanket

• Favorite lovey or stuffed animal (if age-appropriate)

• Travel blackout curtains or cover

• Portable crib or toddler travel cot

The more you can recreate the environment they’re used to, the easier it will be for them to fall asleep and stay asleep in new places.

6. Balance the Schedule with Recovery Days

If you’ve had a late night, like watching fireworks or attending a backyard party, give your child space to recover the next day. That might mean a slower morning, a bonus nap, or an early bedtime.

Sleep is a bit like a bank account. If you’ve made some withdrawals, you can make deposits too. Kids are more resilient than we often give them credit for. One or two late nights won’t ruin their sleep forever, especially if you help them bounce back with some intentional rest.

7. Set Expectations with Older Kids

If you have a toddler or preschooler, talk to them about changes ahead of time. Let them know when bedtime might be later and remind them what will happen the next day.

For example: “We’re staying up to watch the fireworks, so tomorrow we’ll rest after lunch to help our bodies catch up on sleep.” Kids like predictability even when they’re doing something exciting. Giving them a heads-up can reduce resistance and increase cooperation.

8. Watch for Signs of Overtiredness

Overtired kids often seem more energetic—running wild, giggling uncontrollably, bouncing off furniture. But this second wind is actually a sign they’re past their ideal sleep window. The longer they stay up, the harder it can be to fall asleep, and the more disrupted their night may be.

Common overtired signs:

• Hyperactivity

• Clinginess or crankiness

• Rubbing eyes or ears

• Zoning out or staring

If you’re seeing these signs before bed, it might be time to start the wind-down process a little earlier.

9. Give Yourself (and Your Kids) Grace

Summer isn’t meant to be rigid. It’s okay if your sleep routine isn’t perfect every night. The key is consistency over time, not perfection every single day.

You don’t have to skip the evening cookout or say no to every fun invitation. Just be mindful of your child’s limits, keep your routines in place as much as possible, and give yourself permission to make adjustments as you go.

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to mean sleep chaos. With a little planning, some blackout curtains, and a flexible mindset, you can protect your child’s sleep without missing out on the joy of the season.

You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.