Reply To: Day time naps & travel

[Emma H]

Hi Camilla,

I’m really glad the videos and course have been helpful for you and your daughter.

I’m so happy to hear that she’s doing well and that the darkened naps have made such a positive difference. It sounds like you’re doing a fantastic job!

Now, to address your questions:

Managing Naps While Out & About:

If you’re out for the whole day, it could definitely affect her sleep and mood, both that day and at night. But if it’s just a short outing and she gets her usual naps before and after, the impact should be pretty minimal.

You might find it takes a bit more effort to settle her while you’re out, but if she’s tired, she’ll eventually drift off.

Another idea is, if you have a bassinet pram, you could take her regular swaddle or sleeping bag along. When it’s nap time, stick to your usual routine—get her swaddled or dressed in the sleeping bag, then lay her down in the pram bassinet to sleep. If you don’t have a bassinet pram, babywearing can be a great option when you’re out and about!

Purple Crying/Witching Hour:

Since the evening fussiness happens around the same time each day, it’s probably the Period of PURPLE Crying or the “witching hour.” It’s totally normal and usually peaks between 6-8 weeks, then slowly fades away by 3-4 months. The good news is it’s just a developmental phase, and it will pass, even with a well-rested and well-fed baby.

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent it, but soothing techniques like gentle rocking, white noise, or swaddling can help ease things. In the Period of PURPLE Crying video in the course, I go through some strategies that might help. It sounds like you might already be doing some of them, which is great!
But if you haven’t seen it yet it might be worth checking out.

Long-Haul Travel: I understand your concerns about the long flight and jet lag, especially when she’s 5 months old. Before I can provide advice though, are you comfortable letting me know what country you’re flying into first? This will let me work out the time difference and what you might be able to do.

Thanks

Emma