Traveling to London with children is exciting, but it can also bring a few bumps along the way, especially in the first few days. Here are 5 expert top tips from our babysitters and nannies, to help traveling children recover – from jet lag to boredom, unfamiliar hotel rooms and missing home comforts.

We spoke to four of our trusted nannies and babysitters – Carla, Laila, Rose-Helen and Lidia – to hear their real-world advice for helping children settle while on holiday. Whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or a family-friendly Airbnb, these 5 expert top tips from our babysitters and nannies help traveling children will give you peace of mind during your London stay.

💤 Jet Lag: The Most Common Hurdle

Jet lag is something nearly every traveling family encounters, particularly after long-haul flights across multiple time zones. Children may be wide awake in the middle of the night or sleepy when it’s time to explore.

Laila, an experienced nanny, reassures parents that jet lag is temporary and natural.

“Your body clock usually needs one day per time zone difference to adjust. If it’s a 4-hour difference, expect about four days to fully settle.”

Instead of forcing a strict routine, Lidia adapts to the child’s body clock while gently encouraging rest:

“If a child isn’t sleepy, I’ll put on some calming music and read books to help them wind down before the parents return.”

👉 Top Tip from Carla:

“A quick video call to mum or dad often helps a child feel reassured and ready to relax. It’s a simple way to bridge the gap when their routine is out of sync.

👉 Top Tip from Laila:

“Hydration is key! Keep offering drinks, and whenever possible, get children outside in natural daylight — it helps reset their body clock more quickly.”

🧸 Boredom: Keeping Children Entertained Indoors

Traveling often means downtime in a hotel room or rental, where familiar toys and activities aren’t at hand. This can quickly lead to boredom — especially if children are adjusting to jet lag and can’t go out.

Lidia comes well-prepared with pocket-sized games and activities:

“I always carry something like UNO cards or a small puzzle. If the hotel TV doesn’t have cartoons, I’ll connect my phone to it and stream something from Netflix or Disney+ — Paddington is always a favourite.”

Laila notes that many thoughtful parents plan exciting outings early on, such as a visit to Hamleys, the Disney Store, or London Zoo, to help children settle and get excited about their trip.

👉 Top Tip from Lidia:

“Bring one or two of your child’s favourite small toys in hand luggage, and ask your sitter if they can bring some games too — it makes a big difference when indoors.”

🛏️ Unfamiliar Beds and Sleep Disruptions

A luxury hotel bed or Airbnb cot can feel very strange to a young child used to their own bedroom. The lighting, smell, sounds, and even the texture of the bedding are all different — which can be unsettling, especially at bedtime.

Carla recalls caring for a five-month-old who struggled to settle in her travel cot.

“She cried for most of the evening and didn’t want to be put down. I didn’t disturb the parents — I just stayed up walking and cuddling her until she finally drifted off.”

This gentle, responsive care is typical of experienced babysitters who understand how much comfort can come from a calm presence and a caring touch.

👉 Top Tip from Carla:

“If your baby or toddler has never used a travel cot before, try a practice nap in it before your trip, or bring your own familiar blanket or sleeping toy to help with bedtime.”

🧡 Missing Familiar Comforts

Children are creatures of habit. Being away from home – especially without their usual toys, pets, or familiar scents – can feel overwhelming.

Rose-Helen, who has years of experience caring for international families, always starts by asking where the family has come from.

“Knowing what country they’re from helps me anticipate their needs. Some children may be affected by the climate change, others by the time zone or food. I adjust my approach based on that.”

She focuses on giving extra attention in those early hours, i.e., more cuddles, more hydration, more patience.

👉 Top Tip from Rose-Helen:

“Tell your babysitter or nanny about your child’s usual routine, favourite snacks, and comfort items. Even little details can help them feel more secure.”

🌟 A Gentle Welcome to London

Whether you’re in town for a weekend wedding, a two-week holiday or an extended business trip, having a knowledgeable nanny or babysitter who understands the ups and downs of travel can make all the difference.

Our team brings not just experience and professionalism, but warmth, intuition and flexibility, helping your children feel safe and seen, even in a brand-new city.

And that means you can enjoy London too, knowing your little ones are in excellent hands.