So, after returning back to the U.S. on 1/9/2011, Mommy and Daddy have been dealing with my jetlag. After about 1 week, I think I am finally more or less back to my usual schedule. It has been pure torment for Mommy and Daddy because initially, I was waking up every hour from 8 PM until 2 AM and then I would not sleep beyond 2 AM. Then, I would wake up only once at midnight, but remain awake after 4 AM. For future reference, after a bit of trial and error, the tricks to getting over jetlag for a toddler are:
– Keep me excited and awake until as close to bedtime (local time) as possible.
– No napping even if I am tired as heck.
– Push bedtime (local time) forward by another hour each day until desired bedtime hour achieved.
– Must make sure my tummy is full prior to bedtime by eating a big dinner and and drinking at least 5-6 ounces of whole milk.
It was quite easy to adjust GOING to Taiwan because everything was exciting…seeing GongGong and PoPo, sitting in a new car, going to new places, and eating new things. Coming back was the harder because my nanny didn’t follow the rules stated above and she let me nap which then took much longer for me to adjust to local time.
Next time we make a trip to Taiwan, we’ll know better. Stay tuned for the photos of this awesome trip!