Daylight Savings Time is just around the corner, and for many parents, that means losing an hour of precious sleep. While it can be tough for adults to adjust, the time change can be even more challenging for little ones. Whether your child is an infant, toddler, or preschooler, making the switch smoothly can set the stage for better sleep during the transition and beyond.
But don’t worry—there are simple, effective strategies you can use to help your child adjust to the time change while maintaining healthy sleep habits. Let’s dive into how you can help your little one spring ahead with ease!
Here are 7 tips to help your child (and you!) spring ahead with ease:
1. Wait Until the Time Change to Adjust
Instead of making changes ahead of time, keep your child’s schedule as usual until the time change actually happens. On Sunday morning, wake up at your normal time, then adjust the clocks from there. This approach allows your child’s body to naturally adjust without unnecessary disruptions leading up to the shift.
2. Expose Your Child to Morning Sunlight
Morning sunlight is a key player in regulating sleep cycles. Expose your child to natural light early in the day—whether that means a stroll outside or just opening the curtains to let the light in. This helps their body adjust to the new schedule and helps them feel alert during the day.
3. Stick to Your Calming Bedtime Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to sleep training. Keep your pre-bedtime routine calming and predictable. Whether it’s a bath, reading, or snuggling, these familiar rituals will help signal to your child that bedtime is near—even with the time change.
4. Avoid Overstimulating Activities Before Bed
As bedtime approaches, keep things calm and quiet to avoid overstimulating your child. Avoid screen time and active play in the hour or two before bed, as this can make it harder for them to wind down and adjust to the new schedule.
5. Be Patient—It Can Take a Few Days to Adjust
Even with the best preparations, it’s totally normal for your child to need a few days to fully adjust. Stay calm and patient, sticking with your routine, and know that it might take some time for their sleep patterns to realign.
6. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Make sure your child’s sleep environment is optimized for restful sleep. Keep the room dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using blackout curtains to block out the longer daylight hours, and a white noise machine to mask any distracting sounds. A comfortable sleep space can make all the difference during transitions.
7. Give Yourself Grace, Too!
Adjusting to the time change is challenging for parents, too. Give yourself grace during this time and remember that it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly. Stay consistent with your approach and know that better sleep is on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
Springing ahead doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for your little one. By gradually adjusting their schedule, maintaining a calm routine and creating the right sleep environment, you can help them adjust smoothly to Daylight Saving Time. With a little patience, your child will be back to their usual sleep routine before you know it!
If you’re finding that Daylight Savings Time is throwing off your child’s sleep, we’re here to help! At Rocky Mountain Sleeping Baby, we specialize in gentle, personalized sleep solutions that are designed to work with your child’s unique needs. Whether it’s adjusting to the time change or tackling other sleep challenges, our goal is to help your family get the restful nights you all deserve.
Contact us today to get started on a sleep plan that’s tailored just for you!
