Are You Ready for Daylight Savings?

Daylight Saving Time begins the second Sunday of March. 

Have you thought about how to approach for Daylight Saving Time with your child’s sleeping schedule? Usually it’s an easier transition than the time change in the fall.   Springing forward an hour can cause some sleep disturbances in younger children.

The good news is that springing forward may correct some sleeping issues as well! Just think – if your baby rises at 6 am or earlier, you may now be able to enjoy them waking up a bit later! 

 

Quick Sleep Tips for Daylight Saving Time:

• Be sure your child gets in some good naps so that they don’t become overtired when the time changes.
• Dim the lights for the last hour of the day.  Turn the blinds to make it just a bit darker too.
• Use darkening curtains to help keep it nice and dark in the morning.
• Get outside in the fresh air and sunshine first thing in the morning for at least 30 minutes.   This can help the body adjust to the time change and it helps improve sleep all around.
• Bedtime will feel earlier since it is an hour earlier.
• Allow more outside time than usual on the day of the time change to help wear your child out so they are more likely to be tired for naps and bedtime. Think about tiring them out with physical activity and being outdoors. With infants do some extra floor time. Toddlers can enjoy a long walk pushing or pulling their favorite toys.   Preschoolers can enjoy taking their stuffed animals for a wagon ride.   Going to the park to get physical activity to so that your child can climb, slide, push and pull can be an option.   Of course, these are great activities for children every day but just think of doing a little more the day of the time change to help them use their energy.

Who is affected by Daylight Saving time:

• 6 months and beyond: Your child is going to notice a difference like you and I would.  Making it dim around the house for a few days during the last hour of the day and then doing a gradual transition can help.   Usually, I find that it is more temperament-based on how our little one deals with change.  If you find your child more sensitive, then opt for a slower transition, but most infants and toddlers will do fine with a gradual change.   Again, it can really help with a child that is rising early.

 

• Babies that are 3-6 months of age: Your baby is growing and your little ones circadian rhythm is maturing.   You may find that you might have a predictable routine established with your baby.   You may have even discovered your baby’s unique schedule.   Making a slower transition can be helpful to allow your baby sometime to adjust.   You may decide to start a week earlier and allow your child a couple of days to help make the transition.  Making shifts in 10-20 minute increments can be helpful.  Review the chart to see what a 15-minute incremental change could look like in your home.

• Newborn- 3 months of age: Good news–  You don’t have to worry so much about the time change just yet because your baby’s circadian rhythms have not matured yet.   Sleep during the first four months of life is a little different and you can learn more in my Newborn Sleep Shaping Success groups.  You may decide that now could be a good time to beginning working towards a consistent bedtime and wake time with your little one.

The first approach:  Do nothing, keep bedtime the same.  

 

Put your child to sleep at the regular bedtime. Then, go ahead and move your clock one hour ahead.    Hopefully, your child’s body clock is already set so if they normally wake at 6 am in the morning, now it will be 7 am on the new time.   This can really work in your favor especially if you have an early riser.   Then on Sunday, continue your regular routine at the new time.

Download the Daylight Saving Guide for all the details

The second and third approach:

Make a slower or gradual transition or split the difference. 

This can be helpful if your child has a little more difficult time or is sensitive to transitions.   You can start this approach about a week before the official time change.    This will be helpful that you’re not throwing your child off by the entire hour. You’ll be gradually making the shift.   Be sure to adjust meal times too.

Download the FREE  Daylight Saving Guide for all the details.

 

One last thought:

Change your mind about Daylight Saving Time!

What we think and what we say can affect our parenting more than we know.   One thing I hear more than anything during this season is the blame because of the “dreaded time change.”   And while it is hard on the body there is evidence of that, it can be helpful to adjust our perspective and more importantly the words we speak.

Here are some words and thoughts on how you could reframe it and shift your mindset around daylight saving time:

• The good news is that I’ll be able to enjoy some extra sunshine.
• Thank goodness for blackout shades to help my little one sleep while there is light outside.
• In a week or two, this too shall pass.
• My child no longer wakes up before 6 am.

Hopefully, this gets you started thinking and saying things that are more encouraging and affirming.   Your perspective can change everything.

We want to help you prepare and plan for Daylight Saving Time  so that everyone in your family gets good sleep. Download the  helpful guide for FREE! 

 

 

Do you have sleep questions or concerns for your 6 year old or younger child? Feel free to set up a time on my calendar for us to talk. We can help you be the calm, confident and rested parent you want to be!    

Sweet dreams springing forward!