Longer evenings are on the way! Just when winter routines start to feel endless, Daylight Saving Time gives us a welcome nudge toward spring. On Sunday, March 8th, we’ll move our clocks forward one hour. Although losing sleep can sound challenging, the “spring forward” shift is usually easier for children than the November time change – and it may even bring a welcome bonus of slightly later morning wake-ups.
Before going to bed on Saturday evening, be sure to turn your clocks forward by an hour. If your child wakes at 6:00 am, she will most likely wake at 7:00 am according to the new time (which still feels like 6 am to her body). For those of you who have early risers, you can use this time change to your advantage to help your little one get on a later schedule. Her entire day will shift an hour later – naps, meals, and bedtime included. If your toddler uses an OK to Wake clock, be sure to adjust the settings so she doesn’t get up earlier than necessary!
If the later wake time works in your favor, then you do not need to do much to change your little one’s schedule. With the sun rising earlier in the morning, be sure to use…
- Room darkening or blackout shades to keep out any early morning sunlight that may creep through (black garbage bags taped to the windows work well, too).
- A sound machine on the white noise setting to help muffle outside noises such as barking dogs and early morning birds that may be waking your little one.
If your child needs some help to get back to her regular schedule, try these suggestions:
- On Saturday night, put your child down for the night at her regular time.
- On Sunday, wake your child at her usual wake time (6:00, 6:30, 7:00 am) according to the new time. To her it will feel an hour earlier – she will be tired, but she will quickly adjust.
- If your little one is still napping, nap her at her regular nap times according to the new time. If your baby is more sensitive to schedule changes, you can start the naps 30 minutes earlier than usual (according to the new time) and gradually, over the next several days, extend the beginning of the nap to the regular start time.
- On Sunday night, put her down at her regular bedtime (according to the new time).
- Continue following her regular schedule according to the new time (same wake times, naps, bedtime, and feedings).
If you are concerned that the time change will make things difficult for your sensitive sleeper, you can make gradual adjustments to her schedule by moving everything (sleep, meals, bath, etc.) 15 minutes earlier each day, starting 4 days before the time change. This way, when the clocks move forward by an hour, she will have already made that adjustment.
Be sure to expose your child to lots of natural light throughout the day and continue with all of your normal activities to help reset her internal clock to the new time.
Although it is light outside into the evening, avoid letting your little one’s bedtime drift later and be sure to put her to bed at the time she needs. An overtired child leads to difficulty falling asleep, more nighttime wakings, and early wakings in the morning. A well-rested child leads to a happier child and happier parents!
However you decide to handle the start of Daylight Saving Time, have a plan and be patient with yourself and your child. Remember, the transition does not last forever, although it may take up to a week for your little one to adjust.