Spring is here! The days are getting longer, flowers are blooming, and it's finally time to enjoy those late evening BBQs. But with the arrival of spring, we also have to prepare for the clocks to "spring forward" as daylight savings begins. For many parents, this time change brings both relief and a little bit of anxiety, especially when it comes to their baby's sleep routine. The good news? This transition is usually easier than the fall time change, and if you've been dealing with early morning wake-ups, you might just find your little one sleeping in a bit later. Here's how to make the most of this seasonal shift.
What You Need to Know
On Sunday, September 29th, we'll be moving our clocks forward by an hour. This means that bedtime for your little one will be an hour earlier than usual, and yes, it will likely still be light outside. If you've been waking up to your baby's cries at 5:30 AM, you might just see that shift to a more manageable 6:30 AM. Hooray!
The best part? You don't need to do much in the days leading up to the change, except ensuring that your child's bedroom is dark enough to help them settle into sleep even with the extended daylight. If you want to ease into the transition, a gradual shift in schedule can be helpful.
Actions to Take: Helping Your Baby Adjust to Daylight Savings
Here are some steps you can take to help your baby smoothly transition into the new time and cope with the longer daylight:
Start Adjusting Gradually:
Monday/Tuesday: Shift all naps, feeds, and bedtime by 15 minutes earlier. For example, wake your child at 6:45 AM instead of 7:00 AM, and move bedtime to 6:45 PM.
Wednesday/Thursday: Adjust everything by another 15 minutes, so wake-up is at 6:30 AM and bedtime is at 6:30 PM.
Friday/Saturday: Move everything up by another 15 minutes. Now, wake-up is at 6:15 AM, and bedtime is at 6:15 PM.
Sunday: You’re all set! Your baby’s schedule should now align perfectly with the new time, with a 7:00 AM wake-up and a 7:00 PM bedtime.
Use Natural Light to Your Advantage:
Spend time outside in the morning and early afternoon to help regulate your child’s internal clock.
In the evening, dim the lights and close the curtains an hour before bedtime to create a calm environment and signal that sleep is approaching.
Create a Dark Sleep Environment:
As the days get longer, ensure your child’s room is as dark as possible during sleep times. Consider investing in blackout blinds or curtains to block out the light.
DIY options like tinfoil or construction paper can work in a pinch, but for a long-term solution, check out Easy Night blackout blinds or biodegradable blackout sheets from Sleepy Sundays. Use my discount code justlovesleep10Â for a special offer at Sleepytot.
Maintain a Consistent Bedtime Routine:
A predictable bedtime routine helps cue your child that it’s time to wind down for sleep. Try my free Toddler Bedtime Cards!
Include positive sleep associations like a sleeping bag, comforter, and white noise to create a soothing environment.
Start the bedtime routine with dim lighting to help your child’s body naturally adjust to a more sleepy state.
Stay Consistent and Patient
It’s normal for your little one to be a bit unsettled with the time change, but with patience and consistency, they will adjust. Remember to keep your sleep routine steady, and don’t be discouraged if it takes a few days for your child to get used to the new time.
If you find that you need extra help, I’m here to support you. Check out my sleep packages at Just Love Sleep – together, we can help your little one just love sleep!
Book a Phone Consult (with a week of personal text support) to get back to just loving sleep again...
👉 P.S. For help with early wakeups check out the Ultimate Guide to Early Wakeups and kiss goodbye to those pesky early mornings!
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