Springing Forward

We’re at that time of year again where the clocks change, but it happens to be, this time change is not “as bad” since the clocks are moving forward – which means the sun sets later. And even though we’re getting 1 less hour of sleep the night of the change, our little ones are technically “sleeping in” that day, so that’s another added bonus.

It’s hard for everyone to adjust to time changes, especially our kids, but with some planning, we can ensure that this will be a smooth change!

Helping Little One’s Adjust

Do Nothing

Your first option, no matter what age your baby is, is to DO NOTHING. Your baby used to be on a 7-7 schedule, and now it’s 8-8. Accept this new timing as your new schedule. I know some parents like to welcome this timing as the “summer schedule.”

And if, for some reason, your little one is waking too early in the morning, and you can’t seem to get it fixed, keeping everything exactly as is will push that wake-up 1 hour forward.

This “do nothing” approach also works for newborns who are not yet on a predictable schedule, and have variable bedtimes.

Gradual Approach

Once a baby is 4+ months old and on a predictable schedule, you can move bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night until you arrive at the old time. You may have to wake your little one 15 minutes earlier in the morning if they don’t wake on their own (this may pain you lol). Stick to the same wake windows if that’s what’s currently guiding your little ones naps. If on set nap times, simply move the naps 15 minutes earlier.

Assuming you start this on Sunday night, by Wednesday evening, you should be right back to your old timing!

Sudden Shift

Your third option is a more sped up approach that has you putting baby down to sleep 30 minutes earlier for 3 nights. And on the 4th night, you’ll make another 30 minute shift and be back to your usual timing. So if baby normally naps at 12:30 and has bedtime at 7, their new timing will be a nap at 1 pm and bedtime at 7:30. It may time some time for baby to fall asleep, but within a couple nights, everything will be back to normal. Pay attention to their morning wake time, as it should also begin to shift 30 minutes earlier.

Keep it Dark

Be mindful of how dark your little one’s sleep space is. This change brings along with it some sun in the early morning hours, and your child may start to wake early alongside it. Prevent this from happening by ensuring no light is peeking through!

Final Point

Finally, remember that any change is hard. It will take time to adjust. Stay the course though. Keep being consistent and don’t reintroduce any old props. Your little one will get through this in no time!