Daylight Savings! *Spring Edition*
Updated: Mar 9
DLS: Aren't you excited?!?
Each year, twice a year, there's a super awkward weekend that we as parents have to deal with.
Pre-kid Melody, really enjoyed the fall version of this weekend.
The post-kid Melody doesn't like either of them.
So here we are, dealing with this *little* thing and I'm here to help you out!
You've got this great routine going with your baby and they have a 7 pm bedtime and they sleep till 7 am (and if they don't, we should talk, because yes, it's possible, get in touch at the bottom of this page if you need help in that department! ) and now the time is going to change and things get kind of weird.
Keep reading for some tips on how to adjust with the 'Spring Forward' time change coming to a home near you!
1) But First, Coffee.
Let the time chance happen overnight and worry about changing things Sunday morning.
I like this approach as I find it more manageable once the change has happened, versus trying to plan for it ahead of time.
Wake up when you wake up (or when your baby wakes up) and start there.
Psychologically speaking, it's less stressful for you!
3) What the nap?!
Split the difference.
That's all you have to remember. The time change is an hour, so we're going to make adjustments by 30 minutes.
Here's an example:
Current schedule vs. New schedule
Wake up: 7 am 8 am
Nap at 9:30 and 2 pm 10 & 2:30 pm
Bedtime: See below
By adjusting the schedule by 30 minutes for a few days, you'll then be able to go back to normal times!
2) Hello, bedtime!
If you have a baby that has a predictable bedtime (usually over 6 months old), then you would move their bedtime earlier by 15 minutes earlier each night until you reach their normal bedtime.
Example:
Sunday night, you would put them down at 7:45 pm.
Monday night, you would put them down at 7:30 pm.
Tuesday night, 7:15 pm.
Wednesday night, 7:00 pm.
If your baby is younger than 6 months and most likely has a fluctuating bedtime, then I want you to focus on their awake times, vs. the actual time on the clock.
3) Toddlers!
If your child takes one nap, then you'd apply the 'split the difference' strategy.
The thing with this time change, is we are putting them to bed 30 minutes earlier.
Pro-tip: Get outside! All that fresh air will tire them out and get them ready for sleep!
4) Older children
On Sunday, if they normally go to bed at 7:00 pm, put them to bed at 7:30 pm for 3 nights, then on the 4th night, put them to bed at 7:00 pm.
It may take your child longer to fall asleep as with this time change, they won't be as tired. It usually takes about a week for our bodies to adjust to a new time and for some children, it takes a couple of weeks! Be consistent and be patient!
Take care of yourself as well & make sure you get enough sleep as sleep debt is real!
Good luck & solidarity!
Melody Patton
