Daylight Savings: 6 Essential Tips for Easing Your Baby into a New Sleep Schedule

Let’s chat about that time of year that often feels like it’s out to test our patience – Daylight Savings Time. It’s like the universe decided to throw us another curveball, just as we were getting used to our little one’s sleep schedule, right? But hold the phone, because I’ve got some lovely news that might just have you seeing this “spring forward” in a whole new light.

You know how those early morning wake-up calls from your baby or toddler sometimes feel way too early? Well, here comes Daylight Savings like a secret superhero, ready to nudge that clock an hour forward. Yes, you heard that right! If your little bundle of joy has been greeting the day at 5:30 AM, prepare to celebrate because that’s about to magically transform into a more palatable 6:30 AM wake-up time.

It’s moments like these that remind us to look for the silver linings, even in the sleep-deprived chaos of parenting. This little time tweak is just another part of the journey, and we’re here navigating it together with lots of love (and coffee).

How to prepare your baby or toddler for Daylight Savings

Plan #1: Just “spring forward”

Alright, mama, here’s a little whisper of a plan we like to call the “Just Roll With It” strategy. 🌼

Sometimes the best action is, well, a beautiful kind of inaction. Imagine this: Daylight Savings swoops in, and we pretend it’s just a regular day in the life of us mamas and our little ones. While the world outside twirls an hour ahead, we keep our rhythm inside just the same. There’s something wonderfully rebellious and yet so harmoniously easy about it, don’t you think?

Here’s how this gentle rebellion works: When the clock springs forward, you don’t skip a beat. Your darling wakes up at their usual time, which—ta-da!—is now an hour later by the new clock. Was your little early bird chirping at 6:00 AM? With this ‘new’ time, it’s now a sweeter-sounding 7:00 AM. And that means bedtime shifts too, from 7:00 PM to a cozy 8:00 PM snuggle session.

You see? No fuss, no muss. You’re hugging that same loving schedule just by standing still, and before you know it, your entire household has sauntered into the new time zone without missing a beat. All you’ve done is give yourself and your cutie pie an extra hour to dream.

While it sounds dreamy in theory, for some of us, it’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – it just doesn’t quite click with the rhythm of our lives. Maybe you’ve got a tight schedule that can’t be nudged, or perhaps those mornings are already a well-choreographed ballet to get everyone out the door on time.

And then there’s the bedtime ballet. Ah, the tender dance of the evening routine. If your little night owl already flutters to sleep at 8 PM or whispers goodnight to the stars a bit later, nudging that bedtime to an hour later by doing nothing might mean we’re entering the territory of the overtired little munchkin. And, oh, how they can surprise us with a burst of energy just when we think it’s time to rest! That “second wind” might swoop in, and suddenly we’re navigating a sea of night wakings or the early bird songs at the crack of dawn.

This is where we gently close the door on Plan #1, tuck it in, and say, “Sweet dreams, maybe next time.” Because now, it’s time for Plan #2—crafted with just as much love and attention to fit into your world a bit better.

Plan #2: Adjust gradually

This one is all about little steps—just 10 minutes at a time. Think of it like a calm river, slowly shaping the stone by little persistent drops. And we all know how mighty that river is, right?

So let’s map this out together: In the week leading up to the time change, we’re going to gently nudge your baby’s entire schedule 10 minutes earlier each day. Yes, you read that right, we’re going to get a jump on Daylight Saving by doing small daily adjustments.

Here comes the tough part, and trust me, I know this might tug at your heartstrings a little. You’re going to wake your baby 10 minutes earlier than usual each morning. It’s like stealing tiny sips of morning light while the world is still stretching out from its sleep. And you’ll aim to tuck your little one into bed 10 happily tiring minutes earlier each night too.

And put on your celebration hat, because by Sunday—boom!—you’ll have your tried-and-true schedule back intact, fitting into the new time zone as perfectly as your little one fits into your loving arms. It’s like tenderly sanding the rough edges of time change until they’re smooth. By the time the clock springs forward, you and your darling will be comfortably in step with the new rhythm.

If you are following wake windows, maintain them throughout the day, just like you normally do, but base them off your earlier wake time. Ensure bedtime is ten minutes earlier.

If you have set nap times, you’ll simply shift each nap 10 minutes earlier each day.

Plan #3: Adjust over the weekend

On that first Sunday morning, when the clock has leapfrogged forward or hopped back an hour, don an imaginary tiara because you’re set to play Fairy Godmother to your baby or toddler. Wave your wand made of love and a sprinkle of routine, and wake them at their “normal” wake-up time (Yes! You heard it right!).

Say their usual sun peeking through the curtains moment is at 6:45 am, then darling, let’s keep it that way. It might take a mini heroic feat from you as it’s going to feel like 5:45 am, but hey, who’s stronger than a superhero mom like you?

And then, as the day unfurls like a storybook page, keep following those wake windows throughout the day, just like you normally do. It’s about keeping that comforting rhythm, the soothing sameness that your little one loves.

Will your little cutie pie be feeling a tad more snoozy on that big day of the time change? It’s pretty likely. But here’s the silver lining—this little hiccup in their energy levels is actually steering their adorable selves back towards those familiar nap and bedtime routines we cherish. It’s like a tiny reset button that helps their internal clocks tick tock back to “normal.”

Tips for how to help your baby or toddler adjust to spring forward

Light

The magic tool for shaping your little one’s sleep schedule is… drum roll please… light! Light exposure is really our best friend in this journey.

Remember those beautiful sunny mornings you used to love pre-baby? Well, it’s time to bring those back! Bundle up your little bundle of joy and step outside into the natural daylight during their awake hours. It’ll do wonders for adjusting their tiny internal clocks.

But wait, there’s more! You can also harness the power of light (or the lack of it) to signal bedtime. About an hour before it’s time for sweet dreams, start creating a cozy, nighttime ambiance. This means pulling those curtains tight, dimming the lights, and turning off any noisy screens. The goal here is to make your home a tranquil, sleep-inviting oasis.

Thinking about getting some blackout curtains for your nursery? Now could be the perfect time. But don’t stress if you’re not ready to add blackout curtains to your home just yet. Anything darkness-promoting, like tucking dark sheets or even black construction paper on the windows, can do the trick too.

Just remember, whatever you use to keep the light out should always be out of reach from your curious little adventurer. We want to ensure their safety as well as their sweet slumbers.

Routine

Having a consistent, cozy routine signals to your baby or toddler that it’s soon time for dreamland. Let’s paint a little picture of a sweet and simple bedtime routine, shall we?

You might begin by dimming the lights — setting the scene for a peaceful night. Next, a little feeding (because who can sleep on an empty tummy, right?). Then, it’s time to swaddle them up, tuck them into a comfy sleep sack, or simply snuggle in bed. Maybe round it off with a bedtime story? Your voice can be the most soothing lullaby for them.

Remember, this calm, predictable routine can gently prepare their little bodies for sleep, far better than any clock could. Sticking to your bedtime ritual is like a gentle whisper to their senses, saying, “Hey, sleep’s coming soon.”

What’s that you say? You don’t have a nightly routine yet? There’s no time like the present to start creating your unique, loving, bedtime tradition! Read my post on creating a creating a powerful bedtime routine!

Patience

Be patient as your family adapts to the clock change. Give your little one some understanding, and don’t forget to extend the same kindness to yourself.

If you have a baby, try to be flexible and observe their natural sleep cues. It’s okay if they need a short nap in the late afternoon while their routine adjusts. Adjust bedtime as needed; remember, they’re individuals, not just governed by the clock. They’ll adapt in time.

For toddlers, expect a transition period with Daylight Savings. Stick to their usual sleep routine and implement strategies to help them adjust smoothly. Consider using an OK-to-Wake clock as a helpful tool to signal when it’s time for bed.

Adjusting your baby to daylight savings time is a task that requires patience and flexibility. By understanding the science of sleep, preparing in advance, and employing strategies to ease the transition, you can help your baby—and your family—navigate this seasonal change with minimal disruption.