Daylight saving tip: how to prepare your child for the time change
Daylight saving time starts again this coming weekend. This means the clocks will go forward by one hour. For adults, that usually just takes a little getting used to, but for babies and toddlers, a change in time can have a bit more impact on their sleep routine. So how can you best prepare your little one? Read on.
Body clock
The clocks go forward by one hour and, for many adults, that makes the morning suddenly feel earlier. It works the same way for babies and toddlers. Their body clock does not understand that the clock time has changed.
Does your child usually wake up at 07:00? After the switch to daylight saving time, it may feel as though they are suddenly waking up at 08:00 instead. That may sound quite nice, but naps, mealtimes and bedtime can shift as well. Some children are barely affected, while others may become a little more unsettled.
Preparing in advance
You can prepare your child for daylight saving time, although this does not work in exactly the same way for every child. It is mainly a matter of seeing what suits your little one best.
A helpful approach is to bring the routine forward by 15 minutes a day during the 4 days before daylight saving time begins. Put your child to bed 15 minutes earlier each day and, if possible, move naps and mealtimes slightly earlier too. This helps your child adjust to the new routine step by step, instead of having to cope with a sudden difference of a full hour.
By making the change gradually, the transition is often much easier. It can help your child settle into the new routine more quickly and hopefully prevent extra tiredness or restlessness during the first few days.
Calm and consistency
After the switch to daylight saving time, it is especially helpful to keep things as calm and consistent as possible. Stick to your familiar bedtime routine and give your child a little time to adjust. In many cases, their rhythm settles back into balance naturally after a few days.
Will you prepare your child for daylight saving time, or would you rather wait and see how it goes first?
