As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, there's one event on the horizon that can throw our schedules for a loop: Daylight Saving Time. While gaining that extra hour of daylight in the evenings is always a welcome change, sometimes the schedule adjustment can cause a bit of anxiety for parents. But fear not, because this transition doesn't have to be daunting. Let's explore a couple of options to help you and your family smoothly spring forward into the new time.
Option 1: Do Nothing Approach
For those early risers among us, the first option might just be the ticket. It's simple: do nothing! Yes, you read that right. Just stick to your regular routine and let the time change work its magic. If your child typically wakes at 6 am, with the clock moving forward, now it will be 7 am. Everything, from morning wake-up to nap times and bedtime, will naturally shift forward by an hour. It's as easy as that! Some parents prefer to go this route even in their child isn't an early riser, but they prefer to have a slightly later bedtime in the spring and summer.
Option 2: Gradual Adjustment
If you prefer a more gradual approach, consider adjusting your schedule slightly the day of the time change. Shift everything forward by 30 minutes, making it appear as though everything is happening 30 minutes later than usual. This gentle transition can help ease your family into the new time without any sudden disruptions. Then, the following day, you can seamlessly transition to the new time, and voila! You're back on track.
Here's an Example
Day Before | Day of | Day After |
Wake up- 7:00am | Wake up- 7:30am | Wake up- 7:00am |
Nap- 1:00-3:30pm | Nap- 1:30-4:00pm | Nap- 1:00-3:30pm |
Bedtime- 7:30pm | Bedtime- 8:00pm | Bedtime- 7:30pm |
Soak Up the Sun
Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to make the most of the extra daylight by getting outside and soaking up the sunshine. Natural light exposure during the day helps regulate our internal body clocks and can aid in adjusting to the time change more smoothly. Keep your home bright and light during day time hours to mimic the natural rhythm of the sun.
Maintain Consistent Routines
As tempting as it may be to throw caution to the wind during this transition, sticking to your child's nap time and bedtime routines is key to helping them adjust. Consistency and predictability provide a sense of security for children, especially during times of change. Stick to your usual bedtime rituals to signal to your child that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
At All Tucked in Tight, I understand the importance of maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, especially during transitions like Daylight Saving Time. If your little one is struggling with sleep disruptions due to the time change, know that you're not alone. Feel free to reach out to me for personalized support and guidance.
Wishing you and your family a smooth transition into Daylight Saving Time and a wonderful start to the spring season ahead!