Navigating the End of Daylight Saving Time with Your Child: Strategies for Success
Navigating the End of Daylight Saving Time with Your Child: Strategies for SuccessJust as you've meticulously fine-tuned your baby's schedule to perfection, the specter of Daylight Saving Time lurks, threatening to disrupt all your hard-earned progress. Fear not, for the autumnal clock change need not herald a return to square one in your quest for a solid routine. Transitioning your baby or toddler gradually is the key, and we've got a handful of valuable tips to guide you through this temporal upheaval.
To gracefully ease into the fall time shift, consider initiating the transition process approximately 4 to 5 days prior to the actual change. This entails pushing your child's naps, meals, and bedtime by roughly 15 minutes later each day. This gradual adjustment prepares them for the impending clock reversal, minimizing sleep disturbances. If you notice your little one getting exceptionally drowsy ahead of the adjusted schedule, a quick outdoor excursion for some fresh air and engaging activities can work wonders.
When Sunday morning arrives, and the clocks have reset overnight, your child may still rise at their accustomed wake-up time. Encourage them to stay in bed until the new wake-up time while being mindful that full adjustment may take up to a week for some children. If, by Sunday night, your child is feeling exceedingly tired before the newly prescribed bedtime (now an hour later than before), it's perfectly acceptable to put them to bed 15-20 minutes earlier to prevent overtiredness.
For those who find these steps somewhat daunting, there's the option of diving headfirst into the new schedule on Sunday morning. Dim the lights in your home about 30 minutes before the desired sleep time, and ensure your child receives ample exposure to bright morning light to encourage wakefulness. While it might take a few days for everything to fall into place, using light and darkness strategically can make the transition smoother.
Transitioning through any time change becomes significantly easier if your child is already following an age-appropriate schedule for naps and bedtime. Typically, a child who can self-soothe and is well-rested will adjust more seamlessly and adapt faster to changes in time, even across different time zones. If your child isn't on an age-appropriate schedule yet, this period of change is an excellent opportunity to commence the process. Oh, and don't forget to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors while you're at it!
Erin Oliveira, a Certified Sleep Consultant and Trained Sleep Coach with Sleepy Keen Sleep Consulting, provides invaluable guidance for families seeking the elusive sleep they need. You can connect with her on her Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SleepyKeen) for your sleep-related questions or follow her on Instagram @SleepyKeenConsulting.
When Erin isn't assisting families in their quest for quality sleep, you can find her reading books with her children, camping in Northern Ontario, or enjoying the company of her furry companion, Freddie.