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Are you a new parent struggling to adjust to daylight saving time with your baby? Whether you’re springing forward or falling back, don’t fret! While the thought of disrupted sleep patterns and an overtired little one may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. With some preparation and handy tips, you can seamlessly navigate this time change and ensure a smooth transition for you and your baby. From adjusting nap times to incorporating natural light exposure, this article will provide valuable insights to help you travel during daylight saving time with ease and keep your baby’s routine intact.

What is Daylight Saving Time?

What Is Daylight Saving Time?

Photo: Icons8 Team

Daylight Saving Time is when clocks are set forward by an hour during the warmer months to extend the evening daylight. This allows for more daylight in the evenings and less in the mornings. In the spring, clocks are set forward by an hour, commonly referred to as “spring forward,” and in the fall, at the end of daylight savings, clocks are set back by an hour, known as “falling back.” These time changes aim to make better use of natural daylight and conserve energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the longer evenings. Not all countries or regions observe daylight savings, and the specific dates and duration can vary.

Preparing Your Toddler for the Fall Back Time Change

Preparing Your Toddler For The Fall Back Time Change

Photo: Jelleke Vanooteghem

Preparing your toddler for the fallback clock change can help make the transition smoother and prevent disruptions to their schedule. Here are some tips to help you prepare your toddler for the time change:

  • Gradually adjust their schedule. Adjust baby or toddler’s sleep schedule a few days before the time change. Shift their sleep times and wake windows by 15 minutes earlier each day so that their schedule will be adjusted by the time the clock officially changes.
  • Stick to a routine. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to help your toddler relax and prepare for sleep.
  • Keep the bedroom environment consistent. Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping their bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable. Consider using blackout curtains to block out any extra daylight during the evening.
  • Encourage exposure to natural light. Expose your toddler to natural light during the day, especially in the morning. Natural light exposure helps to regulate their internal body clock and can aid in adjusting their sleep schedule.
  • Be patient. It may take time for your toddler to adjust to the time change. Be patient and understanding if disruptions to their sleep pattern and wake-up time occur. Stick to their routine and be consistent with your approach until they adapt.
  • Adjust mealtimes. Gradually adjust your toddler’s meal and snack times to align with the new time change. This will help their body adjust to the new schedule more smoothly.
  • Be mindful of nap times. Adjust your toddler’s nap times to ensure they are tired at their new bedtime. If necessary, gradually shift their naps closer to the new schedule to prevent them from being too awake come bedtime.
  • Use white noise or calming music. If the time change causes disruptions to your toddler’s sleep, consider using white noise or calming music to help them relax and fall asleep. These sounds can mask any background noise that might disturb their sleep.

Remember, every child is different, and it may take a few days or weeks for your toddler to fully adjust to the time change. Be consistent with your routines and gradually adjust their schedule to help them adapt more easily.

Keeping to a Baby or Toddler Sleep Schedule during Travel

Keeping To A Baby Or Toddler Sleep Schedule During Travel

Photo: Kelli McClintock

Ideally, babies and toddlers should be adjusted to their new sleep schedule before traveling. Then, it’s up to you to keep things consistent throughout your trip. This will help vacation plans run more smoothly and keep little ones energized and in good moods rather than being grouchy and overtired. So, how does one maintain a consistent routine when sleeping away from home and in hotel rooms or vacation rentals? This is where we, as parents, get creative! Here are some tips to help keep to your baby or toddler’s schedule while on the go:

  • Prepare a realistic itinerary. If you really want to keep your little one on schedule, you’ll want to schedule your daily itinerary around wake time, naps, and bedtime.
  • Mimic the ideal bedroom environment. As best you can, recreate your little one’s ideal bedroom wherever you may be. Instead of putting them in a pack ‘n play to sleep, rent a full-size crib if that’s what they sleep in at home. Bring your white noise machine, blackout curtains, and anything else your baby or toddler is used to.
  • Make room for flexibility. Of course, vacation or holiday travel excitement may encourage your child to sleep less or more. You may need to adjust for this on top of daylight savings time.
  • Ok-to-wake clock. To help your early riser toddler adjust to daylight savings, consider purchasing a clock that turns green when it is time for them to come out of their room in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you put your kids to bed earlier or later for Daylight Savings?

When Daylight Saving Time begins in the spring (clocks move forward 1 hour), it is generally recommended to put your children to bed one hour later than their previous bedtime. For example, if your child usually goes to bed at 8:00 PM, after the time changes, you would put them to bed at 9:00 PM according to the new time.

In the fall, when Daylight Saving Time ends, and you set your clocks back by one hour, it is recommended to put your child to bed an hour earlier than their previous bedtime. Using the same example, if your child usually goes to bed at 8:00 PM, after Daylight Saving Time begins and the time changes, you would put them to bed at 7:00 PM according to the new time.

Does daylight help baby sleep?

Yes, natural daylight plays a big role in regulating baby’s circadian rhythm so that their internal clock knows when it’s the proper time to sleep and to wake.

How long does it take for a baby to adjust to a schedule?

The time it takes for a baby to adjust to a schedule depends on each child. But, the more consistent and predictable the schedule, the more likely the baby will adapt to it.