Wave goodbye to winter & welcome the bright, cheerful days of spring!
This year, Daylight Saving Time springs forward on Sunday, March 10, 2024. For us adults, it's a bittersweet transition, losing an hour but gaining more sunlight. However, for our little ones, this shift means more than just adjusting clocks — it's about adapting their sleep and meal times to a new rhythm of life under a sun that stays up just a bit longer.
We know that changes in routine can be especially puzzling for the young dreamers in our lives. The shift in daylight can unsettle their schedules and, let's be honest, ours too. But fear not! As we embrace this change together, let's make it an opportunity to refresh our routines and infuse our days with new energy.
Keep these tips in mind as you prepare to spring forward, ensuring a smooth transition for your family.
Keep the routine sacred!
Children thrive on routine. The predictability of daily activities provides them comfort and security.
As we approach Daylight Saving Time, our friend & pediatric sleep specialist, Rachael of Hey Sleepy Baby, recommends sticking to your established routines. Whether it’s the weekday or the weekend, try to keep your activities and schedules as consistent as possible.
Maintain your bedtime rituals: Keep bath time, pajama time and storytime unchanged. If you usually turn off electronic devices an hour before bed, continue this practice. The familiarity of these rituals provides a sense of normalcy amidst the time change!
Keep meal times consistent: Serve meals at the same times you usually do, according to the new clock. This will help your little ones reset their internal clock more quickly.
Prepare the environment for bedtime.
The longer daylight hours can make bedtime a bit tricky. But with a few adjustments, you can create an ideal sleep environment for your child.
With temperature shifts that often accompany the change in season, choosing the right pajamas is essential for a cozy night’s sleep. Little Sleepies’ Lunaluxe™ Bamboo jams are perfect for any regulating temperature, ensuring your child stays comfortable all night long. Once they’re dressed for bed, make sure they fall (& stay) asleep peacefully with these tips.
Consider the lighting: Invest in blackout curtains or shades to keep the room dark and conducive to great sleep, even when the sun decides to hang around a bit longer!
You might also consider gradually dimming the lights in your home as bedtime approaches. This mimics the natural sunset and helps signal to your child’s body that it’s time to sleep.
Foster a calm atmosphere: Be mindful of outdoor noises, especially from other children playing outside. Consider a white noise machine to maintain a calm atmosphere in the nursery.
If possible, adjust gradually.
Some families might consider starting to prepare for the time change a week in advance. You could do this by shifting your child’s bedtime 10-15 minutes earlier each night leading up to Daylight Saving Time. This gradual adjustment can help their bodies adapt to the change more smoothly.
Another tip? Expose your child to morning sunlight as soon as possible after waking up. Natural light is a powerful tool for resetting our internal clocks and can help your child adjust to the new time faster.
Remember, every child is different, and some may adjust quicker than others. That’s totally okay! Do your best to stay patient and flexible, but keep your goals in sight.
With these tips, you can help your child (and yourself) spring forward successfully, embracing the longer days and extra sunshine that comes with the new season.
Here’s to smooth transitions and sweet, well-rested smiles!
Do you have any other tips for adjusting to Daylight Saving Time? We’d love to hear them. Drop them in the comments below!
