A Gentle Approach for Parents to Support the Transition
One of my favorite things about the start of spring has always been the earlier sunrises. From my earliest memories, I’ve been an early bird, waking with the sun, ready to embrace a new day.
I distinctly remember my parents leaving cereal out for me at night so I could go downstairs and eat breakfast while waiting for the tv shows to start at 6am. In Ireland, where I grew up when the sun rises as early as 4am in summer, it was often a looooong wait.
Some adults and children are just naturally early risers — This preference for early mornings has stuck with me throughout my life, and now, as a parent, I understand the importance of creating a dark, peaceful sleep environment for our little ones to support their sleep in early mornings when the sun rises early.
As spring blooms around us, signaling the approach of another daylight savings change, many parents find themselves wondering how to smoothly transition their child’s sleep schedule.
You may have already noticed your baby waking a bit earlier than they did a month ago. This is because our bodies naturally adjust with the changing seasons due to the creeping in of natural morning light triggering to our suprachiasmatic nucleus that its time to wake even before the clocks catch up.
This is why I advocate for a gradual transition that aligns with your child’s natural rhythm, reducing stress for both you and your little one. As daylight savings begins and we “spring forward,” many parents find themselves navigating how to adjust their baby or toddler’s routine with the sudden shift in time.
While it may seem challenging, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Just because the clocks move forward doesn’t mean you have to adjust everything overnight.
5 Gentle Tips to Help Your Baby With The Spring Transition
Here are 5 gentle tips that will help your little one with the change of the clocks.
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Early Preparation
Don’t wait until the day of the time change! Begin shifting your routine gradually about a week before daylight savings starts. Adjust bedtimes and daily routines by 10-15 minutes every few days to help your child adapt slowly. This reduces the chances of any big disruptions to their sleep schedule.
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Start with Bedtime
Gradually move your child’s bedtime earlier by 15-20 minutes every few days. Since the clock will be jumping forward, moving bedtime earlier helps ease the transition. Allow your child to adjust gently so they aren’t overtired or struggling with a sudden change.
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Spread the Changes Throughout the Day
Along with bedtime, shift other activities like meals, naps, and playtime earlier as well. Remember that your child’s body clock responds to their overall daily routine, not just their bedtime. By nudging the entire routine forward, you help their body adjust more smoothly.
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Leverage the Power of Light
Take advantage of the extra daylight to reinforce your child’s new routine. Let them enjoy the natural light in the mornings to promote wakefulness, and use blockout blinds in the evening to ensure it’s dark enough for bedtime. This will help their internal body clock align with the new schedule. Dim lights in the evening to encourage a natural wind-down toward bedtime.
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Be Patient and Consistent
Adjusting to a new routine takes time, so stay patient and consistent. Offer comfort and reassurance as your child adapts to the new schedule. Stick to the adjusted routine to help your child feel secure, and try to maintain it over the following weeks.
By approaching the transition with patience, consistency, and gentle steps, you can support your child in adjusting smoothly to the new schedule, leading to restful nights and easier wake-ups for everyone.
If you’re feeling unsure about how to handle this transition or have other sleep challenges you’d like help with, remember that you don’t have to do it alone.
Lullababy SOS provides personalized support to help you and your child establish healthy sleep habits. Feel free to reach out and schedule an introductory call to discuss your family’s unique needs.