How to Handle Daylight Savings Time Changes Like A Pro

Twice a year, we adjust our clocks for Daylight Savings Time. While this was once awesome (with an extra hour of sleep or staying out late), now if you’re a parent, you know that even a one-hour shift can throw off your baby’s sleep schedule for what seems like weeks!! 

Whether you’re springing forward or falling back, a little planning can help make the transition smoother for the whole family.

Spring Forward (March) – Losing an Hour 🌸⏰

When we move the clocks forward, bedtime and wake-up times feel earlier. Without preparation, this can lead to overtiredness and bedtime battles.

How to Prepare:

Gradual Adjustment: Start shifting your child’s schedule 10-15 minutes earlier each night, starting a few days before the change. By Sunday, they’ll already be adjusted.
Let in the Morning Light: Exposure to natural light in the morning helps reset their internal clock.
Stick to the Routine: Keep bedtime routines consistent– bath, book, bed, to signal sleep time.

Fall Back (November) – Gaining an Hour 🍂⏳

In the fall, we set the clocks back one hour, making bedtime and wake-ups feel later. While this might sound like extra sleep, many kids wake up too early instead.

How to Prepare:

Shift the Schedule Later: Push naps and bedtime 10-15 minutes later each day leading up to the time change.
Expose Them to Evening Light: Keeping the lights on later helps the body adjust to a later bedtime.
Expect a Short Adjustment Period: This one can be a harder adjustment. Some littles take a few days to adjust, but sticking to a consistent routine will help.

General Tips for Both Time Changes

✔️ Keep bedtime routines the same– familiar cues help with the transition.
✔️ Use blackout curtains to prevent early morning wake-ups.
✔️ Be patient– it can take a few days for your little one’s body clock to adjust.
✔️ Prioritize naps– an overtired baby will struggle even more with the time change.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need help adjusting your little one’s schedule, fear not! I created a FREE Daylight Savings Guide! In it, you will get 6 different step-by-step strategies on how to best tackle the transition in a way that will work best for your family and your lifestyle to keep your baby’s sleep on track!