Spring Forward: Helping Your Little Ones Adjust to Daylight Savings Time
It’s that time again—daylight savings time! This Sunday, we set our clocks forward an hour, and while that means more daylight in the evening (yay, spring!), it also means losing an hour of sleep (not so fun). If you have little ones, you know that even the smallest shift in schedule can throw things off. But don’t worry—The Nanny Hub is here to help with some simple tricks to make the transition easier for everyone.
1. Ease Into It
Instead of making a sudden change overnight, try adjusting bedtime and wake-up time in small increments. Shifting everything by 10-15 minutes each day leading up to Sunday can help your child’s body adjust without too much fuss to daylight savings time.
2. Keep Routines Consistent
As daylight savings time begins, many parents notice changes in their child’s sleep schedule and overall mood. Kids thrive on routine, and sticking to a familiar bedtime routine can make the transition smoother. Whether it’s a warm bath, storytime, or cuddles, keeping the nighttime routine predictable helps their little bodies know it’s time for sleep—no matter what the clock says.
3. Let the Sunshine In to Adjust to Daylight Savings Time
Natural light is one of the best ways to reset our internal clocks. Get outside in the morning or open the curtains bright and early to help your child’s body recognize the new wake-up time.
4. Reduce Screen Time Before Bed During Daylight Savings Time
The blue light from screens can mess with melatonin production, making it harder for kids to fall asleep. Try swapping out screen time for a bedtime story or some quiet play to help them wind down naturally.
5. Add a Little Extra Wind-Down Time
The time change can make it harder for kids to fall asleep, so giving them a little extra time to relax before bed can be a game-changer. Gentle stretching, calming music, or a favorite bedtime book can help set the stage for sleep.
6. Give It Time—Daylight Savings Time Adjustments Take a Few Days
Adjusting to the new schedule won’t happen overnight. Expect a few cranky mornings, and try to be patient with your little one (and yourself!). Within a week, things should settle back into a normal rhythm.
7. Prioritize Sleep
A little extra rest leading up to the time change can go a long way. Try to keep naps on schedule and ensure your child gets plenty of sleep before the clocks jump ahead.
8. Block Out the Light
Daylight savings time brings longer evenings, which can make bedtime feel too early for some children. If the extra daylight is keeping your child up, blackout curtains can help create a darker, more sleep-friendly space.
Final Thoughts
Daylight savings time can be a little tricky, but with a bit of planning, you can help your child adjust smoothly. If not, well… coffee is your friend. At The Nanny Hub, we know how important sleep is for little ones—and for you! Need more tips on managing sleep schedules or finding the right nanny to support your family? We’re here to help.
