As the days grow shorter and we prepare to fall back into Standard Time, many families are bracing themselves for the potential chaos that can come with the end of Daylight Saving Time. But fear not — we’ve got you covered with two options for making the transition as smooth as possible as we fall back out of daylight saving time.
Option 1: Gradual Shift for Smooth Transition
One method to ease the transition is to gradually shift your little one’s bedtime and wake-up schedule leading up to the time change. Start this process three to four days before the big day. For example, if your little one’s usual bedtime is 7 p.m., try putting them down at 7:15 p.m. on day one, and let them sleep an extra 15 minutes. On day two, make bedtime 7:30 p.m., and continue in this manner. Don’t forget to adjust mealtimes and naptimes slightly later as well. By the time the time change arrives, your little one will be comfortably adjusted, and you’ll all enjoy a smoother transition into the new schedule. So remember, take it slow, and you’ll be well-prepared for the change!
Option 2: Leave Those Clocks Alone
Another way to tackle the time change is to keep your clocks where they are. Instead of changing them right away, stick to your usual routine. Get up at your regular time and start your day. After a sip of coffee and a bite to eat, then go ahead and adjust your clocks. This method helps make the transition less psychologically upsetting for you and your little one.
For example, if your little one usually takes a morning nap around 9:30, shift it to 9:00 am for the first three days after the time change. It might be a bit of a push, but it won’t disrupt their schedule too much. The same goes for the afternoon nap. If bedtime is usually 7 p.m., try putting your child to bed at 6:30 p.m. for the first three days, which will feel like 7:30 p.m. It may take about a week for your child’s body to fully adjust, but don’t worry; it’s a common experience when we tweak our sleeping habits.
In the end, both of these options have their merits, and the choice is yours. The important thing is to be supportive of your family’s needs, stay positive, and make the transition as smooth as possible. You’ve got this!
If you need a little extra help making this transition, book a Free 15-minute Consultation with one of our experienced, certified sleep consultants.