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With daylight saving time starting this weekend, the clocks will “spring forward,” which can disrupt your baby’s sleep schedule. Small changes in sleep or wake times can often create challenges for maintaining a consistent routine. Fortunately, there are strategies to ease the transition.
Start by gradually moving bedtime earlier by 10-15 minutes each night leading up to the time change. For example, if your baby typically sleeps at 7 pm, adjust the bedtime to 6:45 pm on the first night, then 6:30 pm on the second night, and so on, until reaching 6 pm, which aligns with 7 pm in the new time.
Ensure nap and meal times shift in tandem with the bedtime adjustments. Additionally, as the days grow longer and morning and evening light becomes more noticeable, consider installing blackout blinds to help prevent early waking or bedtime resistance.
For an optimal sleep environment, maintain a calm, quiet, and cool room, ideally between 16-20°C as recommended by the Lullaby Trust. Swap bedding or sleepwear to a lighter option as the weather warms.
Consistency in bedtime routines is key during this shift. Stick to familiar activities like bedtime stories, bathtime, milk, or cuddles to signal bedtime.
Spending time outdoors in natural light helps regulate the body’s internal clock, so plan for outdoor play this weekend. Physical activity also aids sleep readiness.
If you’re unable to adjust the bedtime in advance, remember that any disruption to sleep patterns typically resolves within a few days.
