Kids & Company Blog

Preparing Your Child for Spring Forward: Navigating Daylight-Saving Time Like a Pro

This blog is written by our guest author, Alana Metallo, Certified Sleep Consultant from MetaSleep Consulting. MetaSleep helps families navigate sleep and live a well-rested lifestyle. Through consultation, they educate, guide, and support families about the benefits of healthy sleep, and help parents create a customized sleep routine for their children’s naps and bedtime. 

Ah, spring - the season of blooming flowers, light jackets, and the anticipation of sunnier days. But, as we eagerly await the warmth, there's one aspect of spring that may pose a challenge for parents with young children: Springing Forward with Daylight Saving Time. Brace yourselves as our clocks jump ahead by 1 hour. In this blog, we'll explore what this time change means for your child's sleep and share some valuable tips to help you navigate through it.

In facing the approaching time change, you essentially have two options based on your child's current sleep routine – Do Nothing or Do Something.

Do Nothing – Fix an Early Waking Problem:

If your child has been rising at an inconvenient hour, doing nothing might just be the solution. Their internal clock will naturally adjust, resulting in a later wake-up time. However, be mindful that this shift can affect bedtime too. If a temporary fix is all you need, this hands-off approach might be perfect. Enjoy the reprieve but stay attentive if there were underlying issues causing early wake-ups.

Do Something – Adjust to Maintain Balance:

If you're content with your current schedule and want to avoid disrupting it, taking proactive measures is key. 

Here are two approaches to consider:

The Minimalist’s Approach (Rip the Bandage Off):

• Adjust your child to the new time immediately.
• On the day of the time change, wake them up at the "new" time.
• Expect some tiredness initially but continue with your routine.
• Be patient as their internal clock catches up, usually within a week or two.

The Gradual Shift Approach:

• Begin adjusting bedtime and wake-up times about 4 nights before the change (Wednesday).
• Shift your schedule by 15 minutes earlier each day.
• By the night before the time change, bedtime will be adjusted by 45 minutes.
• On tThe night of the time change, bedtime will be aligned.

*Check out our gradual shift in time chart on the MetaSleep Instagram page

Toddler Tip: If you use a wake-up clock (ex. GroClock) don’t forget to adjust the time on their clock too.

As we welcome the joys of spring, preparing for the time change doesn't have to be a daunting task. Whether you choose to let nature take its course or opt for a more gradual adjustment, these tips aim to make the transition smoother for both you and your child. Happy springing forward!

If you’re struggling with your child’s sleep, book a complimentary discovery call with us. We will empower, guide and support you and your family to live a well-rested lifestyle.

This blog is written by our guest author, Alana Metallo, Certified Sleep Consultant from MetaSleep Consulting. MetaSleep helps families navigate sleep and live a well-rested lifestyle. Through consultation, they educate, guide, and support families about the benefits of healthy sleep, and help parents create a customized sleep routine for their children’s naps and bedtime. 

Posted on: Friday March 1st, 2024

Posted by: Kids & Company