Tis the season for longer evenings and warmer days, but this can be a tough transition initially for some kids. That one hour can make a big difference! So, here are some quick tips to help you get your little on the new schedule as easily as possible:
1) First and foremost, keep Sunday morning free and don’t even think about changing your clocks Saturday night. Wait until morning, and while having your morning coffee go ahead and move your clocks forward an hour. This starts things off on the right foot for parents.
2) Using your little one’s average bedtime, start to transition it forward. For example, if your child’s bedtime is normally 7:00pm move bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night until you reach the normal time. So on Sunday night, put your little one down at 7:45pm, the second night 7:30pm, and so on. In four nights you should be back to 7:00pm. If you feel your child’s bed time is not so consistent or predictable, then I recommend going straight to bedtime at 7:00pm as if changing time zones. Again, give your child a few days to adjust to this new time.
3) For naps during the day, the first few days you will put your baby down 1/2 hour later than now. Once their bedtime is back to their usual time, then put naps back at the regular clock time.
Remember, consistency is key! And, to make sure things go real well, double check that your little one’s room is nice and dark, quiet, and not too warm. The proper sleep environment can make a world of difference in eliminating early mornings and short naps.
If you have questions leading up to Sunday’s clock change, don’t hesitate to reach out! Feel free to schedule a free 30 minute call to ask us more!
