Get ready to turn the clock back on April 5th for the end of daylight saving.

Many of us are struggling with new routines and a temporary lifestyle change at the moment. While adults find it easier to adjust to change, some children will struggle. As the end of daylight saving is happening very soon, we want to make sure we are as prepared as we possibly can, in order to not lose and precious sleep, especially in the early morning!
By implementing some small changes already, you will set yourself up for success. Here’s the secret:

Plan ahead and take baby steps!

With a bit of planning you can successfully move your baby’s schedule in the next week or two. This is especially important if your baby is already waking up too early. When making adjustments to your child’s schedule, the trick is to make small adjustments gradually and to start as early as possible (now). This will assist your child to transition into place when the clocks change. Any drastic changes to your child’s sleep routine from one day to the next will almost guarantee the risk of leaving you with a cranky child with all the challenges we’re desperately trying to avoid. Mornings can be particularly challenging, when you are weighing up if your baby has had enough sleep for the night (especially if your baby wakes up too early). Early starts can lead to your child becoming over-tired and harder to settle during nap time and bedtime.

Here’s how it’s done:

If your baby normally wakes up at 6am, and you’d like her to wake up at 6am after the time change, you should start by gradually adjusting her whole routine, including meal, play and day naps. Even 10 minutes each day will see you ready when the clocks go back.
During the adjustment or preparation period it might mean you will be going earlier to bed and waking up earlier with your child. If you’re persistent and patient, you’ll get there and you’ll improve the sleeping habits of your whole family.

It will make a difference!

Late bedtimes often lead to over-tiredness, which means restless nights for babies and toddlers, and earlier morning wake-up times. So keep an eye on your baby’s bedtime, and if needed, make the changes slow and steady as early as possible so you’re ready when you’re approaching changes to daylight saving.

– If your baby is younger than six months old, she will most likely adjust naturally within a few days, leaving you no need to worry at all.
– If your child is over eight months old, on a strict feed and sleep schedule, or particularity sensitive to changes, you might want to start adjusting your whole routine now, before we turn the clock back.
– If your child tends to go to bed too late at night, and wakes up too late in the mornings, here’s your chance to bump her schedule into place, with a little help from daylight saving.

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