Tips For Surviving Daylight Savings With Toddlers

Spring is just around the corner, can you feel it? Nah me either, there is still too much snow on the ground. But what is around the corner is Daylight Savings time…those clocks spring forward and we all loose that hour of sleep.

As parents this can be a tough one, because we are already exhausted, but babies and toddlers can also have a hard time adjusting.

This is why I still follow a bedtime routine, even at three and five. Even with a schedule there are challenges. So how can we prep our little babes to not come in and stare us down at 5:00 AM?

Here are a few of my tips!

Adjust Bedtimes

Starting this week, gradually put your kids to bed earlier. In like 5-10 minute increments. By the end of the week you will be close to one hour earlier than normal. This will make Sunday morning a breeze, and less tiring. You’re kids probably won’t even notice the change, but more importantly you’ll feel better.

Bedroom Lighting

Our body’s sleep/wake cycle is dependent on light. With the change it means mornings will stay dark a little longer (good news for those earlier risers!), but actually getting to bed may be challenging. We were actually talking to the girls yesterday about the change and how it will be light longer, even after their bed time.

Start talking to them early so once the change happens it’s not so much of a shock when they have to go to bed and it’s still a little light outside.

You can also get blackout curtains to help manage the light. We’ve always used these anyway because our girls get up early, and it helps with nap time!

Get Your Own Rest

Losing an hour of sleep can really suck. Our kids always wake up at the same time. It doesn’t matter when they go to bed, or time change they get up at the same time. So we actually loose that hour. One day won’t really effect you, but if you’re not rested going into it, that hour will make a difference.

So be prepared by getting that extra hour in at least a few nights before.

Skip Saturday Nap

This will help tire your kids out earlier and making bedtime a little easier. They’ll be tired, so plan to move most of your evening plans up a bit. Like dinner an hour early, as well as bath and wind down time. Then bedtime should go down a whole hour early, and because they’re tired it should go smoothly.

Do Nothing

Maybe your kid is normally an early riser so the spring forward will turn into a chance for sleeping in. It will be darker a little longer so the morning may be a little smoother than normal. The evening maybe a little tricky. Just assure them they’re going to bed at the same time, and after a few days or a week they’ll get the hang of it.

Be Patient

Just like anything, there is an adjustment period. Stick with it and this to will pass. Just grab an extra cup of coffee those first few days and you will get through it!

What do you plan to do in preparation for the big time change? I typically start off with the idea of putting them down a little early each day, but it ends up with the do nothing approach…typical mom life struggles I guess! Luckily it works out OK for our girls.

Comment below with your approach! Whatever it is I hope you end up with success!

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