Surviving Daylight Savings Time with Little Ones: A Mom's Guide

Ah, daylight savings time—the twice-a-year event that reminds parents just how fragile a child's sleep schedule can be. If you're anything like me, the thought of adjusting your little one's routine (again) makes you want to stock up on coffee and chocolate. But after a few years of trial and error, I've found some tricks that actually help make the transition smoother. So, grab that cup of coffee, and let’s talk survival tips!

1. Gradual Adjustments Are Your Best Friend

Instead of jumping straight into the new time, try shifting your child's schedule little by little. A week before the change, move bedtime (and wake-up time) 10-15 minutes earlier (or later, depending on which way the clock is turning). This slow adjustment helps their internal clock ease into the change without a total meltdown.

2. Stick to the Bedtime Routine

Kids thrive on routine, and daylight savings is not the time to switch things up. Keep your usual bath, book, and bedtime routine as consistent as possible. It signals to their little bodies that sleep is coming, even if the sun says otherwise.

3. Let There Be (Less) Light

Speaking of the sun, it can be a real pain when it’s suddenly still bright at bedtime or pitch black in the morning. Invest in blackout curtains to keep the room dark when needed, and expose your child to plenty of natural light during the day to help reset their internal clock.

4. Wake Them Gently

If your child is struggling with the time change, try waking them up gradually in the morning. Open the blinds a little, turn on soft music, or just snuggle for a few minutes before getting up for the day. Easing into wake-up time can make mornings a little less cranky.

5. Special Tips for Newborns

Newborns are already adjusting to life outside the womb, so daylight savings can be extra tricky. Here are a few ways to help them transition:

• Keep feedings on schedule: Stick to your baby’s regular feeding times, even if the clock changes. Their tiny tummies rely on consistency.
• Use natural light cues: Expose your baby to natural light in the morning and dim the lights in the evening to help regulate their circadian rhythm.
• Adjust in 5-10 minute increments: Since newborns are extra sensitive, try shifting their routine in even smaller increments over several days.
• Offer extra comfort: Swaddling, rocking, or using white noise can help soothe them during any sleep disruptions caused by the time change.

6. Be Patient (With Them and Yourself)

Even with the best preparation, expect a few rough days. Crankiness, extra nap requests, and middle-of-the-night wake-ups are all normal. Just remind yourself (and your little one) that it will pass.

7. Embrace Early Bedtimes (For Everyone!)

This is your sign to put the kids to bed early and sneak in some extra sleep yourself. Adjusting to daylight savings isn’t just hard on kids—parents feel it too! So don’t be afraid to turn in a little earlier while everyone is adjusting.

At the end of the day (literally), it all comes down to patience, consistency, and a whole lot of deep breaths. Before you know it, your child’s sleep schedule will be back on track—just in time to do it all over again in a few months.

Got any tried-and-true daylight savings survival tips? Drop them in the comments—We’d love to hear them!