For as many years as I can remember daylight savings time has always created some panic while I set my alarm clock for school or work, worried that I got it right and never really understanding if I should be getting more or less sleep. Now throw in a baby and sleep deprivation; how does this effect us? Firstly, do not panic! All daylight savings does is moves an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, giving us those warm, long, short lived (lol) summer nights.
Here are the 3 things you need to know to get your child through the Day light savings adjustment:
Firstly, The good news is in this digital age most phones and smart devices have an auto setting that will adjust for daylight savings for you. When your clocks change, jump your baby’s schedule immediately into the new time. If your baby is very young and having several naps a day make the adjustment at bedtime. For example, if your child’s bedtime was 7:00 pm, and we move the clock to 8:00 p.m., keep the bedtime at 7:00 p.m. And the same goes for naps, jump right into the new time. I do have to warn you that you may be in for an early wake up however, this will adjust over a few days or maybe a week.
Second, If you think there is no possible way your child can jump into a one hour adjustment (which is can be tough for children under 18 months), you can “split-the-difference” For example, again if your child’s bedtime was 7:00 pm, and we move the clock to 8:00 p.m., put your child to bed at 7:30 p.m. for 3-4 days and then shift back to your normal 7:00 p.m. bedtime. Same would go for naps; if your child’s regular nap is at 9 a.m. shift to 9:30 a.m. for a few days while adjusting.
A major tip here is to stay consistent and do not get your little one up before 6:00am. It a great benchmark to start your day that aligns your child with its natural body clock.
Last but not least ensuring your child is dressed appropriately for the temperature change will help seal the deal and encourage nice long uninterrupted sleep.
When deciding how to dress your child natural fibres are more effective at regulating body temperature. In warmer weather, natural fibers can absorb sweat better and pull moisture away from your child’s body keeping them cool and comfortable. In cooler weather they provide great insulation and are easier to layer.
Some good natural fibers to choose for your baby include:
Keeping your baby’s room between 20-22°C will help ensure that their temperature is regulated. The best way to keep track of your child’s temperature is to touch your baby’s skin on the chest or the back of the neck.
If you practice proper sleep hygiene consistently within your family, transitions like time changes shouldn’t take long to master. But, if sleep issues persist after a few weeks you may want to take a look at your child’s overall sleep routine and habits, to see if any changes need to be made.
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