
GET STARTED WITH A FREE CUSTOM SCHEDULE AND PLAN OVERVIEW ON OUR MOBILE APP →
TRY BATELLE FOR FREE →
Ah, autumn! The season of school routines, crisp air, and pumpkins taking center stage. Amidst the joys of pumpkin spice lattes and apple picking, there’s a seasonal challenge that parents face — the end of daylight saving time. This shift can disrupt sleep schedules, leading to early wake-up calls and potential chaos.
While the temptation might be to adjust your child’s bedtime, hoping they’ll sleep in later, this approach can backfire. Sleep is a delicate balance between the body’s internal clock and sleep pressure. Keeping your child up later risks overtiring them, potentially leading to a restless night and an even earlier morning.
The Slow-and-Steady Strategy For younger ones under 10 months, sensitive to schedule shifts, this method requires preparation. Gradually shift your child’s entire schedule by 15 minutes each day for the four days leading up to the time change. This includes waking up, eating, and sleeping times. By the time the clocks change, your child should seamlessly adjust to the new schedule
The “Deal With It Later” Approach Ideal for those less sensitive to changes and with no time for prep work. On the first morning of the time change, stick to your usual wake-up time (even if it feels early), maintaining the rest of the day’s routine. Bedtime can be slightly earlier if your child is a bit grumpy.
💡 Consistency is key. Stick to the usual meal and nap times to anchor your child’s daily routine
Leverage the power of light and darkness to help your child adjust. Ensure exposure to plenty of natural light during the day after the time change. This aids in resetting their “internal clock” and promotes alertness. Keep their room dark when it’s time to sleep to signal bedtime.
Consider using blackout curtains to create a conducive sleep environment, especially if your child’s room is exposed to streetlights or early morning sunlight.
Remember, as you guide your child through this transition, a little patience, adherence to routines, and thoughtful tweaks to their environment will go a long way. Happy adjusting!