Xan Coffman is a mama of three girls under nine years old. She is an infant & toddler sleep specialist and Founder of MyBaby Sleepology and the Pediatric Sleep Academy. After she sleep trained her oldest daughter she became passionate about helping others on their sleep training journey. Over the years she and her team have helped thousands of families across the world achieve better sleep. Xan is a firm believer that all children can be great sleepers and that healthy sleep for the entire family is extremely important!

As daylight savings time approaches and we prepare to "fall back," many parents worry about how the time change might impact their child’s sleep schedule. But don’t worry—we've got you covered with simple tips from MyBaby Sleepology to make the transition smooth and stress-free for everyone!

Understand the Impact

Daylight saving time can affect everyone's circadian rhythm, including babies and toddlers. The sudden shift in daylight hours can throw off their internal clocks, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and cranky behavior. Understanding how daylight saving time impacts your child's sleep is the first step towards making the transition smoother. 

Adjust the Bedtime Gradually 🕰️

Start shifting your child’s schedule 15 minutes later starting Wednesday October 30th. This gradual adjustment helps their internal clock adjust naturally, so by the time the clocks change, they’re already accustomed to the new routine.

Keep the Room Dark 🌙

Since it will get brighter earlier in the morning, ensure your child’s room remains dark during sleep time. Use blackout curtains to block early morning light, helping signal that it’s still time for rest. This simple trick will keep them from waking up too early.

Enjoy Morning Light ☀️

Exposing your child to natural morning light is a great way to reset their internal clock. Spend a little extra time outside after the time change—it will help reinforce the new schedule and encourage their body to adapt to the new rhythm.

Be Patient with the Process 🧘‍♀️

It’s normal for your child to take a few days to fully adjust to the new time. Consistency is key, so continue with your usual sleep routine, and give them time to settle into the change. They'll be back on track soon!

You’ve got this!

Preparing babies and toddlers for daylight saving time may require some proactive planning and patience, but with the right approach, you can help minimize disruptions to your child's sleep routine. By gradually adjusting their schedule, maintaining consistency, and maximizing exposure to natural light, you can ensure a smoother transition for the whole family. Here's to a restful and rejuvenating fall season!