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Writer's pictureMegan Robert
Mar 4, 20212 min read

FOUR WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD ADJUST TO THE SPRING TIME CHANGE

EPISODE 6 OF THE AFTER THE STORK PODCAST


The start to Daylight Saving Time is approaching! This means we spring forward an hour on the clock, "losing" an hour of sleep from Saturday, March 13th to Sunday, March 14th. For example, what is now 6:30AM will become 7:30AM.

You might be tempted to have your child sleep in on Sunday. And this MIGHT be a good option for your child. However, if you need to keep your child on the same current clock schedule, you will want to consider how you plan to help your child adjust to the new time.

For older children, it might not matter much. They can adjust pretty well, especially if already a well-rested child. However, younger children or children who are overtired have a harder time adjusting to schedule changes. Here are some guidelines for how to help your child adjust to this change.

Perhaps your child has been waking early in the morning and you actually want him to wake later.


I know. I can practically hear many of you screaming through your screens, "PLEASE! YES!!! SLEEP PAST 6AM!"


Well, if this is your child, then springing forward in time can be used to your advantage. Don't make any changes leading up to that Sunday. Instead, your child's entire schedule will shift forward an hour starting on that Sunday.

You will need to shift nap time, bedtime, and meals. This will help you keep a similar schedule but just later into the day. Keep in mind that your child's duration of wake time and sleep time won't change. They will still have the same highs and lows in their circadian rhythm. The only difference will be what time the clock reads.

BUT, if you need/want to keep your child on the same schedule once the time changes, you can help your child gradually adjust to this schedule in a few of ways. This episode and the Sleep Guide for Spring Time Change covers four options!


LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE




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