The dreaded time change doesn't have to cause panic!
Here are some tips to help transition your little one to the time change smoothy:
The week before the clocks go back, shift your baby's entire schedule (naps and bedtime) 10 minutes later each day.
For example if bedtime is usually 7:30 pm- on day 1 bedtime will be at 7:40, day 2 it will be at 7:50, day 3 it will be at 8 and so forth until you have reached 8:30 pm.
By the end of the week when the clocks go back, your baby will be adjusted to the new time! It's that simple. The gradual change over a week will help adjust their internal clock.
Continue to follow your current bedtime routine as this serves as a sleepy cue for your baby. I highly suggest getting blackout curtains if you don’t already have them!
Another option is just maintaining your current routine. If your baby was waking up at 7 am prior to the time change they will now wake up at 6 am and their naps and bedtime will just switch to an hour earlier. Wake times and nap lengths will remain the same. If however, they were already an early riser at 6 am or earlier, I would recommend adjusting their schedule a little bit each day so they are not waking up at 5 am new time.
Remember it takes time for your baby to adjust to the new routine so give them some grace. It may take up to 2 weeks to fully adjust.
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions doulasandbeyond@gmail.com
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Happy sleeping!