5 Ways to Prepare Your Baby for Daylight Savings Time

5 Ways to Prepare Your Baby for Daylight Savings TimeIf there is anyone who dislikes a disruption in their little one's schedule, it's me. I especially dread daylight savings time. Luckily, I started to figure out a way that I could get my little one adjusted to the time change so that she wasn't waking me up early in the morning, and I could at least attempt to get that extra hour of sleep. Check out these 5 tips for preparing baby for the time change.




Start Early
The time change doesn't occur until early Sunday morning. To get my girls used to the new schedule I always try to start getting them ready a couple of days before the actual time change. This way when they won't wake me up really early on Sunday morning, but will already be somewhat adjusted to the new time because we have been practicing for a couple of days. I usually always start on the Thursday or Friday before the time change.

Related: 10 things you should NEVER say to a mom

Start Slowly
We "fall back" this time of year which means that we set our clocks back an hour. If you choose to try to get your little one on an adjusted schedule ahead of time, don't go for the full hour right away. I always start with making naps around 15 to 30 minutes later. Then at bedtime I do the same. The next night I make naps and bedtime 30 to 45 minutes later depending on how the day went. This gradual transition helps and isn't such a drastic change on her daily schedule.

Keep Your Routine
Although you might be slightly adjusting the time they fall asleep during the day and at night, you are not changing their routine throughout the day. If you feed them before you put them down for a nap, do the same thing, just at the adjusted time. Try to make your entire routine throughout the day either 15-30 minutes later (whatever you are trying that day) so that it will be similar to what you will expect on Sunday when the time actually does change. Both of my girls have always thrived off of a routine because they always know what to expect next. It helps especially when it comes to sleep. Both girls have the same routine night after night before they go to bed. Because of this, most nights we have no issues with them falling asleep and sleeping through the night.

Related: 10 things EVERY woman should do before having kids

Be Consistent
I like to start adjusting my girls a couple days before the time change, but that is the method that works best for me. For fall, that means that they are staying up a little bit later than they usually do at night. I am one that loves to have "me time" at night and with our adjusted schedule, that means that my time has to wait a little bit. The important thing for the few days that I am trying to get them on the new schedule is that I am consistent. That requires a little bit of planning on my part. Dinner has to be a little bit later, I have to try to work around our already busy schedule, but the most important thing I try to do is stick with it. Because once I do, the reward is always worth it.

Be Patient
If your gradual plan doesn't work right away, don't worry. Sometimes baby's internal clocks are just set for a certain time. They will get used to the new time eventually. It might mean a couple early mornings for you, but it is only temporary.

- By Lauren Jimeson
Follow Lauren on Babble

For 11 ways to help your baby deal with separation anxiety, visit Babble!

MORE ON BABBLE
10 things you didn't know about babies and sleep
The most age-inappropriate baby gear...EVER
10 baby products that are worth the splurge
12 ways parenting a baby is like hosting a frat party
10 mortifying things your baby does in public...and 10 "optional" solutions


Stay connected. Follow Babble on Facebook and Twitter.