Preparing for daylight savings doesn’t have to be all bad!

Okay mamas, imagine you have the choice to get your little one sleeping in an extra hour in the morning OR you get to stick with your current schedule??

*HINT*

If you’re currently struggling with an early-rising baby or toddler, this is the perfect opportunity to get them sleeping in one hour later alllll summer long.

So, what would you choose??

Either one of these choices are possible when preparing for daylight savings.

Before I dive into my sleep coach secrets and daylight savings hacks, I want to make sure you already have an age-appropriate schedule for your child to use as a base while preparing for daylight savings. Grab a free age-appropriate schedule below if you don’t already have one:

Okay, let’s dig in.

Remember when I said you could choose to sleep in for an extra hour in the morning or choose to stick with your current schedule?

If you choose to sleep in…

This is quite easy! There’s no new schedule necessary. Simply put your little one down for their nap one hour later and put down for bedtime one hour later (though this is technically the same time due to the time change). You’ll now follow an AFTER DLS schedule like shown below.

Here’s a sample of what your schedule might look like before and after DLS if you are on a 1 nap schedule (if you’re on a 2 or 3 nap schedule, simply add your naps and adjust an hour later just the same):

Before DLS (1 nap schedule):
Wake at 7am
Nap at 1pm
Bedtime at 8pm

After DLS (1 nap schedule):
Wake at 8am
Nap at 2pm
Bedtime at 9pm

If you choose to stick with your current schedule…

You’ll need to gradually adjust your child’s schedule back. This process will take about a week and a half; remember to be patient as this is something different for your child! For the first few days, wake up 15 minutes earlier and put your little one down for naps and bedtime 15 minutes earlier. On days 4, 5, and 6 add an additional 15 minutes earlier. You’re halfway there! Days 7, 8, and 9 add another 15 minutes earlier. On days 10 and on, you’ll add the final 15 minutes earlier. You’re officially back to your winter schedule.

Before DLS:
Wake at 7am
Nap at 1pm
Bedtime at 8pm

After DLS – Days 1, 2, and 3:
Wake at 7:45am (adjusted time)
Nap at 1:45pm (adjusted time)
Bedtime at 8:45 (adjusted time)

After DLS – Days 4, 5, and 6:
Wake at 7:30am (adjusted time)
Nap at 1:30pm (adjusted time)
Bedtime at 8:30pm (adjusted time)

After DLS – Days 7, 8, and 9:
Wake at 7:15am (adjusted time)
Nap at 1:15pm (adjusted time)
Bedtime at 8:15pm (adjusted time)

After DLS – Days 10 and on:
Wake at 7:00am (adjusted time)
Nap at 1:00pm (adjusted time)
Bedtime at 8:00pm (adjusted time)

PRO TIP:

Remember that it’s going to be bright outside earlier now! You’ll definitely want to invest in some black out shades if you don’t have them already. If your baby or toddler sees the sun shining in their room, they’ll think it’s time to wake up (even if it’s only 5am 😬)

As always, please reach out if you’re struggling with sleep for your little one!