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Blog » Daylight Savings Time is Over on November 1: Tips to Help Your Child Adjust

Daylight Savings Time is Over on November 1: Tips to Help Your Child Adjust

Posted October 20, 2009

Just when you think your child has a predictable sleep routine, along comes a time change.  YIKES! Is your well-oiled machine  about to fall off the rails?

Maybe not.  A little planning ahead helps and once you've done what you can to prepare, your child will gradually re-set his/her clock.

As with most changes in sleep patterns, it will take about 3 nights and 4 or 5 mornings for your child to get in tune with the new schedule.

Below is a chart from the sleep store (online store in New Zealand) which describes an ideal 3-day adjustment plan for babies up to about 1 year.  In my opinion, the same plan will fit for toddlers.

The trick for parents is handling the mornings when your child is still waking according to their biological clock setting.  Be sure you resist going in when they wake up early, even if they cry.  By being left to sort the time out for themsleves, their little bio clocks will make the quickest transition for them.

Assuming a 7pm bedtime:

 

Day	Routine during the day	Bedtime
Wednesday	Usual sleep & feed times	7.00pm
Thursday	Sleep & feed times 15 mins later, (eg first feed at 7.15am not 7am).	7.15pm
Friday	Sleep & feed times 30 mins later (eg first feed at 7.30am not 7am).	7.30pm
Saturday	Sleep& feed times 45 mins later (eg first feed at 7.45am not 7am).	7.45pm
Sunday	Wake your child at 7am (new time), then your usual routine times for feeds & sleeps.	7.00pm (new time)

• If your baby or toddler wants to sleep in a bit later (after you start adjusting their bedtime, then allow this.
• Try and adjust the routine from the first feed of the day by 15 mins each day. if your baby can't last first thing in the morning, just try to make the routine adjustments as the day goes on.

• Put your clock back on Saturday night before you go to bed.
• Check your smoke alarms at the same times.

 

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Filed under: Daily Routines, Sleep

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