This time change is the less 'scary' of the two :) Parents tend to not sweat this one as much, because it typically doesn't involve 5AM wake up calls from your kiddos!
In short, try not to overthink it! If your child is well rested and is not sensitive to change (1 hour), then I say follow the clock. This time change will involve your child being under tired this time around. I will take that over overtired any day, wouldn’t you??
Being under tired, may look like:
+ Playing in bed or looking restless for upwards of 1 hour (most common)
+ Waking middle of the night for a brief period. Or split nights.
+ Waking early in the morning if sleep needs have been met.
+ Taking extra time to fall asleep at nap time.
+ Skipping a nap entirely.
Quick Tips:
If you have a child who is well rested and/or is a chronic 'mucker' at bedtime, wake them 30 minutes early in the morning. Then do nap and bedtime 30 minutes later, as well. This will help them build just a little more sleep pressure, so that when the clocks do change, they will be able to fall asleep a little easier. With this approach, you are incorporating that 1-hour difference. You can take this approach in preparation, or you can be on the defense on Sunday. Either way is fine!
Preschoolers who can tell time on a digital clock could benefit from this trick!
Set the clock forward by 30 minutes. This way when it reads 8:30 they will have successfully gone to bed 30-minutes "later". wink, wink! This will split the difference of that 1 hour change and also given them a little extra time awake to build sleep pressure with some added positive reinforcement.
Now that the sun will be out longer and later, be sure you are exposing your child to natural sunlight and outdoor play. On the flip side of that, double check the darkness of your child's room. The sun will be shining before AND after your child should be awake in the morning or asleep for the night. Make sure their rooms are completely blacked out from light as much as possible to avoid sleep disturbances.
As always, thank you for reading and be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily tips about healthy sleep habits for your children!
If you need one on one assistance to help your child sleep better at night, take longer naps or get on a schedule, book your FREE call with Lindsay when you are ready!
Lindsay Loring is a certified pediatric sleep consultant. She is a Mom to twin girls and finds joy in helping families get the sleep they need to be their best selves.